After months of relentless effort, I’m thrilled to announce my upcoming journey: crossing the Northern Atlantic in a remarkable vessel named Osiyeza. While small, Osiyeza has evolved to be more advanced than most yachts. My mission? To set a record for the fastest human-powered Atlantic crossing, traveling from Cape Verde to French Guiana in South America.

Earlier this year, Richard Kohler successfully crossed the Southern Atlantic aboard Osi in its paddling form. Since then, extensive modifications have been made to transform Osiyeza into a rowing vessel, utilizing a foldable propeller driven by an intricate and sophisticated drivetrain. This transformation has been nothing short of extraordinary, thanks to months of dedicated, hard work by an exceptional team.

I’m deeply grateful for the individuals who made this possible. Special thanks go to William Fraser, our head engineer; Ralph Teulings, who led construction; Richard Kohler, Osi’s owner and my guide; and Ralph Dill from Cormorant Yachts. Of course, this endeavor couldn’t have been accomplished without the significant contributions of many others who shared in this dream.

Pushing a 500kg vessel to exceed 10km/h demands more than immense physical effort. It requires precise engineering, unwavering dedication, and, at times, a bit of nature’s grace. While my departure will be later than initially planned—owing to the scale of this project—I have embraced the wisdom of careful preparation over hastiness. With a new launch window now set for 28 November 2024, every additional moment invested ensures a safer, stronger journey.

It’s been 21 years since my first major sea expedition, and there’s a unique allure to great sea adventures that only those who embark on them can truly comprehend. I look forward to sharing this incredible journey as it unfolds. Stay tuned for updates!

Onward with Osiyeza.