46-year-old rower, who spent 68 days in the Atlantic Ocean before landing in Antigua, says she doesn’t want to be alone again

This article is more than 1 year old

This article is more than 1 year old

Michelle Lee wanted to prove her independence when she set out to become the first Australian woman to cross an ocean solo in a rowboat.

But on landing in the Caribbean after 68 days alone in the Atlantic Ocean, the 46-year-old decided she doesn’t want to be alone again.

“For me it was all about independence and proving I can get on without needing anyone – but I’ve decided that’s a load of hogwash,” the Sydney woman said from Antigua on Wednesday.

Lee left La Gomera in Spain’s Canary Islands on 12 December and travelled 5,000km before landing at English Harbour in Antigua on Monday night local time.

Setting sail: one woman's year alone at sea Read more

Her arrival on to solid ground was “very wobbly”.

“I was convinced the ground was moving, not me, and I was just full of relief to feel safe,” she said.

Lee, who only took up the sport two years ago, rowed for a minimum of 10 hours a day and slept in a small cabin at the back of the boat at night.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Michelle Lee spent two years preparing for the rowboat journey, learning how to build a boat and training her body’s stamina and endurance. Photograph: Robin Skjolborg

She carried all necessary provisions with her and had support from her designated onshore contact, Tony Roberts.

Roberts, who has more than 50 years of sailing experience, communicated with Lee via satellite phone and coached her throughout the trip.

But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Lee had a cut on her hand that wouldn’t heal; diarrhoea from the dehydrated food she was eating; her boat had a broken rudder and was overcome by a pipi infestation.

But there’s one day she’ll remember forever: day 46. “I wrote it in my diary entry as my worst day ever,” she said. “I was in the biggest seas, I had contradicting swells – it was the worst combination.”

It took two years for the Kellyville woman to prepare for the journey, learning how to build a boat and training her body’s stamina and endurance.

Lee, who lost 14kg during the trip, was greeted at English Harbour by her best friend, Claudine O’Keefe, who flew from Sydney to celebrate with her. As they embraced, Lee said: “Don’t ever let me do this again without you.”

It is the second record for Lee, who in 2017 became the fastest woman to row one million metres.