Gabor Rakonczay 76-Day Canoe Trip

Gabor Rakonczay has overcome enormous odds that have more than earned himself the title for being the first person to paddle across the Atlantic Ocean solo.

The overall trip took 76 days from Europe to the Caribbean, which gave him a place in the world record books and he made the incredible journey in a 24.6 foot-long canoe. The specially made canoe is designed for uniquely long trips and is far more advanced than just a regular canoe.

Gabor actually arrived almost 3 weeks ahead of schedule, even though he encountered numerous elements and rough seas, which caused him to capsize twice and sent him missing for a little under 6 weeks. He was considered missing because his communication equipment was damaged during the trip. The lack of machinery also forced him to continue onward without a satellite tracking system due to the exposed risk and cost.

“The supplier raised the price at the last minute and I decided to leave without one because it was not possible to postpone the trip,” he said Rakonczay.

“This trip was the first time I didn’t have a tracking system and the first time I really would have needed one.”

During his trip he only stopped once at the Canary Islands for much needed rest and to replenish his supplies. Despite the delay with both his equipment and the severe weather, he in the Caribbean, he still made it to shore 20 before he was expected.