AUP Alumna Rows Across the Atlantic Ocean

AUP Alumna Camilla Bull ‘14 (BA, Global Communications and Marketing) is a member of the first Norwegian female crew to row the Atlantic, breaking the European record for women to cross the Atlantic.

The “Rowegians,” as they dubbed themselves, took part in the annual Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge – also known as “The World’s Toughest Row.” The 3000-mile route begins at San Sebastian in La Gomera, Canary Islands to Nelson’s Dockyard English Harbour, Antigua and Barbuda. This year’s race began December 14, 2017 and finished in Antigua on January 19, 2018.

The four women were raising money for Right To Play (RTP), an education charity that works with civil society actors, national and local education authorities and teachers from target schools to use the power of play to educate and empower children facing adversity. On the team’s website, they emphasize RTP’s work in Ethiopia, where the drop-out rate for secondary education is significantly higher for girls than for boys.

There is a lot to learn from an experience like this. “Be well prepared,” Bull said. “Don’t take any shortcuts. Make sure your team functions well. Focus on teamwork. Be tolerant and large towards each other, but make sure you’re all aware of your main goal and stick to it. Mental training is as important as physical training. Be humble towards the conditions of ‘Mother Nature’ and last, but not least, remember why you’re doing it.”

“I feel very relieved because we had a safe crossing and we all remained friends. Apart from that I feel quite normal. It’s fascinating how fast everything gets back to normal life. I am, however, thinking about my next adventure which would have to be something skiing-related,” Bull said after this incredible journey.

The slogan for the trip was striking: “Only 6 Norwegians have successfully rowed the Atlantic to date. They were all men.” Bull and her crew not only changed the status quo, but they accomplished something for the record books.