Challenging the Pacific: The First Woman to Row the Kon-Tiki Route

by Maud Fontenoy

In a personal account of determination and accomplishment, the author of Across the Savage Sea describes her challenging effort to row across the Pacific Ocean, chronicling the long and difficult voyage from Peru westward as she overcame stifling tropical heat, the elements, solitude, and the ever-circling sharks to achieve her goal.

Genres: Nonfiction, Adventure, Travel, Biography, Autobiography

166 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2005

Reviews

[Jean · Rating 3 out of 5]

In 2003, A French woman, Maud Fontenoy was the first woman to row solo across the North Atlantic. In January 2005, in homage to Heyerdahl’s Kon-Tiki expedition some 59 years earlier, Fontenoy set off solo from Lima Peru, across the Pacific to Hiva Oa in French Polynesia. She rowed 4, 400 in 73 days. Fontenoy tells about the fearful hours fretting about getting run over by container ships in shipping lanes, about the sharks that swam around her boat checking her out. She describes the fear and problems she had when she had to go over the side of the boat to scrap clean the hull and rudder of the boat from crustaceans. She describes the delight of encounters with seals, dolphins, whales, fish and birds along the way. She also tells of the flying fish in her boat each morning. I remember reading Heyerdahl’s same description of the flying fish on his raft each morning. Fontenoy describes a few of the practical details of the voyage, how she navigated, the design of her boat, food prepared for her, the desalination container for making water, she also wrote of the beauty and power of the sea. I am a great fan of Heyerdahl. I have read his books over and over since the 1940’s. I was surprised Fontenoy had some similar encounters with the sea life as did Kon-Tiki even though 58 years had passed. I read this book in audio book format from Audible. Eliza Foss did an excellent job with the narration.

[Benjamin Stahl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a brilliantly evocative and emotionally resonant story of one woman's insanely bold attempt to sail across the Pacific. This, after having already done the same thing across the Atlantic. I wonder if she has plans to one day try the Indian Ocean, though she would have more than sharks and heavy swells to worry about there.

Anyway, I loved this. It's a fairly small book for such a momentous journey, but it's written wonderfully by Fontenoy, a French woman, and it also gets browny points for containing some excellents descriptions of curious sharks and the deep blue chasm beneath her little boat that will both thrill and creep out anyone that has at least an itch of thalassophobia.

[Bart Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short, fast-paced book that doesn't wallow in "why me" or other self-conscious explorations as to what motivates a person to single-handedly take on a great task, such as hiking a very long trail, or to sail around the world solo, or travel into exotic locations that may be dangerous. Ms Fontenoy seems to 1) enjoy a challenge, and 2) enjoy the freedom that a solo voyage offers, including being self-reliant and self-motivational.

[Anne Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such bravery

I read this book with my heart in my throat. The bravery Maud possesses is beyond any I could muster up. To bring such a tiny little boat with nothing but human power to propel it across that wide span of ocean is just beyond my comprehension. Thank you for sharing your immense resilience.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very brief (180 pp) diary of Fontenoy's rowing from Peru (!) to the Marquesas.

She's an interesting person, although the writing is bit on the bland side. If you like rowing-across-[whatever] stories it is well worth the time.

I admire her and her achievements.

[G. Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this, listened to the audio book, translated from the original French.

What an adventure, and told so beautifully! Enjoyed every word. Highly recommend; poetic and inspiring

[Alyana · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an inspiring non-fiction account of the author's incredible journey as the first woman to row the Kon-Tiki route across the Pacific Ocean. The book details her solo adventure, facing the vastness of the ocean and the challenges that come with it.

I loved Maud's determination. Her unwavering resolve and courage are truly inspiring. She faces numerous obstacles, both physical and mental, with remarkable strength.

The vivid portrayal of the ocean, the weather conditions, and the wildlife encountered make you feel like you're right there with her.

Maud's introspective moments add depth to the narrative, offering insights into her thoughts and emotions during the journey.

Overall, Challenging the Pacific is a captivating read for anyone interested in adventure, perseverance, and the human spirit. Maud Fontenoy's story is both motivating and engaging, making it a must-read for those who love tales of extraordinary feats.

[Anastasia Kozachinskaya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book! Horrendous cover

[Joe White · Rating 4 out of 5]

ordered 1/28;arrived 2/3/10;
read 2/4-2/5/10; Maud gives a very condensed nautical version. This was a very long row that occurred in a relatively short period of time - I think she made very good time. In one caption she notes that she has made 60 miles that day. Per my poor memory, most Atlantic rowers barely make 30 - 40 miles per day. I don't think Roz made 60 per day in either one of her two Pacific legs.
This book covers the essentials of getting funding, arranging for unloading of the boat at the departure point, obtaining clearance from obstinate officials; -
sea life around the boat, heat, capsizes, cabin swampings, atmospheric observations, shipping encounters, etc.
It doesn't really focus on what must be miserable hours at the oars - particularly in the heat, although she clearly indicates from the start that the heat poses serious problems.
Probably all arrivals are unique. In this case it was the South Pacific, but the landing was mentioned in an almost hurried manner as people were acknowledged for the landing and events of welcoming.
Along the way during the narration some historical people and events related to the Islands and the route were mentioned briefly. Probably the largest focus of these was the 1940's voyage of the Kon Tiki, and the fact the Thor Heyerdahl had lived for several years on Fatu Hiva.
Maud has the ability to almost write as if telling a lullaby, and communicates a great volume of impressions interspersed with related details of other people who have or are influencing the current geographic area of events or the current type of event.
This doesn't even bear a resemblance to the normal adventure story that details travails, equipment , and a timed race that seems to sneak into these type of adventures. Maud just mentions the highest points of which one of each type is all that is necessary to summarize a set of similar days or events.
There may be a personality type for successful rowers that complete first one, then a second ocean crossing. She seems to have certain success traits very similar to Roz Savage and Debra Veal. Some of the newer younger rowers probably have the same traits, but don't have the polished ability to wrap the experience of a voyage in such a comprehensive personal literary manner.

[William Graney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Compared to the previous book this one felt rushed and there seemed to be less enthusiasm for the adventure. There isn't a lot to write about when one is rowing 10 hours a day for months on end but for this row across the Pacific Maud didn't seem to have her heart in the way she did when she rowed across the Atlantic. I also thought she could have brought in the Kon-Tiki connection more. It's barely mentioned and I think she could have found interesting ways to write about tying the two adventures together.
On the plus side, this is another monumental accomplishment and this book, along with Across the Savage Seas, are definitely inspiring sagas and I think Maud deserves credit as one of the world's great adventurers.

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a neat book. If you read Kon-Tiki, then this would be a great read to follow it. I've never read one of these modern rowing challenge books before, but having given them a look now, I know that there's a whole sub-grenre here. I liked this book. I'll probably try Across the Savage Sea having read this. She writes well, or maybe the translator translates well, but I liked this.

[Gwen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maud Fonetenoy rowed the Atlantic solo. After spending some time on land, the sea called to her again. She wants to row the Pacific using the Kon-Tiki Route. If she is successful she would be the first woman to do so. Maud tells her adventerous journey in a honest and non- condescending manner. There were stories told so vividy I thought I could feel the sea swell beneath me.

[Sineadm]

She's a hero - can't say much more.

[Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

a publishing house actually sent me this book. it's great, the inspiration it's instilled in me is pretty awesome. i love this book so much.

[Meghann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very inspiring!

[Sean Fowle · Rating 4 out of 5]

While it doesn't quite have the same weight as "Across The Savage Sea", this book is still very well written and the adventure and beauty described within brings about such wonderful images.

[Julie Kirby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bland for such a big adventure.