Gérard d'Aboville
Gérard d'Aboville | |
|---|---|
| Born | September 5, 1945 Paris, France |
| Occupation(s) | Ocean rower, politician |
| Years active | 1980–present |
| Known for | First solo rower across the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans; captain of Tûranor PlanetSolar |
Gérard d'Aboville (born 5 September 1945 in Paris) holds the distinction of being the first individual to row solo across both the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. His 1980 Atlantic journey spanned from Cape Cod to Brittany, covering approximately 3,500 miles over 72 days. Prior to this achievement, d'Aboville was involved in boat construction and race organization. In recognition of his accomplishments, he was awarded the Silver Olympic Order in 1981.
At 46 years old in 1991, he undertook a 134-day solo crossing of the Pacific Ocean, navigating from Japan to Washington. His vessel, named "Sector," measured twenty-six feet and was equipped with features such as a self-righting pump system, sleeping compartments, and a protective canopy against harsh weather. Built from lightweight Kevlar material, it included solar panels that charged his radio batteries. Essential gear like a video camera and stove accompanied him during this voyage, where he encountered waves reaching forty feet and winds up to eighty miles per hour while covering a distance of six thousand miles.
Between 2010 and 2012, d'Aboville captained Tûranor PlanetSolar, notable as the first solar-powered yacht to complete a global circumnavigation. He remains at the helm of the yacht, now called Race for Water after the foundation responsible for its operation, which is dedicated to combating plastic pollution in marine environments.
In his political career, d'Aboville served as a member of Parliament from 1994 until 1999, participating on the Committee on Fisheries. Later, in 2008, he was elected to the Council of Paris representing the UMP party.
Personal life
Before embarking on his rowing endeavors, d'Aboville served as a military paratrooper.