Hungarian rows canoe across Atlantic Ocean

[xchrom]

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/E/EU_HUNGARY_ATLANTIC_CANOE?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2012-03-26-11-22-00

BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) -- It took 76 days and his canoe capsized at one point, but Gabor Rakonczay has become the first person to paddle across the Atlantic Ocean from Europe to the Caribbean in a canoe.

Rakonczay, who began his adventure in Lagos, Portugal, on Dec. 21, and stopped for several days in the Canary Islands for rest and supplies, reached the island of Antigua on Sunday, he tells The Associated Press in a phone interview from the Caribbean nation.

When his canoe capsized at sea, the Hungarian adventurer said he managed to save it but his communications equipment was damaged and he had not been in contact with his family since Feb. 6.

Rakonczay called reaching his destination a "great relief."

The Ocean Rowing Society International has recognized Rakonczay as the first person to achieve the feat.

[DocMac]

1. This guy should go for the

arm wrestling championship next.

[Guy Whitey Corngood]

2. And boy are his arms

tired.

[xchrom]

3. HOW TIRED WERE THEY?!?!?! nt

[krispos42]

4. Wow, that's impressive! n/t

[muriel_volestrangler]

5. To be clear, he 'canoed' the canoe across

which is what makes it the first:

The uniqueness of Rakonczay's crossing was confirmed by Ocean Rowing Society International, which adjudicates such feats for the Guinness World Records.

Atlantic crossings have been made in rowboats and kayaks, but not a canoe, in which a paddle with a single blade is used.

"We were disappointed he had no satellite tracking on board," said Tatiana Rezva-Crutchlow, editor-in-chief of the society's website. "We are very pleased to hear that he has arrived."

In 2008, Rakonczay and his wife successfully rowed across the Atlantic together, but this solo challenge had been in the works for a long time and he reached his destination some 20 days faster than planned.

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/world/2012/03/26/hungarian-rows-canoe-across-atlantic-ocean-513105970/#ixzz1qFDkA6gJ