A former US Royal Marine has entered the Guinness World Records for becoming the first blind person to complete a gruelling 82-day at-sea expedition from California to Hawaii.
Putting us to shame, Steve Sparkles, who lost his vision during a diving incident in his twenties, along with his mate Mick Dawson travelled 2,400 miles from US mainland to the island state as part of the endurance challenge called the Great Pacific Race.
Making the achievement all-the-more impressive, the two-person crew on the ‘Cockleshell Pacific Endeavour’ had to row through rough seas amplified by Hurricane Lane.
Image: Cockleshell Endeavour/Facebook
Thankfully, the men completed the challenge earlier this week, and are now recuperating in the Ala Moana Hotel by Mantra.
“We’re so proud to welcome the rowers to our hotel and we’re doing our utmost to facilitate their recovery after such a brave and obstacle-filled journey to our shores.”
Craig Smith, Ala Moana Hotel by Mantra General Manager
Well done Steve and Mick.
Image: Cockleshell Endeavour/Facebook
Their arrival comes as the Hawaiian Tourism Authority confirmed the State of Hawaii is open for business post-Hurricane Lane. All airports, resorts and hotels, activities, restaurants, retail operations, beaches and publicly accessible roadways are open, as well as most forest lands and state and county parks.
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