After departing Monterey Bay in California on June 20, Team Antigua Islands Girls rowed into Hawaii shortly after 6 pm on Sunday, July 23. They were the 9 th team to arrive

The much-anticipated arrival was streamlined live on World’s Toughest Row’s Youtube channel and state media ABS Radio and Television for the wider local audience to join the celebration.

The feeling was akin to their 2019 triumph when they became the first all-black female team to row across the Atlantic after completing the 3000-mile journey which lasted over 40 days, with their participation in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge.

The Island girls were the ninth team to row into Hawaii so far, they were greeted with an emotional welcome by close family and friends, the racing team, and other members of the welcome party.

Team Captain, Kevinia Francis told the organizers the Pacific was brutal.

“The Atlantic was such a beast. It is for the daredevils, thrill seekers, and people who like to like on the edge”.

Francis also stated that her daughter, who was on hand to welcome her, will not be allowing her to take on another challenge.

Team member Samara Emanuel also spoke of the difficulty of the journey.

“We were rowing three hours number one. But we are here and we brought the sunshine,” she stated in jubilation.

A teary-eyed Christal Clashing said she was happy to be back on land.

The journey included a nearly capsized boat, winds pushing them in the wrong direction, and seasickness which affected Kevinia mostly just to name a few.

Toward the end of June or early July Christal, who suffers from Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) diagnosis, had several challenges which caused concern for the team.

PMDD is a very severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It causes a range of emotional and physical symptoms every month during the week or two before the menstrual cycle.

The girls were rowing for a cause to raise funds to establish a center for girls in conflict with the law.

Toward the end of their journey at sea, they shared their desire for Coconut water and specific food items they wanted to consume.

Some of those items were prepared pending their arrival.