In March 2021, I will row across the Atlantic Ocean with four others, a grueling 6,000km challenge that will push mind and body to the limit. Patrice Maciel is one of the team members of Team EU

This will not be the first rowing experience for Patrice. He has already completed a solo Atlantic crossing in 2014.

Known locally as the Guyanese Rower (he is a native of the French Guyana), Patrice is 48 years old and married with children. He has been involved in sports for all his life, a passion which is also his profession. He became a sports and football teacher and works in the public sector in Kourou, where the French space center is located.

Throughout his career, he participated in a number of prestigious competitions:

– CON.CA.CAF (Caribbean and Central African Confederation) with the Geldar football club of Kourou

– Guyana Football Champion 2001

– French Surfing Championship (Skimboard category) 2nd in 1991

– European Skimboard Champion (Coach of Olivier CHABERT) Champion 2005

– Rames Guyana Crossing the Atlantic Ocean row from Senegal to Cayenne (capital of French Guyana) solo in 2014 (82 days)

Personal tragedy

Patrice is particularly sensitive to the issue of disability in children. His sister Patricia suffered from mental and physical disabilities, succumbing to her condition.

My parents and I have gone through extremely difficult times, Patrice says.

With his sister spending her time in and out of hospital, Patrice is now rowing to collect funds to help children in need and their families.

It’s also a bit of an escape from daily life, experiencing life on the ocean during the crossing.

School education for young people is another area in which he would like to get involved. In overseas regions, particularly in French Guiana, young people are full of resources and talents.

“I wish to support them through my modest contribution that anything is possible and that you should never give up your dreams,” he says.

He believes in studying and being physically active to be successful, plus having a dream and ambitions in life. For this, he is also supporting the Overseas Youth Association.

Patrice will also use the platform to raise awareness on environmental protection by highlighting the state of the ocean and what he observes during the crossing.

I want to make people aware of the need to preserve our planet, he says.

Motivation

This challenge is an opportunity for Patrice to live a human experience and participate in one of the toughest sporting activities in the world. His considerable experience will be of great help.

The challenge includes living isolated from the world with his co-rowers, confined in a very small space without and privacy for many weeks. Rowing day and night, he is also determined to break the world record from Europe to South America.

“It’s an experience of life, human relationships and surpassing oneself. I appreciate the chance to participate in this project, which is in line with my values: camaraderie, respect, work, solidarity, mutual aid, self-sacrifice, and passion for sport.”

The final destination of Team EU is Kourou, around 60km north of the capital Cayenne. It’s also Patrice’s home town. And apparently, preparations for a welcome home party are already in motion.