American rower breaks all records crossing from California to Hawaii

Kelsey Pfendler reached Honolulu on July 4 after 43 days at sea—the fastest solo crossing from California to Hawaii, regardless of gender. The 34-year-old left Monterey on May 21 in her 21-foot boat. The route demands precise navigation through mid-latitude Pacific weather patterns, where poor timing can trap rowers in headwinds or still water.