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Chinese Wonder Women Conquer the Atlantic
Women rowing team champions set world records

At 8:13am on January 18 (HK time), Kung Fu Cha Cha, the Mainland China entry in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge 2017, comprising four Shantou University female students—Cloris Chen Yuli, Amber Li Xiaobing, and Tina Liang Mintian from Guangdong and Sarah Meng Yajie from Henan, became the first team ever from China to complete the grueling cross-Atlantic race. In conquering the “world’s toughest ocean rowing challenge” across 3,000 miles (approximately 5,000 km), they set the following world records:

1. First team from China to row across the Atlantic Ocean.
2. First team from Asia to row across the Atlantic Ocean.
3. With an average age of 23.5, they became the youngest team ever to row across the Atlantic.
4. Their time of 34 days, 13 hours, 13 minutes shattered the previous record of 40 days, 8 hours, 26 minutes set two years ago. The women are now the fastest team to have ever accomplished the challenge as a four-woman crew.

Their Story

When they entered Shantou University, the four women never imagined they would have the opportunity and the courage to participate in such a physically strenuous cross-ocean rowing event. Prior to their departure, their parents could barely hold back their tears, worried that their daughters would have to endure extreme climates, life-threatening conditions, and extraordinary hardships. The team members supported each other and embraced this enormous challenge with a clear goal in mind, charging ahead from the start with great confidence and determination.

In the open ocean, things rarely go as planned. On just the eighth day of the journey, they sailed into a raging storm that whipped up 45mph high winds and massive 20-foot waves for several days. In the latter part of the journey, they also had to withstand two 7.8 magnitude earthquakes and Tsunami warnings. The team sailed through every obstacle, demonstrating confidence in their ability and decision-making. The Kung Fu Cha Cha team said they became more excited as they came within 12 hours of their destination, knowing that they could soon “enjoy a coke and some fried chicken.”

Li Ka-shing: Empowering the next generation to conquer a global stage

Shantou University is a pioneer for education reforms in Mainland China, encouraging students to build a strong body and full heart. Physical fitness is part and parcel of the curriculum, rather than an extra-curricular activity. In recent years, the University began offering extreme physical conditioning programs as an alternative education method. The innovative programs are open to all students who must pass stringent physical assessments. Two years ago, 20 students were selected from over 400 candidates to form ocean rowing teams to participate in a historic 8-day row from Shantou to Hong Kong, which also included science students and journalism students.

An avid rower himself in younger days, Mr Li is particularly vested in Kung Fu Cha Cha’s epic row and monitored the team’s progress daily via the race’s tracking application.  During his satellite call with the team, Mr. Li expressed his admiration for their courage and determination. He believes that “In addition to the creation and dissemination of knowledge, institutions should also provide different opportunities for students to apply real life skills on a greater world stage.  All educators should be contemplating how best they can achieve this goal.”

FAQ:

Q: What was it like living on a boat sailing across the Atlantic?
A: Everything was done on the boat. They ate only the food they carried on board, and drank only water treated with solar powered desalinaters. They took turns every two hours with rowing and resting. It is an enormous physical and mental challenge.

Q: How did they conquer their fear on the seas?
A: They all had their minds set on a single goal, and they supported and encouraged each other throughout the journey.

Q: What was the most difficult part of their preparation?
A: They went through strenuous training every day. However, they were keenly aware of the significance of being the first Chinese team to take part in the TWAC, and they took it upon themselves to ensure that they were in the best possible position to succeed.