The youngest woman to row solo across an ocean has told the Duchess of Cambridge she hopes her feat changes perspectives about what women can achieve.
Jasmine Harrison, 21, completed the 3,000-mile Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge from La Gomera in the Canary Islands to Antigua in 70 days, three hours and 48 minutes.
In a phone conversation with Kate released to coincide with International Women’s Day, the Yorkshirewoman expressed hope her efforts would shift perceptions for “people that think that something can’t be done and it can be”.
“I would like to change male perspectives on females,” Ms Harrison added.
“It’s not about women believing they can do something because we can, we kind of know that (we can) already.”
The fundraiser said it was “time” that she was able to change the opinion of a 50-year-old man regarding the strength of women.
The duchess commended her, saying: “Your achievement has made massive progress in helping to change that perception, so if nothing else it’s given a huge door opener to so many other young women with that idea (that) with determination, with bravery and confidence so much is really achievable, so a huge well done.”
The royal wished Ms Harrison well for a safe flight back and drew a laugh when she said she hoped “you enjoy seeing your doggies back in Yorkshire”.
Ms Harrison was on her own for the whole trip although she did receive occasional visits from support boats.
The entire journey was powered only by her own strength and the wind, with an average of 12 to 15 hours of rowing a day.
She told the PA news agency in an interview after her arrival in Antigua on February 27 her biggest challenges were an aching body and being blown backwards by the wind.
But she added: “The highs way outweighed it, I forget about all the bad things.”
