Steve Chetcuti has entered Maltese sporting history after becoming the first Maltese man to complete a solo, unsupported crossing of the Atlantic Ocean. He arrived in English Harbour, Antigua, shortly after 1.15am Malta time on Saturday, following 54 days, seven hours and 56 minutes alone at sea.
Chetcuti, a former editor of The Malta Independent, covered approximately 3,000 miles (4,828km) in a 25-foot rowing boat named after his three daughters. Family and friends were waiting on shore as he reached land, and he was immediately embraced by his Swiss wife Desiree, his mother and his sister.
On his final day, Chetcuti rowed continuously for 16 hours to reach Antigua, having departed from La Gomera, Spain, on December 14. The crossing formed part of the World's Toughest Row event, in which he competed as a solo, unsupported participant.
Photos:Instagram/@world.toughest.row
This was his second Atlantic crossing but his first alone. In 2021, he was part of a five-man crew that rowed from Portimão in Portugal to Kourou in French Guiana in just over 51 days. This time, Chetcuti finished eighth in the solo category, 27th among men, and 39th overall from 43 teams.
The journey took a heavy physical and psychological toll. Chetcuti suffered severe seasickness that left him unable to consume enough calories and caused him to lose 19kg. Prolonged isolation, sleep deprivation and relentless conditions also affected his mental health.
Day 51 proved to be his lowest point. In a video message recorded during the crossing, Chetcuti said he experienced a "full mental breakdown," admitting he was overwhelmed by exhaustion and despair. Support from his wife, mother, sister and the event's team manager helped him regain focus and continue.
After landing, Chetcuti paid tribute to his late brother Mike, in whose memory he undertook both of his Atlantic rows. He also thanked his wife for her patience and dedicated the achievement to his daughters, Kim, Mia and Lea.
"You row 12 hours a day. You wake up and it's wet and dark. I couldn't eat for weeks, I had no energy, and the water tries to harass you all the time," he said.
Chetcuti missed Christmas and two of his daughters' birthdays while at sea, but also experienced rare moments of wonder, including spotting a whale spout and watching the International Space Station pass overhead.
During the entire crossing, he encountered only one other person - another solo rower who travelled alongside him for a single day.
Reflecting on the difference between team and solo rowing, Chetcuti said that when alone, every task and decision rests solely on the individual. "You have to do everything - navigation, cooking, cleaning. But every success and failure is all yours," he said.
Chetcuti will remain in Antigua for a few days to recover before returning home, looking forward to simple comforts such as sleeping in a bed that does not move and staying dry.