American Maritime Officers members onboard the MV Marjorie C, here in Honolulu with Kelsey Pfendler (center), included Chief Engineer Leowen Punzalan, First Assistant Engineer Elijah Hupper, Second A.E. Devin Whitney, Third A.E. Paige Albertson, Captain Eric Swanson, Chief Mate John Jacob Jordan, Third Mate Harry Bragg and Second Mate Joseph Fiore.
When newly-crowned world record holder Kelsey Pfendler needed a ride home, she didn’t open an app for Lyft or Uber.
She called on the American Maritime Officers-led crew of the MV Marjorie C to catch a ride back to the Mainland after she completed an astounding 2,400-mile solo rowing trip from Monterey, California to Honolulu, Hawaii.
Pfendler, 32, was the third woman to successfully complete the feat and has become the fastest human to do it – finishing the journey in 43 days, nine days faster than the men’s record.
The Pasha Group, owner of the Marjorie C, sponsored the transport of Pfendler’s rowboat “Lily” and trailer back to California and she got a VIP tour of the Jones Act vessel from AMO Captain Eric Swanson.
She reflected on her journey while on the cargo vessel in a video diary.
“Saying goodbye is really hard in any situation, but especially right now but that’s when I was given the opportunity to get on the [Marjorie C] to the West Coast, I jumped on it,” she said. “I have always looked at these boats from my tiny rowboat and wondered what I was like inside. They’re so much bigger than the boats I’m used to and they’re really, really cool.”
This is the second time an AMO-led crew has come to the aid of a world-record holder. In 2020, the crew of the MV Jean Anne gave the last woman to row solo across the Pacific to Hawaii, Lia Ditton, a ride back to the Mainland after her 86-day voyage.
Marjorie C is a Jones Act vessel that provides dedicated delivery service to the people of Hawaii from California. Her sister ship, the MV Jean Anne, also runs the same route, ensuring Hawaiians have all the essential food and supplies they need.
Pasha Group President and CEO George Pasha, IV was on hand to welcome and congratulate Kelsey when she arrived in Honolulu near midnight on July 3.
“It was such an honor and privilege to meet and congratulate Kelsey in person,” said George Pasha, IV. “She is an inspiration to all of us across the globe who have cheered her on, proving that nothing is impossible. Pasha Hawaii is grateful to have the opportunity to support her on her history making journey.”
For Pfendler, after enduring more than a month of the ocean’s waves, unexpected weather, shark infested waters and isolation, the smooth ride home on Marjorie C was a welcome spoil of victory.
“I’m excited again to be on a boat in the middle of nowhere – but with less rowing.”
World Record Rower Kelsey Pfendler lights a torch signaling she had completed the solo crossing from California to Hawaii.
Pfendler’s rowboat “Lily” before being loaded on the Marjorie C for the journey home.
AMO Captain Eric Swanson was a gracious host for Kelsey Pfendler as she caught a ride back to California.