20 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY june 6-12, 2024 www.montereycountynow.com Netherlands. This sleek vessel, crafted from fiberglass and measuring 8.64 meters (about 26 feet) in length, features three rowing positions and two compact cabins. Training—both physically and mentally—entails working closely with ultra sports coach Scott Jones for the mental aspect, team dynamics and how to work with each other. That included three days in Colorado, where the team was put to the test with different mental and physical challenges. The crew also works out at In-Shape in Monterey, using the rowing machines as well a regimen of curated workouts. The team has also been training on the water in the Monterey Bay, completing 24-hour rows and a 72-hour row. Preparation includes eating dehydrated food, snacks and drinking water from a desalination filter, rowing for two hours on, and resting for two hours—like it will be at sea. The training schedule hasn’t stopped the team from community outreach efforts and fundraising. They are about halfway to their goal of raising $150,000 which they expect to more than cover the costs of the race including entry fees, the vessel and food. “The financial campaigning aspect has been the most challenging longterm piece that we’ve been working toward,” Jennifer Hofer says. “It’s a huge financial commitment. You need the boat in order to get sponsors, but you can’t really get the boat until you have quite a bit of financial backing. And so all of this campaigning, getting the boat, race deposits, paying those fees—all of these additional expenses, and just owning a boat is a money pit.” Beyond donations, the community has helped out in other ways. Local boat mechanic Alan Larpthaveesarp has contributed his time and expertise to upgrade and repair the Brizo. Beyond raising funds for their own journey, the Hericanes also plan to donate to a nonprofit. With unspent funds and proceeds from the sale of the boat, they expect to give at least $40,000 to Planned Parenthood after the race. “Planned Parenthood felt right almost immediately for us,” Jennifer Hofer says. “We just kept going back to them, and we wanted to make a statement.” Over the past six months, the Hericanes have appeared at events like Whalefest, hosted trivia nights at Sovino Wine Bar and Other Brother Brewing Co., and shared their story (and fundraising goal) in various venues with meet-and-greets. “It’s been incredible. Since moving here in January, I’ve been immersed in the vibrant community,” Kristen Hofer says. “I’ve had the privilege of meeting extraordinary individuals and forming deep connections.” They’ve become ingrained in the community, but their roughly 35 days at sea will be much less social. Although they are joining Top: The training regimen includes time on the water and in the gym at In-Shape in Monterey, where members of the Hericanes work out. Top right, Sierra Myers motivates Kristen Hofer, on the rowing machine, as they train together. Above: The oars have been sanded and oiled to get ready to go. The team will row barehanded, because if gloves get wet with saltwater, they can cause chafing and irritation.
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