For nearly half a century powerboat drivers have been enduring the rigors of the 24 Hours of Rouen.
In its 48th year, there has never been an all-female team to participate in the event. This year that’s all about to change.
“This is an amazing opportunity and I am honored to represent APBA's racing community, North America and our sponsors including APBA Historical Society, Peters and May, Mercury Marine - Canada, and Motul,” team member Tammy Wolf said. “I am excited to be part of this history-making team with talented women athletes and competing at this legendary event.”
Joining Wolf will be top international female athletes Marie-line Hericher of France, Bimba Sjoholm of Sweden, and Mette Bjerknaes of Norway. The women were handpicked by Olympic Team Rouennais Manager Albert Hericher and Operations Manager Carl Kinder.
Tammy Wolf Marie-line Hericher Bimba Sjoholm Mette Bjerknaes
Rouen is a unique and challenging race where racers turn right instead of left, have four to five-foot chop and race under bridges. Teams also have to deal with commercial barge traffic as well as the competition from over 45 other teams.
The 24 hours of Rouen is a total of 24 hours of action. Drivers change every two hours in extremely rough water where engines, boats and drivers endure an incredible beating. Just to finish is testament in itself to the drivers and equipment.
In addition to being a member of the first all-female team, Wolf is also the first Canadian women to be competing in the event.
“I am extremely excited about competing at this historic event, it will be unlike anything I've done before and will be a wonderful challenge. I try never to have expectations going into any event,,” Wolf said. “Powerboat racing is a sport where anything can happen and although I have specific goals, I don't have any expectations. My focus is on the work ahead, preparing for Rouen and competing and being an ambassador for our sponsors, team, APBA, and my countries.”