Treatment GuideJust DiagnosedSex & DatingAfrican AmericanStigmaAsk the HIV DocPrEP En EspañolNewsVoicesPrint IssueVideoOut 100
CONTACTCAREER OPPORTUNITIESADVERTISE WITH USPRIVACY POLICYPRIVACY PREFERENCESTERMS OF USELEGAL NOTICE
© 2024 Pride Publishing Inc.
All Rights reserved
All Rights reserved
By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.
Queens, N.Y.'er Victor Mooney will launch an attempt on World AIDS Day, December 1, to solo a rowboat from the east coast of Africa to Brooklyn in a mission to raise HIV awareness and funding for AIDS research. Mooney's first two attempts at the transatlantic crossing, dubbed the Gor'e Challenge, failed. In May 2006 the craft he constructed in his garage was unknowingly damaged at launch and sank after only a few hours at sea, and in April 2009 the second effort also required a rescue mission. But neither failure has dampened Mooney's enthusiasm. Now at 45, with a high-tech boat donated by a French rower, he says he's just as committed to the challenge he's created for himself as we was his first time out.
Initially you planned the challenge in honor of your brothers'one who died of AIDS and another who is HIV-positive'and you launched from Gor'e Island to highlight the spot where slaves were taken from Africa. Has that focus evolved any?
My central focus has always been to increase awareness about HIV prevention and to encourage testing so that people get into care if they need it. The number of new infections diagnosed each year isn't decreasing, and many people who are infected live unaware of their HIV status until their health reaches a critical point.
With your earlier attempts ending with some harrowing results, does that give you any second thoughts or heighten your fear now?
No. I've dedicated a considerable amount of time and resources for this undertaking'nearly seven years. I'll make it because I refuse to give up in the fight against AIDS.
What's the route that you plan to travel?
I'm departing from S'o Vicente, one of the islands of the Republic of Cape Verde. The country spans an archipelago of 15 islands located in the central Atlantic Ocean. Cape Verde is about 300 miles west of Senegal, [where Gor'e Island, the previous launch for the mission, was]. From Cape Verde to Brooklyn, where I'll complete the trip at the Brooklyn Bridge, is about 5,000 miles.
And that's without any breaks on land?
I'm prepared to go nonstop to Brooklyn; however, if a resupply or any other circumstance is warranted, my support team will direct me to the nearest port of call. As I approach the Caribbean, I'll head north toward Puerto Rico, then farther west toward the Bahamas, where I'll enter the Gulf Stream'the strong northward moving ocean current'near Florida and work my way to Brooklyn.
How long is all of this going to take?
Six to eight months.
Your boat'how technologically advanced is it?
It's not the typical rowboat that might spring to people's minds, is it? Yeah, that's right. On board I'll have a satellite phone, a wind turbine and solar panels to generate energy, GPS tracking, radar equipment, a computer, VHF radio, and an iPod.
And how is the fund-raising going? Our goal is $50,000, and we have reached nearly half of this in pledges. This effort seems to never stop, once you make the decision to go forward. Thanks to over 80 companies that have provided products and services, the cost of this particular undertaking is considerably lower. Without their support, this mission couldn't proceed.
Is there anything else that you'd like to share with HIV Plus readers?
In Wolof, a traditional language spoken in Senegal and some other African countries, one often hears the phrase 'amoul bayi.' It translates as 'never give up.' Well, Never Give Up (my boat) and I hope to see you at the Brooklyn Bridge'rain or shine.
From our Sponsors
Most Popular
The science behind U=U has been liberating people with HIV for years
June 04 2024 3:31 PM
Why activist Raif Derrazi thinks his HIV diagnosis is a gift
September 17 2024 12:00 PM
How fitness coach Tyriek Taylor reclaims his power from HIV with self-commitment
September 19 2024 12:00 PM
Exclusive: We kiki with Q from 'RuPaul's Drag Race'
June 24 2024 11:37 AM
The freedom of disclosure: David Anzuelo's journey through HIV, art, and advocacy
August 02 2024 12:21 PM
Out100 Honoree Tony Valenzuela thanks queer and trans communities for support in his HIV journey
September 18 2024 12:00 PM
Activist and philanthropist Bruce Bastian dies at 76
June 26 2024 1:28 PM
Creator and host Karl Schmid fights HIV stigma with knowledge
September 12 2024 12:03 PM
Plus: Featured Video
Latest Stories
Climate change is disrupting access to HIV treatment
November 25 2024 11:05 AM
California confirms first case of even more deadly mpox strain
November 18 2024 3:02 PM
Post-election blues? Some advice from mental health experts
November 08 2024 12:36 PM
Check out our 2024 year-end issue!
October 28 2024 2:08 PM
Meet our Health Hero of the Year, Armonté Butler
October 21 2024 12:53 PM
AIDS/LifeCycle is ending after more than 30 years
October 17 2024 12:40 PM
Twice-yearly injectable lenacapavir, an HIV-prevention drug, reduces risk by 96%
October 15 2024 5:03 PM
Kentucky bans conversion therapy for youth as Gov. Andy Beshear signs 'monumental' order
September 18 2024 11:13 AM
Study finds use of puberty blockers safe and reversible, countering anti-trans accusations
September 11 2024 1:11 PM
Latinx health tips / Consejos de salud para latinos (in English & en espanol)
September 10 2024 4:29 PM
The Trevor Project receives $5M grant to support LGBTQ+ youth mental health in rural Midwest (exclusive)
September 03 2024 9:30 AM
Introducing 'Health PLUS Wellness': The Latinx Issue!
August 30 2024 3:06 PM
La ciencia detrás de U=U ha estado liberando a las personas con VIH durante años
August 23 2024 2:48 PM
Tratamiento y prevención del VIH por inyección: Todo lo que necesita saber
August 23 2024 2:41 PM
Sr. Gay World quiere asegurarse de que estés bien
August 23 2024 2:30 PM
Eureka is taking a break from competing on 'Drag Race' following 'CVTW' elimination
August 20 2024 12:21 PM
With a new case in Sweden, what is the new mpox outbreak and should you be concerned?
August 15 2024 4:48 PM
From ‘The Real World’ to real life: How Danny Roberts thrives with HIV
July 31 2024 5:23 PM