an American woman has ended her attempt due to bad weather . Sonya Baumstein , 30 , was rescued by the Japanese coastguard week after she began her odyssey to San Francisco . During her first seven days on the water , Baumstein lost her drogue , a critical steering device , and battled strong headwinds while dealing with a forecast of rough weather . She was traveling in a custom - made 37m rowboat with a machine that desalinates seawater for drinking . Despite 16 attempted solo rows across the Pacific , no women and Only two men have successfully completed the journey , according to the Ocean Rowing Society 's records . Baumstein has not decided if she will try again