A few of his supporters traveled alongside Hansen in a boat, in case of any unforeseen mishaps.
So how exactly did this 60-year-old come up with the wacky yet ambitious feat to mark a milestone birthday?
It turns out that Hansen has grown pumpkins and other gourds for many years.
His idea began five years ago, when he attended a three-day pumpkin-growing seminar.
He was instantly inspired to sail in his own pumpkin boat, and attempt to beat her record.
The next few years were spent growing his perfect-sized pumpkin, which he named theSS Berta.
