Adventurer Shaun Quincey, 24, plans to row solo from Australia to New Zealand. If successful, Shaun will make the only solo crossing of the Tasman, other than his father, Colin Quincey, who made history in 1977 by completing the first ever and only solo Tasman crossing from New Zealand to Australia.
Following in his father’s footsteps, Shaun will depart Australia in November 2009, rowing the treacherous Tasman Sea without any assistance. Shaun will battle a distance of over 2200km in 10-20 metre swells and one of the most hazardous seas in the world. Taking an estimated 50 days, his expedition, named Tasman Trespasser 2, will be an epic adventure.
Shaun has enjoyed his father’s mentorship and as the only person to ever cross the Tasman solo, Colin Quincey brings a unique perspective to Shaun’s planning. Colin is a legend amongst the outdoor and adventure community and made his crossing without the technology and support modern explorers enjoy. Serving 25 years in the Royal New Zealand Navy, Colin also worked with disadvantaged children in Tonga, Thailand and Cambodia before settling in Darwin to work with the local community.
Shaun hopes that his expedition will be as successful as his father’s after a recent series of failed bids to make a solo crossing of the Tasman. Perhaps the most tragic occurred in February 2007, when 39-year-old Australian Andrew McAuley died. His body was never found.
Shaun believes he is taking a very serious approach. “I am rowing a custom Woodvale Ocean Rowing boat which is reinforced with a special Kevlar coating for added protection”, he said. “I have asked people like my father, and others with proven experience and commitment, for their help, and to act as an Advisory Board”. The team that supported James Castrission and Justin Jones, the kayakers who crossed the ditch one year ago, are supporting the project alongside world famous solo rowers and experts in many fields.
Colin’s boat was named Tasman Trespasser and Shaun thought it fitting to name his boat and expedition “Tasman Trespasser II”.
Further Information and expedition updates available at:
http://www.tasmantrespasser.com
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