Rowing across the Tasman

The Tasman Sea is the stretch of water that lies between Australia and New Zealand. It is an extension of the Southern Ocean and is regarded by many in the ocean rowing scene as one of the most treacherous crossings in the world.

A New Zealand based crew – Team Gallagher – mentored by former world medallist and transatlantic rower Rob Hamill, passed under Sydney Harbour Bridge on Sunday to mark the start of their expedition to Auckland Harbour Bridge, 2,500km away. Traversing this stretch of water is known locally as “crossing the ditch” and only a very small number of adventurers have attempted it, compared with oceans such as the Atlantic or the Pacific.

The project has taken eight years to come to fruition and is captained by Nigel Cherrie (35) with crewmates Martin Berka (37), James Blake (24) and Andrew McCowan (27). If successful, they will be the first New Zealand-based team to complete the route. A crossing in the opposite direction was achieved by an Australian crew in 2007 and Shaun Quincy completed the crossing solo in 2010 in the opposite direction to his father Colin who completed the challenge in 1977. All attempts have not been successful however. In 2006, Sydney kayaker Andrew McAuley attempted the crossing and his upturned boat was found only thirty miles from landfall in New Zealand. His body was never recovered.

It is a relatively unchartered expanse of water in adventuring terms and this is a major part of its appeal. Without fanfare, Team Gallagher quietly slipped out of Sydney Harbour, passing under the bridge at 09:38 EST, and out into the ocean. Cherrie, a project manager, said,  “I have nervous anticipation, looking forward to the unknown but not looking forward to missing my wife and five-year-old boy and using a bucket as a toilet for a month”. Berka, an economist, said just before pushing off from land that if he was going solo he would probably quit there and then: “Right now it seems really stupid, but I am sure when I get out there it will be a bit more fun.”

Preparing for ocean rows is a laborious process and hugely expensive. Their major sponsor, Gallagher – an international company creating and delivering technology for animal management, security and fuel solutions – provided the bulk of the financial support. However, every expedition has its last-minute glitches, even with eight years of planning, and Kiwi Transatlantic rower Jamie Fitzgerald came to the rescue when he covered the cost of four immersion suits at the eleventh hour when the sponsorship for this essential piece of costly kit fell through.

They will be using the tried and tested, but brutal and continuous regime of two hours rowing – two hours rest, for the entire journey. Ocean rowing shifts peoples understanding of what the word “uncomfortable” really means. They will have to deal with a constant barrage of painful salt and pressure sores. They will have to grow to love dehydrated food and they will have to overcome daily mental battles with themselves. Dealing with the challenge of living on a ten meter boat with three other men will also be a large test of their resolve. However, for all of the hardships they face, there is an equal number of mind-blowing experiences that await them in the “unknown”.

Ocean rowing provides exposure to nature on a vast but intimate scale which can be both terrifying and exhilarating. It is a roller coaster they will have to ride all the way to New Zealand and you can track their progress on www.teamgallagher.co.nz.

Copy thanks to Gearoid Towey