Father and Son – Setting their sights on another history making expedition

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 since successful solo Tasman crossing from New Zealand to Australia.

Shaun arrived in Australia this morning and his father Colin Quincey is arriving tomorrow, New Years Day to make final preparations before Shaun’s departure. Shaun’s 23 foot Woodvale Ocean Rowing Boat is clearing customs and his father Colin plans on spending the first few days of the New Year out on Sydney Harbour in it giving his son a few final tips before he departs Coffs Harbour early January.

The New Year marks almost 2 years planning, building, training and preparing for the journey only his father has survived in a rowing boat. Shaun has been documenting his preparation on his blog at the expedition website and twitter. Shaun has ensured that during the 70 day journey that he can continue to tweet the experience to the world.

http://twitter.com/Tasmanrower

Following in his father’s footsteps, Shaun will depart Australia in January 2010, 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 to 70 days, his expedition, named Tasman Trespasser 2, will be an epic adventure. Shaun is raising funds and awareness for the New Zealand Surf Life Saving Association.

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 20 07, when 39-year-old Australian Andrew McAuley died. His body was never found. James Castrission and Justin Jones from Crossing the Ditch have spoken at length with Shaun proving critical insight on how they negotiated the Tasman in life threatening conditions.

Colin’s boat was named Tasman Trespasser and Shaun thought it fitting to name his expedition “Tasman Trespasser II”.

Shaun and his Father Colin are available for interviews over the next few days whilst they make final preparations in Sydney Harbour.

ENDS

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