Rowing: New Zealander begins transtasman rowing attempt

Auckland adventurer Shaun Quincey departed from New South Wales today in an attempt to cross the Tasman in his 7m rowboat, Tasman Trespasser 2.

Having left from Coffs Harbour, the 24-year-old is aiming to be in New Plymouth in less than 63 days - the time it took his father, Colin, to row between the two countries in 1977.

Quincey senior's feat was achieved via a different route - Hokianga in Northland to Marcus Beach in Queensland.

His son has said he expects to be at sea for about 50 days and to row about 3000km to reach Taranaki, which is 2300km from Coffs Harbour in a direct line.

Shaun Quincey has previously won national titles racing surf rescue boats and will use the voyage to promote the Surf Life Saving Association.

In February 2007, Australian kayaker, Andrew McAuley, 39, drowned as he neared Milford Sound on a solo voyage, but two Australians later rowed together from New South Wales to Taranaki, taking 62 days.