Rowing: NZ team to reach Mauritius on July 8

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Rowers Matt Hampel, left, Peter Staples, Tom Wigram and Billy Gammon hold a media conference prior to their attempt to become the world's first four man crew to row cross the Indian Ocean for raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer. Photo by NZPA.

The quartet is attempting to become the world's first four-man crew to complete the crossing.

They set off from Geraldton in Western Australia on April 19 for Mauritius, competing against 11 other teams from around the world. Five teams have already dropped out.

Tom Wigram, Billy Gammon, Matt Hampel and Peter Staples, all expatriate Britons, are rowing in two hour shifts.

Mr Wigram's wife Rebecca told NZPA said they had been through some tough times and horrific weather.

"The rails (the rowers seats are fixed to) broke three days into the trip, so they've been rowing the whole time without being able to go forwards and backwards.

"They've had to row much harder and they're about three weeks behind schedule, although they're in third place at the moment.

"They had some really horrific weather last week and they've had to ration their food, but they're in good spirits," Mrs Wigram said.

The team has rowed 2236 nautical miles, with another 916 to go.

Mr Gammon is keeping a blog and writes: "Concern over food however is still a hot topic. Whilst rationing of the snack packs has started, talk is now of having to extend this to the main meal packs - suddenly thoughts of me turning into an oar are becoming all too real a prospect."

The quartet is attempting to follow in the footsteps of Rob Hamill, Phil Stubbs, Kevin Biggar and Jamie Fitzgerald and set another ocean rowing world record for New Zealand. In 1997, Hamill and the late Stubbs completed the trans-Atlantic rowing race from Tenerife to Barbados in 41 days, two hours.

In 2003, Biggar and Jamie Fitzgerald rowed across the Atlantic in 40 days and five hours to set a new world record.

Mr Gammon said they spent nearly a month getting the boat ready, although the idea started back in November 2007.

At the heart of their campaign lies a serious message -- raising awareness about prostate cancer.

"My father was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer, and that really opened my eyes and the eyes of the rest of the boys to what a serious issue prostate cancer is," Mr Gammon said.

"This is our chance to make a difference and take the message out to the communities across New Zealand.

"The fact that we're spending 60 or 70 days on our prostate might be a bit painful, but people with prostate cancer are going through a much tougher time," he added.

They eat freeze-dried food, and aim to consume 6000-8000 calories a day.