Rower Shaun forced to stay ashore

Shaun Quincey and his dad, Colin, who rowed the Tasman Sea in 1977.

Bruce Thomas

A THREATENING weather pattern has forced rower Shaun Quincey to delay his epic journey from Coffs Harbour to New Zealand until later this week.

Shaun was due to leave Coffs this morning but a weather front moving north from Sydney put the brakes on his expedition.

And the delay has frustrated the 25-year-old.

“You spend so much energy getting ready, physically, mentally and emotionally to depart then you have to start from scratch,” he told The Coffs Coast Advocate late yesterday.

The plan was to launch from the Coffs Harbour Marina this morning in his seven-metre ocean rowing boat on a 2200km journey that will take more than 30 days.

A trip that is set to follow in the wake of his father, Colin, who was the first person to row the Tasman in the other direction in 1977.

And even though the delay is frustrating, there is still competition between them to see who can do it faster. “I quite like the idea of upholding the family name. I really hope I don’t let the team down,” said Shaun.

“Dad has been supportive since day one.”

That ‘day one’ was 18 months ago and started with a few scribbles on a piece of paper about what would be needed.

“I’ve done everything from build the boat myself to organising sponsorship,” added Shaun.

His attempt to reach Taranaki in a row boat follows a series of other solo crossings in kayaks.

The team that supported James Castrission and Justin Jones, the kayakers who crossed the ditch a year ago, are offering Shaun their support.

While another of his motivations will be the fate of Aussie Andrew McAuley, who died after capsizing within view of the New Zealand Coast in 2008.

Shaun is raising funds along the way for surf life saving clubs and sponsorships are welcome at his website www.tasmantrespasser.com.