Team Gurkha prepares to conquer an ocean

Two British adventurers, competing as Team Gurkha Spirit, will represent Hong Kong in this year's Atlantic Ocean Rowing Race.

Al Howard, 34, and Nick Rowe, 38, who both started their Gurkha regiment careers here, will be racing against 41 other international teams in the fourth-ever ocean row.

On November 27, the pair will row 5,000km from the Canary Islands across the Atlantic to Antigua in a 7-metre carbon fibre boat, unassisted and unsupported for 50 to 100 days, depending on weather conditions.

The two face numerous risks including sudden weather changes, equipment failure and being run over by tankers.

'We expect to be on the water for 50 to 60 days and as long as the weather is on our side and not against us, we expect to finish in the top 10,' said Rowe. 'The hardest thing will be to overcome the first 10 days - to get over the seasickness. The biggest competition will be the ocean itself, rather than the other competitors.'

Howard said: 'It is more of a mental challenge than physical. We'll have to deal with the boredom and rowing through day and night.'

The pair will each row 12 hours a day and have to eat around 7,000 calories a day to compensate for the weight they will lose. While one person rows, the other either sleeps or keeps watch for dangerous conditions.

The two men are aiming to raise $1.5 million for two charities; Sight Savers International which helps restore sight to people in the world's poorest countries and teaches people how to look after their eyes, and the Gurkha Welfare Trust, which provides financial, medical and community aid to ex-Gurkha servicemen of the British Army.

The Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club will host a launch party tomorrow at 7.30pm with wine-tasting, an auction and guest speakers including Stuart Boreham, the first disabled person to row across an ocean. Tickets cost $500 each and can be booked through Koko Mueller at 2832 2817 or kmueller @rhkyc.org.hk.