Rower Shaun Quincey ends epic journey

NZPA

TIRED AND HUNGRY: Trans-Tasman rower Shaun Quincey has made it to shore in the Far North.

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The second New Zealander to successfully row across the Tasman says there were many times he doubted he'd make it.

Thirty-three years after his father became the first man to row across the Tasman, Shaun Quincey, 25, equaled his father's achievement, swimming the final kilometer to shore.

The Auckland rower completed his 2200km solo journey making it to shore at 90 Mile Beach about 12.35pm.

He was down to his last set of oars and was buffeted by high waves as he came into shore.

His voyage was filled with highs and lows, rolling his boat at least twice, breaking two sets of oars and coming close to running out of fresh water.

"Between the capsize and hitting the whale and everything, there were plenty of times when I thought I'm not going to get here" Quincey said.

Quincey was surrounded by family, friends and media as he arrived on shore after setting off in his 7.3m boat Tasman Trespasser from New South Wales on January 20.

"It's going to take me a few days to come to terms with the fact I've been at sea for 54 days."

"There's no better country to aim for I don't think than New Zealand, although we had some trouble aiming here a few times."

"I think we ended up rowing 4000km," he said.

Soon after greeting family, Quincey munched on a bacon and egg sandwich and poured a bottle of champagne over himself.

"That is the best sandwich I’ve tasted in my life," Quincey said.

"It's absolutely great, it's one of the best feeling I've ever had in my life," he said.

"It's been a two year journey to get here so I've got a lot of people to say thank you to."

When asked whether any future sons might carry on the tradition, Quincey replied that he wouldn't allow his son to try it.

His father Colin completed the journey in the reverse direction in 63 days in 1977.

- © Fairfax NZ News