Author(s): Shaun Quincey

SPORT

In a nail-biting, funny, poignant and inspiring modern-day adventure, Shaun Quincey shares the physical and mental challenges and utter exhilaration of pitting yourself against something way bigger and way more unforgiving than anything you'll ever face in a life more ordinary. In 1977, Colin Quincey became the first man to row the Tasman. Thirty years later, his son Shaun decided to emulate his father - rowing the other way. His father's boat was the Tasman Trespasser, and when Shaun decided to build and row Tasman Trespasser II, he knew it wasn't going to be easy. At the time, he owned little more than a drum kit and a heap of dreams. While he was at home in the water - an experienced surf lifesaver and swimmer - in his own words he had never been so scared, had less money, been laughed at as much or been so unprepared for anything in his life. That he succeeded is history - that he set a new record, testament to personal endurance and sheer tenacity, as well as the skill with which he designed and built his boat.