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Solo Row - Australia to New Zealand

Shaun Quincey departed Australia on 20th January 2010 to follow his father's footsteps and row solo across the Tasman Sea to New Zealand. In 1977, Colin Quincey crossed the Tasman solo, rowing 2200km and to this day he remains the only person to cross the Tasman solo and survive read more...

Click here for a Live Map of Tasman Trespasser II. Follow TT2 on Twitter for snippets of action or Sign up for the official TT2 newsletter and receive exclusive pictures and updates. Follow Shaun's Podcasts. Share the highs and lows of Shaun's expedition in the Live Expedition Forum

Shaun is raising Funds and Awareness for Surf Life Saving New Zealand.

Photos and Podcasts. (Please attribute tasmantrespasser.com)

Cabin time over // Day 19 & 20

Yesterday was very frustrating for Quincey as he had planned to get stuck into getting the boat back in rowing shape but the weather did not ease enough. He therefore spent another very frustrating day in the cabin.

Today Shaun woke quite positive as the seas had died down substantially. He spent the morning fixing his steering and getting the sea anchor untangled and then got on the seat at about midday. Rowing south, he slogged away all afternoon and achieved some reasonable progress as the seas continued to ease. He is now feeling extremely excited about the next few days as he pushes to half way.

February 9, 2010 - 6:32 pm Haugh - Quincey u rule man keep up the good work

February 9, 2010 - 5:18 pm Ryan - Keep up the good work man! It must be amazing out there in the middle of the tassie on a fine day! Inspirational!

February 9, 2010 - 5:11 pm matt v - chur quincey you are a legend keep up the spirts mate peace, love, music

February 9, 2010 - 3:09 pm Phil McKegg - Hey Quincey, You're awesome! Keep up the good work.

February 9, 2010 - 12:48 pm Josh Nicholls - Give it heaps mate, get a move on so you can come back and get smashed all over again with us at Crossfit Hahahaha, we're all behind ya mate, thinking of ya heaps!!!!!

February 9, 2010 - 12:10 pm Richardson Family Blenheim - Each and every stroke gets you closer to the goal. Hope you had a nice holiday in the cabin, take each challenge as it comes and look at how far you have come.

February 9, 2010 - 8:52 am Alana - Yeah! Charge it Quince!

February 9, 2010 - 8:51 am Ben Quincey - Tear it up big fella.

February 9, 2010 - 8:23 am Wookiee - Bro....The time is coming to ROCK IT!!! Neppy is wilting and you are winning!! Stay strong, fight for your dream - the Vaughans all look forward to seeing you back on Terra Firma this side of the ditch real soon! May the force be with you!

February 9, 2010 - 7:47 am Maki - Woohoo, 'pushing on to halfway', that's what we like to hear! This is going to make the wickedest book. There's a slab of good kiwi beer with your name on it in our fridge - keep rowing! xxx

February 9, 2010 - 6:07 am laurie Margrain - Hey Quincey, I've been away on boat for a week so just caught up. You're mentally strong mate, hang in there and visualise the outcome. Cam with one missing. The tide is turning and you'll benefit. Loz

February 9, 2010 - 2:58 am Red Dogg Roberts - Quincey - Even with all that lying around in the boat and telling people you're just "tidying your room" you've managed to move (and sometimes row) the equivalent of the distance between Auckland and Blenhiem (via Taupo)since you left Aus. To be fair I've only worked this out with a ruler held against my computer screen. Obviously total distance is greater. In any event, good going...you probably only get one shot at this. Stay sane!

February 8, 2010 - 9:33 pm Danny Sunkel - Keep it up quincey. One stroke at a time.

February 8, 2010 - 8:46 pm sarah b - Keep it up cousin! I think of you every day!

February 8, 2010 - 8:01 pm James Brown - Great to hear you are back in the driver's seat. Everyone we had to Kawau this hols new of you including Nick Peal and others. You are a special star and we are proud of what you have achieved already. Hope you are doing some sketching on the non-rowing days. Lots of love, The Brown Family

February 8, 2010 - 7:42 pm graeme low - Keep heading for nz , the women and the sheep are both better looking

February 8, 2010 - 7:21 pm head - Glad to hear the weather god's are being a bit kinder to you and u are back in the drivers seat. keep up the progress, thinking of u and watching the progrss.

Podcast // 7 February 2010

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Shaun talks about the first 19 days of his epic journey across the Tasman starting famously and of late conditions and his luck deteriorating.

Download audio file for media use. Please attribute tasmantrespasser.com

February 8, 2010 - 8:28 pm Mark Weatherall - great podcast fella.... sounds like bar the challeges you are in good form, good hard

February 8, 2010 - 6:46 pm Lorraine Buck - Hello Quincey. Was good to hear you on the podcast - can't quite believe what you're doing! Some have rocks in their heads, some of us just have nice soft cotton wool! Pleased to hear you've started rowing again - good news - but take it easy, don't risk injuring yourself. Hope the weather, Tangaroa & Neptune are with you as you head East now. That's the way to go, EAST!!! Look forward to the next update. God bless. The Bucks.

February 8, 2010 - 4:43 pm Nathan Rarere - When you make it home I'll buy you an ice cream ... even one with nuts and a flake. Talk to you on Wednesday morning mate, Nato Radio LiveSport

February 8, 2010 - 4:42 pm Chris Mitchell-Ingram - Keep up the good effort Quincey, I pray for you daily and hope that you keep your spirits up. Looking forward to you getting back on the right side of the world.XX Love Chris and Ken

February 8, 2010 - 4:26 pm lee campbell - YEA bOI, the map shows you movin east again, well done fella, great to see ya movin toward home again.. we thinkin of ya .. claire and lee..

February 8, 2010 - 1:41 pm Lorelle Sheeran - Hi Quincey, Just been reading all your messages, great support ...I laughed when someone said people were dressing as you at the Welling 7's,,,,I thought Hmmm I didn;t see anyone taking their clothes off!!!!!! Thinking of you each day, had a chat with Olly this am in Miami and Nicho in UK,,,,all our thoughts are with you...Glad you are still smiling and being positive, sounds like you..So start heading East now, we will be looking out for you..Take care. The Sheerans

February 8, 2010 - 9:50 am Karen - Hi Quincey so all i need to do to get the boys room cleaned is put everything in a small boat in the middle of the tasman with horrendous weather conditions and toss it all around for days on end, then hold back food and sleep, throw in some dangerous anchor repairs and when fair weather arrives the tidy up happens, well if only i had know thats what it takes to get a guy to tidy up his space, who would have guessed. Now stop thrashing around and head on home, row straight and paddle well KCx

February 8, 2010 - 9:21 am Dean Kent - Hey bro, looking forward to seeing the progress you make after being unleashed on tasman. Having had a weeks rest in a jail with the worst possible neighbour. The Kent clan is cheering for you chief.

February 8, 2010 - 8:18 am Duane - Hey Quincy - Hang in there mate, your fortunes are about to change. Stop flossing with the anchor chains and they might last a little longer and you wont have to waste time repairing them!! The kids ask after you every day and wish you well! All the best!

February 8, 2010 - 8:01 am Salty - Good on you Big Boy. Bloody tough times but great to hear that you are still keeping positive! We are all following your progress daily praying to the weather gods for good conditions. I have been recruiting followers on this side of the Tasman, one of the few times Australians have been supporting a Kiwi. Keep it up mate! look forward to hearing more!

February 7, 2010 - 8:21 pm Kelle, Dean, Alana, Dan & Marley - Yay Quincy - Team Mactier just huddled round to listen to your podcast. Sounds like crazy times... notice you mention "we" a bit in your podcast have you got a Wilson on board??

February 7, 2010 - 7:43 pm Louise Mullane - Hi Shaun, I've been avidly following your progress across the Tasman. I'm truely impressed with your choice of challenge - just a small stretch of water to cross, huh?! I've enjoyed reading your Twitter messages and following your blog - I check in at least a couple of times a day to see how you're progressing. The last week stuck in the cabin sounds like it has been really frustrating but great to hear that the weather is finally coming around and you'll get some time out on the oars. I look forward to watching the rest of your epic journey and in particular what new marine life you pick up along the way! Take care Louise

February 7, 2010 - 4:45 pm Jaime & Kacie Eagle - Go oar breaker, we know you can do it. Hope it is not to rough Hope you can talk to my class about your adventure We all think your awesome Love Jaime & Kacie

February 7, 2010 - 4:19 pm Claire French - Quincey! Great podcast mate. Awesome to hear your voice and despite all the recent challenges you're managing to remain so enthusiastic and positive. It sounds like TT2 and you have been through the ringer but onwards and upwards (and eastward) for you now :-) Frenchie x

The definition of TOUGH // Day 18

“Spend 7 days in a 2m x 1m box whilst massive swells and gale force winds smash you, add a shorn sea anchor bolt, a sore back, problems with the plumping and a circling shark. Thats the definition of tough!” These were Quincey’s words last night. He also finished by saying “I think I get to tick off the ‘I’ve toughened the f@#k up box’!”

Yesterday the conditions continued to ease however rowing was still impossible. With the sea anchor deployed Quincey’s westerly progress shifted to north east as he rounded an eddie current.

Sunday’s plan is to get the boat back into ship shape rowing conditions so that he can take advantage of the favourable conditions that are forecast for Monday onwards.

February 8, 2010 - 12:10 pm Annie - Yes, you sure can tick the tough box! Brilliant what you've achieved, endured. Don't give up, things will change. May Tangaroa be kinder to you!

February 7, 2010 - 5:18 pm helen devine - still hot in the westcoast of the south Is of new zealand we are having a great run of weather hope you hit it soon

February 7, 2010 - 1:35 pm Deano - U have always needed to harden up Quincey and although a bit extreme if this is wat it takes then that's a good thing. Your efforts on new years eve were a case and point. U ain't missing anything back here on shore, constant rain and big crap surf.

February 7, 2010 - 1:33 pm Richard S - Good to hear your voice on podcast Q.Dog.. knock that housekeeping off and you get to pull those sticks back on again...wahoo.

February 7, 2010 - 10:36 am Anna Bowman - Go Shaun! We were so inspired to hear of your planned adventure when we met you in Coffs! We're all still watching your progress intently! Best wishes! Anna (Spirit of Koomooloo)

February 7, 2010 - 9:31 am Barry Munro - Go Shaun, Tidy up and piss off! Hell of a place for 7 days of 'holiday'! May your next 7 days be full of fair weather and exercise. Cheers

An easing situation // Day 17

After a harrowing last few days it seems that things out on the Tassie are slowly easing. Winds are dropping slowly and the swells are following. The Westerly drift has also ceased and a more favourable NE flow is currently occurring.

Shaun had a really good sleep last night however his back is still a bit sore. Although he was still cabin bound today he is now able to wander outside without being in grave danger. All is not completely dim as he has amassed an incredible 159 games of Solitaire on his iPod!

Today he also spent 3 hours emptying the step in front of his cabin door and a couple hatches of water which has probably left TT2 about 200kg lighter! In the next couple days as the weather continues to ease Shaun will spend his time getting the boat back in perfect rowing order as it certainly has taken a beating!

Tonight Shaun was a little down, which is completely understandable, however as I read him some messages of support his demeanor changed and was left feeling positive and very stoked! So…keep those messages coming. Jokes are great, as are memories of past times with Q-Dog!

February 7, 2010 - 8:14 am Wayne Mulqueen - Hey there Shaun, Just wanted to send out an encouragement note from another CrossFitter. I'm with you bro in spirit! Rev CrossFit Auckland

February 7, 2010 - 6:23 am Andrew Henderson - Following your progress with awe. Good to hear some better weather has arrived. All thinking of you. Andrew Julia Jenny Tom.

February 6, 2010 - 9:52 pm Bob - Go buddy. Watching you inch your way across. Soon you will be half way across and it will be all downhill from there. Just think, the guys on Apollo 11 only spent a couple of weeks cramped up in their tiny capsule. Compare to you their mission was a cake walk!

February 6, 2010 - 6:57 pm Susie Williams - Hi Shaun, Tough times, you show Neptune who's boss!!! Cheers, Susie, Kevin Stef and James Williams (Mai Bay)

February 6, 2010 - 1:10 pm Craig Rook - A few weeks ago a neighbour lent me a pile of books, one of the books was 32 years old - it was a personally signed copy of the Tasman Trespasser by CQ. Awesome book, couldn't put it down and read it in 3 days flat. That night I watched the TV news, and here you are about to depart Aussie in a row boat, couldn't believe what i was watching - Awesome stuff, good luck and have fun.

February 6, 2010 - 11:55 am the pococks - Kids say the funniest thing when we were looking at the website today we said to michaela what would you like to write for Quincey and she said. WHY is he rowing from australia to NZ does he live there. So even at the age of 3 1/2 she thinks you are a bloody legend and looking forward to uncle cam explaining why he only has one testicle. keep up the good work Brook, Michaela Gail and Jason

February 5, 2010 - 9:12 pm Coxy - Quincey, you're famous people are dressing as you at the sevens....at least i think it is you they are trying to be!!!!

February 5, 2010 - 8:54 pm Denis and Maureen Lobb - Hi Shaun,We have sailed across the Tasman a couple of times, but that only gives us the ability to imagine the incredible tenacity, determination,stamina and perseverence your very much more difficult undertaking is requiring of you. We live in Coffs but didn't manage to catch you down there at the marina.We come originally from New Plymouth and wish you all the best for improving conditions to get you there poste haste. We admire your determination to see it through this difficult last week.Hang in there for a well deserved New Plymouth welcome.

February 5, 2010 - 8:03 pm Richard S - Well done Bucky, the webisodes of the Quinceys ordeal are brilliant and gives us a real life picture of what the young fella is enduring...keep being his rock. Quincey hopefully your butt rash has cleared up having been in the cabin, you haven't developed a rubbing rash anywhere else as a result of the same and you're keen as to get back in the saddle. You're on the road the again !!

February 5, 2010 - 7:26 pm Stacciato - Quincey, you seem like your spending more days at home than in the office. Your doing it tough mate. I'd send Nick over to sort out ya back, but he only just got through his refresher for the cab savs. Your a bit further than 400m from the beach so you'll have to row a bit closer. Just wanted to say that you won't believe how many guys are talking about you. People at the gym, people at work, people who don't know you. You are becoming quite the celebrity. Anyway, love ya work. Mairangi Vice will be thinking of you when racing at Waihi tomorrow.

February 5, 2010 - 7:21 pm Lorraine Buck - Hello Quincey. Really pleased to hear that the weather is easing a bit. Hope you catch that Easterly flow now to bring you on down to Godzone safe & sound. Good to hear that TT2 has weathered the storms & is in ship shape condition as you get back on the sticks & head down South East. Take care of your back & may the 159th game of Solitaire be the last for a while! We continue to monitor your progress daily with much interest & awe. God bless. The Bucks.

February 5, 2010 - 7:15 pm Bullocks - Hi Shaun, Emma here again but have a message from Mum, Dad, Nig and Stella this time, they say a big hello and to keep up the good work. Dad said the trout fishing is lagging on the Jones/Lockett front while you are away!

February 5, 2010 - 7:11 pm Emma and Mark - Hey Shauny, checking in on you again after a week in Wellington. Sounds like this week has been a bit frustrating. Keep your chin up. Mark been in Aussie this week and said if you see a jet stream tomorrow it will be him waving. Look forward to your next update.

February 5, 2010 - 6:52 pm Mary and Joe Peart - Hi Shaun, We are following you every inch of the way and really hoping those seas calm down a bit. You need to get out of that cabin and bask in the sunshine.Keep it up as you are making history here and we are all behind you.What a story to tell. Love from Joe and mary

An Almost Disaster // Day 16

Shaun experienced the worst conditions yet over night. Extremely strong winds and massive swells continued to belt into him at so much force that at about 4am this morning one of the sea anchor bolts was sheared in half! When it was light enough Shaun braved the conditions to retrieve the sea anchor, hurting his back in the process. Once safely back on the boat the sea anchor ropes took over two hours to untangle and re-set up and then finally Shaun was able to pop a couple pain killers and lie down!

As you can see on the map, Shaun is still being taken west however the storm should start to abate tonight and next week is forecasted to bring favourable rowing conditions.

Even under immense duress this morning, Shaun was still able to share a funny story which shows he is still mentally on top of the game. After two days in the cabin it was time for a bowel movement….so Shaun ventured outside in the terrible conditions, set his bucket up and was half way through his business when a large swell hit the boat, unbalancing him and….well you can guess the rest!…..

February 7, 2010 - 4:28 am Rene Heyde - Hi Shaun, you are an inspiration, we know you will knock the bugger off! Hang in there through all the highs and lows you have to endure. At the end of it all you will be one of the special people this world needs more of. Our thoughts are riding with you everyday.

February 5, 2010 - 3:42 pm James - Just think of other inspiring stories mate... such as the time two likely devonport heroes delivered 12 boxes of freshly squeezed mountain dew from Devonport New World to 12 domain street. A harrowing tale as our vessel (a "borowed" shopping trolley) faced treacherous features such as New world trolley staff, curbs and ourselves... hah, hope that gives you a chuckle. Hang in there bro, wishing some favorable conditions for ya...

February 5, 2010 - 2:06 pm Richard Shorter - Nick's Dad - Wow Shaun - great going!!! Luvved the poo story!

February 5, 2010 - 11:57 am Graeme Lee - Big Dog, Hope your back is feeling a bit better. Weather has calmed down here, hopefully it's heading your way. Remember safety first your not a cat, keep your eye on your equipment and stick to the rules. Things go pear shaped when we aren't doing the basics right. Keep safe. Talk soon

February 5, 2010 - 9:35 am Ian Li - G'day Shaun, Following with interest. Go for it! Cheers, Li

February 5, 2010 - 9:17 am Frenchie - Quincey - you're amazing! Fingers crossed for lots of fine weather and calmer seas in the days ahead. Thinking of you, Frenchie.

February 5, 2010 - 7:00 am Murrays Bay School (Mr. Pike's class) - Hi Quincy, We are following your progress in room 12, keep up the great work! It sounds like an amazing adventure! Here are some comments from my students: 'Hopefully the weather gets better' from Hayley 'Hope you are having a great time' from Callum 'Hopefully the boat is still in good shape' from Kate We follow your progress everyday! Keep up the stories, we like the bucket story! Pike

February 5, 2010 - 6:44 am Annie - Hey Shaun, here's something, thanks to Woody Allen, to give you a laugh in the midst of your tough conditions. Seeing as you're in the 'floating around' stage, wow! pleasurable times ahead!... "MY NEXT LIFE In my next life I want to live backwards. You start out dead and get that out of the way. Then you wake up in an old people’s home, feeling better every day. You get kicked out for being too healthy, go collect your pension, and then when you start work, you get a gold watch and a party on your first day. You work for 40 years until you’re young enough to enjoy your retirement. You party, drink alcohol, and are generally promiscuous, then you are ready for high school. You then go to primary school, you become a kid, you play. You have no responsibilities, you become a baby until you are born. And then you spend your last 9 months floating in luxurious spa like conditions with central heating and room service on tap, larger quarters every day and then, Voila! You finish off as an orgasm! I rest my case." You are inspiring. Kia kaha.

February 5, 2010 - 3:43 am Julia McFadzien - Thinking of you Quincey! I'm sure there are blue skies and fair seas ahead. Keep up the good work and enjoy the ride!

February 4, 2010 - 11:35 pm Linda Cooper - Shaun, from the physio!! Rest your back while you can, so that you are fit to row when the weather improves. Keep up the good work and hang in there.

February 4, 2010 - 10:42 pm steve alloway - a poocanno erupting in the cockpit can be very distressing, you may recall our chat about sea anchors v drogues outside Fosters. wait out this little storm your luck will change.

February 4, 2010 - 9:19 pm Mark Weatherall - Hey Q, mate thinking of you, keep up the good work!

February 4, 2010 - 8:49 pm Ian Pratt (Pratty snr) - Sean,Thinking of you all the time.I,ll be at N.I champs this week-end at Waihi and I'm sure there will be some collective and strong thoughts with you from all your surf club mates all over the N.I.I reflect on tours of Japan and Aus and how much of a leader you were then and now you're leading the way again.Control the controllables and keep the mind focussed. The goal in distance is well within your grasp and when the mind stays strong is even closer.Love your work brother,will talk again soon. Pratty

February 4, 2010 - 5:37 pm Barby - Hi Shaun Hope the sea abates and you get going - Lord Howe is a really good place - guess you don't want to stop there though! Good luck, sorry to hear about the bad back, but try to keep strong in mind. We're watching your kayak each day on the google map. Barby and family

February 4, 2010 - 5:29 pm Dave - Hi Shaun I quessed that these conditions would be a good opportunity for you to get some rest and recouperation....and to lick your wounds...if you can reach that far.......hope that the bolt that broke wasnt the towing eye....anyhoo....the weather is looking better in a day or 2.....as far as your bowel movements are concerned.....pooooooooooooooo...............

February 4, 2010 - 4:12 pm Cliff Collard from Adelaide - Hi Shaun. How come you are going westward? Last time I looked NZ was in the opposite direction. So you've decided to go the long way around? Good for you; I like to see a man take up a challenge. Hasn't someone told you its a lot further! Judging by the wind and wave prognosis you should be able to take up the sticks again on Saturday and conditions will be perfect by Tuesday. Hang in there bro. You won't believe this but I phoned my brother Ian in NZ yesterday and spoke to my niece, name of Caroline, and guess what? Not only am I, like you, an old Taka Grammar and Mairangi Bay boy, but I am also Caroline's uncle. I even suspect I have actually met you at a certain residence in Sunrise Ave. And here I thought you were a total stranger, whose website I just happened upon by chance. Small world, eh!

February 4, 2010 - 3:46 pm Bruce - I think "buggar" sums it up. But never never give up. Think of, beer, hot shower, food,

February 4, 2010 - 3:11 pm Pearce - Keep it up Qunicey! If the sea conditions on the northern beaches are anything to go by - you must be copping some pretty bad swells/weather! Keep rested mate and hit it hard when the weather clears.

Ridin the Tasman Rollercoaster // Day 15

The blog title says it all! Today the winds hit their peak and churned up some massive swells that tossed Tasman Trespasser 2 around quite fiercely. At around 4am this morning one of the shackles on Shaun’s sea anchor came undone leaving him to do a precarious repair job. He couldn’t believe it as he had done it up so tightly before setting off!

Talking to Shaun tonight he relayed his frustration about the weather and not being able to be fully in control of a situation. It has been an extremely tricky week with the horrific conditions but once again the cabin time has given him some time to think about the rest of the trip and to set some goals regarding arrival dates.

It was pleasing to hear that he is still witty as ever as he commented that he is embarrassed about his beard growth. Whilst the upper lip and chin region are progressing nicely, his chops and cheeks look more like the sporadic sprouting on a pre-pubescent boys face!

February 4, 2010 - 7:50 am Tom - Keep in there mate; the weather will change! There will be a cold beer and a saussage on the barbie when ya get to Ngamotu Beach!

February 4, 2010 - 7:03 am Anonymous - Kia Ora the big Q dog, Can't imagine what it is like out there, nothing to do but lie around in your cabin all day. You know it is about to pass and lady luck will roll on board and get you cracking towards home again. The whole nutty family are thinking of you. Remember when the going gets tough, "the climber didn't fall on top of the mountain he climbed the bastard". Talk soon. Regards the Lees

February 4, 2010 - 6:41 am Jim West - Keep your chin up Quincy, the weather will clear eventually

February 3, 2010 - 8:50 pm dean storey - keep on keeping on bro

February 3, 2010 - 8:12 pm Buzz - Quincey....keep it up, just keep those sticks turning over !!

February 3, 2010 - 8:01 pm Lorelle Sheeran - Luv to see the beard Quincey...Have just been to dinner at the Northcote Tavern with the Jones and Aaron who is out from Prague with his new wife..... Thiking of you rolling around out there, Hope yo are wearing sea sick bands, I would be hopeless...get sick if I go in the cabin!!!!!!! Stay safe, you are needed at the Tav....Lorelle Sheeran

Battered and Bruised // Day 14

Last night and today have been tough for Shaun. Strong easterlies and large swells have been crashing into Tasman Trespasser 2, tossing Shaun around inside his small cabin. He is frustrated about the weather but realises there is nothing he can do but ride it out and get ready for some better conditions. Unfortunately the easterlies are forecast till Thursday so he potentially has a long cabin stint ahead.

You would have noticed that over the past 24 hours or so Shaun has been pushed west. This looks rather alarming when zoomed in close to the live tracking however when you zoom out so that both Australia and new Zealand are visible you notice that the westerly movement is pretty negligible.

Shaun really has been buoyed by your messages of support so keep them flowing!

February 4, 2010 - 8:00 pm Gaz Pratt - Go hard mate love your work! Thinking of u mate!

February 3, 2010 - 7:28 pm Susie Williams - Hey Shaun, You are an inspiration, so your office has a bit of rock n roll. I'm sure it's really nasty and uncomfortable. The sea is like a person, it gets angry but it won't last forever. Must be nice to know that you have a huge and growing fan base. Cheers Susie, Kevin Stef and James Williams

February 3, 2010 - 5:39 pm Tom Wigram - Shaun, dig deep dude, before you will know it the wind will have changed and you will be making some great head way surfing with the waves! Keep up the great effort. Tom

February 3, 2010 - 5:00 pm Lane Family - Hi Shaun, do you remember us from boxing day in mangaweka. Good luck for your trip. Thanks for all the canned rice. Felicity,Freddie & Daisy

February 3, 2010 - 3:19 pm Sheep - Go Quincey, When ever we get off the erg we think about what you are doing..... BIG CAJONES!!! We missed you at the mount. Here's a chuckle for you! While she was 'flying' down the road yesterday, a woman passed over a bridge, only to find a cop with a radar gun on the other side lying in wait. The cop pulled her over, walked up to the car, with that classic patronizing smirk we all know and love, and asked, 'What's your hurry?' To which she replied, 'I'm late for work.' 'Oh yeah,' said the cop, 'what do you do?' 'I'm a rectum stretcher,' she responded. The cop stammered, 'A what? A rectum stretcher? And just what does a rectum stretcher do?' 'Well,' she said, 'I start by inserting one finger, then work my way up to two fingers, then three, then four, then with my whole hand in. I work from side to side until I can get both hands in, and then I slowly but surely stretch it, until it's about 6 feet wide.' 'And just what the hell do you do with a 6 foot arsehole?' he asked. 'You give him a radar gun and park him behind a bridge...'

February 3, 2010 - 1:22 pm James Brown - Yea bro, hang in there, be good for the hulk to get some rest before you smash out some miles... Peace Jb

February 3, 2010 - 10:12 am Ian Gordon - Congratulations on all you have achieved so far Shaun. The hard work will pay off. Watching your progress with great interest from Brisbane.

February 3, 2010 - 9:49 am kendal mullane - Hi Shaun, well done on the trip so fa. The Mullane family are all keeping a close eye on ya and hope the wether gets better soon. Keep up the good work and hope you'l be out of the cabin soon :-)

February 3, 2010 - 8:46 am Esther den Adel - Hi there Shaun, I remember you and Brett talking about rowing the Tasman one night (in Wellington) and usually, those late night boozy ideas never materialise. So when I saw your smiling face on the late-night news and heard that you were about to row the Tasman, I nearly rolled off the couch. I take my hat off for you and follow your progress. Well done!! Esther (and Brett)

February 3, 2010 - 8:15 am deano - Yo Quincey - what are you doing to keep yourself busy and focused while locked away in the cabin? Keep it clean though mate :)

February 3, 2010 - 7:15 am Judy and Mick - Hi Shaun - Keep up the spirits. You are already a champ in our eyes! We have followed your progress with interest and admiration since meeting you at the Beach Motel in Coffs Harbour early January. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Godspeed.

February 3, 2010 - 6:56 am D6 - Chin up fella - If it was easy, any random idiot would do it. But no my friend - your the first random idiot that's got big enough kahuna's to make it happen. Instead, the rest of us turn up to taka on a tuesday and paddle 5 km. I'm embarrassed for us. So incredibly impressed right now.

February 2, 2010 - 11:40 pm Margaret Bowling - Oceans and seas give and take, but mostly they give. I was looking back at my progress from the Atlantic in 07 and it was so nice to see that most of the time we moved in the right direction. Just think, the Atlantic racers have just come of a full 5 days on their sea anchors! But even for them things have changed back for the better and they're on the move towards Antigua once more. Your progress has been superb and will continue to be, it's just a matter of biding your time till the sea let's you crack on, which it will. As always I'm so envious of your exped. Keep it up champ!

February 2, 2010 - 11:02 pm steve alloway - never give up http://yachtyakka.co.nz/2010/02/yachting-news-2nd-february-2010/

Slow progress // Day 12 & 13

The easterlies really battered into Tasman Trespasser 2 on Sunday and yesterday, making rowing very difficult. Shaun relied on the sea anchor to keep him inching slowly eastward.

Over these two days his steering cable snapped twice however Shaun is confident he has fixed the problem.

Mentally and physically Shaun is still very strong and is now used to his routine. He has a positive outlook regarding the bad weather he is facing as well.

February 2, 2010 - 6:10 pm Lorraine Buck - Hello Quincey, You missed nothing at NRC's. Weather was awful & so many races cancelled. We continue to watch your progress with great interest & many thoughts of how strong & motivated you have to be to be doing what you are. Keep up the excellent work, stay focussed,and may the tides & ol' Neptune be with you. Have you still got the company of the Cosby's? God bless. The Bucks.

February 2, 2010 - 3:15 pm Lorelle Sheeran - Hi Quincey, Thinking of you...Whew, I would be very sick by now, glad you are coping witheverything....Spoke to OPlly yesterday, and he said he send you messages and thinks of you every day, and what a wonderful job Bucky is doing as your reporter....Hope these Easterlies, keep moving East and then give you some nicer rides.....Regards Lorelle and Tony Sheeran

February 2, 2010 - 1:50 pm Graeme Lee - Big Q dog. You're an inspiration to us all, keep up the good work. Loved your comment in the Hearld when they asked if you were motivated, (doesn't really matter if your motivated or not, you've still got to row to NZ), that'll go good in the book. Keep your arse down and your head up. We'll talk soon

February 2, 2010 - 9:58 am Karen - just looked at the map again and you know if i zoom out your little boat actually reaches across the ditch - touching both Aus and NZ - EXACTLY as it will be - ZOOM it Quincey - just wish we could do it that easy for you, also sounds like you had the same weather as NRCs - just wanted you to feel part of it i guess - anyway everyone is thinking and talking about you and Bucky is doing a great job keeping us updated - xxxx KC

February 2, 2010 - 6:47 am Dan Maas - Mate! Great to hear that you are in good form and you are crushing the tough conditions. Thought of you over the weekend as we rowed the mount for NI Regionals. Saturday was big surf and great racing, muds and Vice made the semi's but both got bad runs so didnt make top 6. Woke up to crazy weather on Sunday and strong surf around 6-8ft on some sets. They sent the mens out for one heat, our crew flipped one the way home and snapped the sweep oar. I was the only one holding the boat over the line plus with only 2 oars we got DQ'd, great fun though! The B crew came second in their heat, had a great race out there. After that round, they called the whole carnival off. Good luck out there mate, hope you enjoyed the surf boat update. will send another one through after north island champs this weekend.

Annoying Easterly’s // Day 11

Late update today as I am down at Mt Maunganui competing at the Northern Regional Surf Lifesaving Championships and the interest shown by the clubbies on the beach has been huge. Everywhere I went on the beach people were asking after Shaun and wanting to know how he was doing!

Yesterday Shaun “hammered it”, striking off many nautical miles and was feeling extremely positive. Although today his progress was brought to an abrupt halt due to the easterly winds. Shaun’s outlook however was “guess you’ve gotta take the good with the bad” which shows that he is still mentally sound.

One highlight yesterday was the bird who hung out on Shaun’s solar panel for about 2 hours hitching a ride east!
Also, today he threw over a fishing line but unfortunately got no bites, even from his four fish friends under the boat. Probably a good thing since later in the trip he will no doubt be appreciating the company!

January 31, 2010 - 1:23 pm Shaz - Hi Shaun, Here in New Plymouth watching your progress. Keep giving it heaps and look forward to see you row into Ngamoutu beach. Just one request...hope you make it before Easter as we are heading the other way over the ditch for a holiday. Keep up the awesome work. Shaz.

January 31, 2010 - 12:51 pm Caroline - Hope your holding up all right out there. It great watching your boat travel across the map. Keep it up.

January 31, 2010 - 11:14 am Cliff Collard - Hi Shaun, this is your Mairangi Bay / Takapuna Grammar / old salt yachtie supporter living in Adelaide. If the BOM site wind forecasts are correct, you will need to gird your loins for this next week, old chum. Easterlies all week to 25 kts with seas to match; yachties weather site 'passageweather.com' concurs and also predicts easterly windwaves to 5m. Such bad luck and I feel for you but when the going gets tough, the tough get going - having been through the Taka Grammar 'meat grinder' you must have it in you! Bet you wish you had hopped onto that gyre off Coffs on day 2. My advice is go east like hell today, tonight and early tomorrow until the easterlies defeat you, then ship oars, deploy para anchor, put your feet up, and bide your time until Saturday when conditions are predicted to abate.

January 30, 2010 - 8:57 pm Jack Finn - "Bloody Can do it mate"

EAST!! // Day 10

Looking at the progress map Shaun finally got taken east last night. He was really positive about this as yesterday he put in some hard slog! He is now approximately 600km east of Australia and so is roughly a quarter of the way! The plan from here is to go slightly more south, around 35deg S, where the winds prevail west.

A quick physical check sees Quincey feeling a 9/10 however the rash on his bum is pretty horrific as is the state of hands which are rather shredded. He also has a solid 2mm growth of beard on his face! And in case you were worried, his gap can still fit a $2 coin!

Unfortunately the weather for the next few days looks fairly average with some strong easterly winds forecast but with the aid of the sea anchor, supplied by W A Coppins Ltd, he shouldn’t be knocked back.

February 3, 2010 - 8:46 am Sandra&John Pearce - Hi Shaun, your're doing really well. Perhaps a few days laying around will help your bum heal. (Bum Up) Trying to imagine you with facial hair...a good start to "Movember" - perhaps some of your suf club mates could grow some to match....yeah right

January 30, 2010 - 10:50 am Emma and Mark - Hey Shauny, been away for a week and just catching up on your progress. You will be pulling into Godzone in no time at this rate. Look after that rash on your arse and keep up the good work. Em and Markxx

January 30, 2010 - 10:11 am Julia McFadzien - Go you good thing!! Awesome stuff Quincey, keep it up hope you've got a huge tub of aqueous cream with you!

January 29, 2010 - 6:53 pm Richard S - Great progress Q. You got ahead of the game the last few days so keep your spirirts up if the winds kick in, they'll pass soon enough and you'll be heading towards the promised land again at speed !!. Look after those hands...maybe should've taken some meths with you...the old rowers trick to dry them out. Go well brother, everyone at NRCs or away for long weekend, but all will be checkin your tweets

January 29, 2010 - 4:22 pm Bruce painter salthouse - hope go well give it heaps, have a beer at the end of march

January 29, 2010 - 3:56 pm deano - Go grizzly adams go!! I am sure that rash is no worse than the many you have had before :)

January 29, 2010 - 1:21 pm Nick laurie - Hey Quincey Just heading off to the mount. I will do some karaoke to raise some funds and will sing "daniel" in your honour. Awesome gutsy stuff.

January 29, 2010 - 12:48 pm tom pacey - Inspirational stuff. i really enjoy catching up on your progress each day. Keep up the great work

January 29, 2010 - 11:44 am Bron Collard - Hi Shaun You are doing so well 600 km already. Ian and I check in each day on your progress, we are proud of you, keep it up. Glad you have some company out there! Are you eating cold curry and porridge or how do you heat it? Luv Bron & Collard Clan

January 29, 2010 - 11:08 am Duane - Hey Quincy. Keep up the good work. Read your post too quickly this morning and have been telling people you had a rash on your face and a two mm growth on your bum - guess I need to read more carefully. keep on strokin!!