It’s also a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness for a charity we all feel very strongly about. We are supporting Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) and their Plastic Free Coastlines campaign. We are trying to raise awareness of ocean plastics and using the row as a platform to inspire people to making changes to their daily use of plastic. Any money raised will be going directly to SAS and their Ocean Schools Programme, which is a great way to teach children about the importance of conservation.  

Is it expensive to take part?
We have raise £100,000 just to get to the start line. We are seeking sponsorship from businesses, local smaller companies and individuals. We have held a few rowing events at companies, did an overnight 24 hour row last year and and later this year we’ll be putting on a gala night with an auction and games. We will be launching a crowdfunder in June where, for a small donation, individuals can get their name on our boat.

What does your training plan involve?
We have a great team supporting us: Exeter Chiefs Rugby team’s strength and conditioning coach is helping us with our weights programme, we have a physio to help iron out those niggles and help with prehab, we have a physiologist who is looking at our energy expenditure and intake so we can optimise – not just our training – but the volume of food we will take on board with us so we don’t overload the boat. 
A typical week is 4-6 sessions ranging from weights, ergs and water sessions in addition to sea survival and navigation training. We are doing long and strong ergs, which will be increasing to 4 hours in length in August and September!

What do you anticipate to be the most challenging aspect?
We each have our own worries and challenges but we all agree that the sleep deprivation will be horrible, although apparently the body gets used to it. Also, you can’t just get off the boat. You have to stay there and push through whatever you might be going through physically and mentally.

What time do you aim to complete the race in?
The world record was 40 days but that got smashed this year to 34 days because of perfect weather conditions. We doubt we’ll have such good weather so under 40 days would be great.

Visit www.rowfortheocean.co.uk to find out more and sponsor Ros, Kirsty and Kate.