A HUSBAND and wife team will race to become the fastest married couple to row the Atlantic when they attempt a 3,000-mile challenge.
Nina Crouchman, 50, and husband Simon, 53, from Colchester, have been training hard ahead of taking on the Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge in December.
The couple had thought it unlikely they would be able to afford the challenge, needing to raise £110,000 to buy the boat and huge haul of equipment needed to qualify.
The race will see 30 teams attempt to row from the Canary Islands to Antigua.
To beat the current record, the couple will have to complete the challenge in under 53 days.
"The challenge has always been on my bucket list," said Nina.
"When we were first thinking about it, it just felt like 'how can an ordinary person do such an extraordinary race?'.
"It has been running for quite a few years and it is predominantly people who have got the money up front to be able to do it.
"It is the ultimate rowing race.
"During lockdown we thought 'well, why can't we do it?'. We realised that we could.
"Whether we get the record is really down to the weather.
"September is the end of the hurricane season and swells should be pushing us along.
"If the weather is with us we are confident.
"We have done all the right courses, all the survival and navigation training.
"I'm not a particular lover of deep water, but physically and mentally we are prepared.
"I wouldn't want to do the challenge with anybody else."
The pair are still looking for businesses to sponsor their challenge.
"The rowing is the easy part," said Nina.
"Getting to the start line is the really hard part."
The couple have to fork out thousands of pounds on safety equipment and supplies, with inspections set to take place before they can compete.
Businesses can have their logo on the boat with sponsorships starting from £250, while £1,500 will sponsor an oar which will be gifted to the business after the race.
Mr and Mrs Crouchman, who have been married for 27 years and have three children, will be taking part under the team name Mr and Mrseas.
The couple said they will race to raise money for the Samaritans.
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