A PAIR of rowers from Poole are aiming to set the world record for being the youngest team to cross the Atlantic Ocean.

Jay Olenicz, 19, and Ross Macleod, 20, are embarking on the transatlantic challenge in December, which will take an estimated 50-90 days to complete. The team, named Oarsome Odyssey, will set off from the Canaries to row the 3,000 mile journey to Antigua in what is regarded as ‘the world’s toughest rowing challenge’ - the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge.

The pair have been keen rowers since taking up the sport as pupils at Canford School. They are now training twice a day to prepare for the adverse weather conditions and life at sea.

Jay said: “I’ve always liked a big challenge but I had to think about this one for quite a long time, as I’ll be putting my life on the line.

“Once we leave the safety of the harbour, we’ll be completely unsupported. All food will have to be prepared on the boat and water will have to be taken from the ocean and desalinated.

“It’s the toughest race on earth – more people have been to space than crossed the Atlantic in a rowing boat. If we finish it, we’ll be the youngest people to do so.”

He added: “I see myself as somebody who can do something amazing and I want to test the limits of human endurance with this challenge.”

The boat, which is available to be named by a sponsor, has no engine and relies on human propulsion alone. The duo will take it in turns to row two hours at a time and will face dangers such as storms, tropical heat and dehydration.

“We have to be our own medic, engineer and electrician. The boat is only 7m long and 1.8m wide and we have to know how to fix it if it gets damaged out at sea,” Jay explained.

“One of our greatest tasks is raising the money to just do the row, which costs at least £50,000. On top of that we’re hoping to raise £100,000 for three charities – Julia’s House, BRACE and Refuge.”

To find out more about Oarsome Odyssey, and to become a sponsor for the challenge, visit www.oarsomeodyssey.com.