SEA-TRIALS have got underway at Christchurch in a rowing boat that is to undertake an epic journey.

Carbon fibre Doris, a 29-footer, which is seven foot wide, is to be rowed 8,446 miles across the Pacific Ocean by four intrepid women.

The perilous journey is due to begin in April. It will be completed in three stages – beginning at San Francisco in California and finishing at Cairns, Australia, and is expected to take between five and six weeks.

Liam Maguire, a spokesman for the challenge, said: “It came about after one of the girls Laura Penhall said she wanted to row the Pacific for charity and she need to find three other girls to do it with her.”

After an interview process, which involved both physical and psychological tests, the Coxless Crew has been selected.

They will be led by Laura, 31, with team members Emma Mitchell, 28, Isabel Burnham, 29, and Natalia Cohen, 39.

Built by Rossiter Rowing Boats at Christchurch, the bright pink craft was put through her paces during the trials, with the emphasis on testing the boat’s self-righting gear.

Mr Maguire said the girls hope to raise a quarter of a million pounds for charity and if successful will set a new world record for a four-strong team to complete the route, which had only been done by solo and pairs teams and never as a continuous three-stage row.

“It’s a gruelling challenge.” he said.

The team are inviting people to sponsor.

In return for their donation, each sponsor’s name will be carved on the inside of the hull.

The girls are raising funds for Walking with the Wounded and Breast Cancer Care.

To donate or find out more go to coxlesscrew.com