It is known as the world’s toughest rowing race, but four women are taking on the mammoth challenge of rowing 3,000 nautical miles across the Atlantic.

Poole-born Sarah Hornby, 29, is joining forces with three team mates for the Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge, which will see them journey from La Gomera in the Canaries to Nelson’s Dockyard in English Harbour, Antigua.

Sarah, who is currently working as a sailing officer for the Royal Thames Yacht Club, has already sailed the Atlantic, Arabia, the Caribbean and the Mediterranean, and is not daunted by the challenge ahead.

“We aim to break two ocean rowing world records, whilst raising awareness and funding for our chosen charities, Mind and Women for Women International,” said the former Parkstone Grammar School pupil.

The team, which also includes Kate Hallam, 32, Becky Charlton, 27, and Charlotte Best, 29, formed the Atlantic Endeavour team last year, after being united by a passion for adventure and surviving in extreme conditions.

The women are aiming to be the first womens’ four to cross the finish line in English Harbour in early 2016, after setting off in December this year.

But the race is not known as the world’s toughest for nothing. In 1966, Sir Chay Blyth and John Ridgeway became the first men to row the Atlantic. During their 92-day passage they faced hurricanes, 50ft waves and a near-starvation diet. This trip laid the foundation for the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge.

More people have climbed Everest or been into space than have successfully rowed the Atlantic, but the race now takes place every year, with more than 30 teams from around the world participating, and with a 90-day limit on the time allowed.

Crews suffer from sleep deprivation, blisters, salt sores and the physical extremes that the row inflicts from rowing in shifts around the clock for weeks on end, facing all the raw elements of the Atlantic Ocean.

The boat used by the women is just seven metres long and just under two metres wide, with the only protection from the ocean and sun in a small cabin. All the boats are equipped at the start of the race, but cannot take any repair, help or food and water during the crossing, although they are all equipped with watermakers, which change sea water to drinking water, and are all fitted with solar-powered GPS and tracking beacons to signal the boat’s location.

But the team remain undeterred.

“Inspired by others who have undertaken this challenge, it’s time for a girls’ 4 to take it on and break the record,” insisted Sarah.

“Having previously been a full-time offshore sailor, with over 30,000 nautical miles under my belt, I am familiar with the trials and tribulations.”

Sarah is also keen to raise as much money as possible for the team’s chosen charities.

“Mind is a fantastic charity, which not only seeks to support sufferers of a mental illness, but also those who are close to them, and there are a couple of people who are very close to me who have suffered from mental illness,” she explained.

“It can be just as isolating for friends and family of the sufferer, and I want to help ensure that those people do not need to feel alone, ever.”

Sarah and her team mates are now looking for further sponsorship for their challenge, both from businesses and individuals in and around Poole, Bournemouth and Dorset.

Anyone who can help should visit atlanticendeavour.com.