2 Jan 2012

Rough weather frustrates Tasman rowers

1:09 pm on 2 January 2012

Four New Zealand rowers trying to cross the Tasman say it is frustrating to be still stuck where they were on Christmas Eve.

Rough weather has prevented the crew, known as Team Gallagher, from making headway to Cape Reinga at the top of New Zealand, which they believe is still about 700km or a 10-day row away.

Nigel Cherrie, James Blake, Martin Berka and Andrew McCowan have been at sea for 37 days and hope to start rowing again on Wednesday once the weather clears.

Mr Cherrie told Radio New Zealand on Monday they have enough food for 40 days, but are worried that some has been contaminated by saltwater.

However, he believes their supplies should see them through to New Zealand.

"We've also got freeze-dried food on board, but we haven't got a gas bottle to heat it.

"Martin discovered a method of heating it whereby you put cold water in and you stick the sachet under your armpit for an hour. It's actually reasonably effective - you get lukewarm dinners that way."

Team Gallagher is trying to be the first New Zealand team to row from Sydney to Auckland.