To set a new record ‘Team Essence’ – or the ‘Rogue Rowers of the Atlantic’, as the men are dubbed – are hoping to complete the testing transatlantic bid from southern Portugal (Lagos) to south America (Venezuela) in around 50 days or less.

The challenge is being undertaken in aid of the NSPCC children’s charity, for which the previously inexperienced rowers have already raised over £100,000.

The five men, four of whom were in the military, will be rowing consecutively for close to 6,130 kilometres, in an eight-metre boat, in their attempt to set a new record for what is notoriously one of the world’s toughest endurance challenges.

Weather permitting they will be leaving Lagos Marina at around 1.30pm on Sunday, 7 February.

In the boat is Jason Fox, star of Channel 4's ‘SAS Who Dares Wins’, adventurer Aldo Kane, Crossfit athlete Ross Johnson, stockbroker Oliver Bailey and Mathew Bennett, founder of Acorn Homes for children.

Speaking to The Portugal News ahead of their departure the team challenges they will face, and how they will cope with sharing such a small space for several consecutive weeks.

“Having been away before on operations I think the best way to deal with any situation is not to think about it too much and just deal with things when they happen”, said Jason ‘Foxy’ Fox, who joined the Royal Marines at 16 before becoming a Special Forces demolition and counter-terrorism expert and combat swimmer.

The team says they will be dealing with their lengthy challenge “incrementally”, in two hour shifts, and taking every stint as it comes.

“Basically when you’re on an expedition like that, you’re making your entire life as simple as it can be and it boils down to food, shelter, water, and that’s the absolute basics. The rowing part is just a means to an end. If you start thinking about how many days are left then it’s very easy to dig yourself into a big dark hole”, says Scotsman Aldo Kane, a former Royal Marine Commando.

Having prepped for the challenge for the past several years, the team was visibly ready and raring to go.

Mathew Bennett, Team Essence team captain, who had the idea several years ago, said: “It’s been everything to me for the past seven years. I can’t explain how it feel to be here now, to have come this far, putting the boat in the water for the first time. It’s been a milestone in my life.”

He adds: “The NSPCC is a charity that's extremely close to my heart, it’s a first line of defense for children in trouble and we hope to raise as much as we can. So far we’ve raised over £100,000 and we’ve got a great team behind us, so who knows how far we could go. These funds will enable the NSPCC to continue the vital role they play, ensuring every child has a happy and safe childhood."

For more, see: www.team-essence.com