Trans-Tasman rower Shaun Quincey is getting help to repair his fresh water maker as his water supplies run dangerously low, halfway through his trip across the Tasman.
Quincey left Australia on January 20, intending to become the first man to row from Australia to New Zealand. In 1977 his father Colin Quincey was the first man to row from New Zealand to Australia.
Shaun Quincey had a smooth trip until a few days ago when his desalination machine broke down and he was twice turned upside down in heavy seas. Her also lost another oar, leaving him with only one complete set.
On Tuesday night he activated his emergency signal and he considered asking to be rescued but yesterday decided he had not lost as much gear as he originally feared, and would continue towards his intended landing off the Taranaki coast.
On his website today he said he had "slept well last night, really needed it. Back rowing and heading east nicely".
He said he had been feeling mentally shattered after flipping in stormy seas.
It had cost him small items such as sunglasses, a hat, gloves and a knife "that all have importance to everyday living on the boat".
With his fresh water supply running low Quincey said he hoped to talk by satellite phone tomorrow to an expert who would guide him through fixing the water plant.
He was now less than 800km from New Zealand and said since the capsize the messages of support he had been getting on the website were "amazing".
His row was to raise funds and awareness for Surf Life Saving New Zealand.
NZPA