NOMAN

Hometown: Lyme Regis, Devon

Job: Projects Manager in construction industry

Rowed before: Yes, in Cornish Pilot Gigs & River Teign Seine Boats (both fixed seat)

Hobbies/interests: Most sports but predominantly rugby, rowing, cricket & national hunt horseracing, dark rum, good food & wine, south west France

Food I will miss the most while at sea: This is a difficult one but probably a good curry

Guilty music choice while rowing/training: Abba

Additional information: 58 years old at the time of the row, South African born but lives in the UK since 16.

My name is Roger Brine, I’m a 51 year old self employed builder from Yeovil in Somerset. Living only half an hour from the coast sea, fishing and kayaking have always been hobbies of mine. In 2010 I took up Cornish Pilot Gig Rowing and met new friends who have rowed the Atlantic and rowed unaided around the UK. I have been inspired by them to take up the new challenge of Ocean Rowing. This row from Ibiza to Barcelona seemed the perfect introduction.

Music while training – Wilson Phillips to Def Leppard

Most missed food during the row: a good steak with all the trimmings and a glass of red or two.

Marcel is a consultant based in Spaarndam, The Netherlands and has extensive rowing experience from open water and marathon rowing. He's hoping this experience will be a good source of strength throughout the trip, in spite of the blisters, pain an sunburn, but the prospect of seeing his family in Barcelona with big smiles on their faces will be a great source of motivation!