But that is the reality police officer Mick Birchall and friend Richard Box will take up when they attempt the world's toughest rowing race.

The daring duo are planning to take to the Atlantic Ocean in a 20ft boat for the 2,931-mile course, which is expected to take about two months to complete.

The transatlantic journey will take them from the Canary Islands to the Caribbean island of Antigua.

The thrill of catching a glimpse of a tumbling whale's tail or a pod of dolphins darting across the water's surface has certainly caught the imagination of Detective Inspector Birchall, who has been with Cambridgeshire police for 16 years.

DI Birchall (43) has been a member of Oundle Rowing Club for years, and managed to persuade fellow rower Richard Box, who works as a teaching assistant at Oundle's Prince William School, to join him.

Father-of-three DI Birchall said: "It is known as the world's toughest rowing race and we are both looking forward to the challenge.

"I've always felt that I've got a big challenge in me, and I think this is the perfect one to test that out.

"I guess the most scary parts to the challenge will be the huge waves which can get to 40ft high. The boat is very small, so will be almost invisible to larger boats we come across, so we will have to make sure we keep out of the way.

"There is also the sharks. We will have to get in to the water to clean the barnacles off the bottom of the boat, and you never know what could be beneath you.

"My wife thinks I must be mad for doing it, but my family are fully behind me."

The pair will be take it in turns to row for two hours each. There is a tiny cabin on the boat where they can get some rest.

If hunger sets in then they will have to sample the stash of dehydrated foods on board. Sea water will be specially filtered so it's drinkable.

Det Insp Birchall also revealed that the pair may have to sometimes row naked for health reasons, because as the salt water gets on the clothing it can rub quite badly with the skin.

The pair will raise money for the NSPCC, and they are now looking for sponsors, both corporate and private, to make sure their daring bid gets as wide a profile as possible.

They have plenty of time to rustle up support, as they are due to take part in the December 2009 race.

External links:
To find out more visit www.oarsomechallenge.co.uk
For information about the race visit www.woodvale-challenge.com