THE crew behind the North Atlantic rowing attempt have encountered huge waves on the most challenging day they have faced.

Nigel Morris and George Rock, of Ingleby Barwick, near Stockton, along with fellow crew members Steve Dawson and Rob Munslow, have also had to contend with strong winds on their 2,100- mile journey from Canada to England.

Here is their latest report:

"I don't know how many times I heard some old and wise person, usually the parents, tell me they wished they had worked harder at school.

Well, right now I am wishing too that I had worked harder for I would then know some bigger words that would serve justice to our report of the past 24 hours and the conditions we have endured.

We've told you about the waves the size of houses - well now have we told you about the waves the size of tower blocks!

I imagine 90 per cent of you will think we're stretching the truth, but we're not going to back down on this statement for we witnessed these waves with our own eyes and withhearts in mouths.

Wind speed increased to 40 knots yesterday afternoon, with gusts last night to 50 knots.

As the seas got bigger the only action we could take was to again deploy the sea anchor - a devastating move when the sea and winds are going with you.

We had earlier deployed a drogue, but three waves later and it had ripped to shreds. In fact, the day saw a number of casualties, including a broken oar and snapped para anchor line.

It's been a long, brutal, tiring and emotional 24 hours. We are again under way and, in fact, just reached a top speed of 8.9 knots."

Quote of the day: "I'm just glad to be alive," Nigel Morris. Back soon - The Crew.

Keep up to date with the crew's progress with regular reports in The Northern Echo.