THE crew behind the North Atlantic record rowing attempt are finding the going tough.

Nigel Morris and George Rock, of Ingleby Barwick, near Stockton, along with fellow crew members Steve Dawson and Rob Munslow, are finding that even their choice of music is conspiring against them on their 2,100-mile journey from Canada to England.

Here is their latest report: "As the days tick by, so to do our energy levels.

Since leaving St Johns 11 days ago, we have been following a strict routine of two hours on, two hours off, with one three-hour shift at night.

Whether or not it is our imagination, it seems that when we rowing for three hours, the seconds, minutes and hours drag, but then when you are off for three hours they seem to fly by.

Last night's shift was no exception to this rule for Rob and George - not only did time seem to stand still, but for added enjoyment it rained.

In fact, it rained hard and, together with the 25 knots of wind and breaking seas, both now feel like stronger characters.

The irony of last night's conditions, however, was the background music, such tracks as U2's It's a Beautiful Day and Coldplay's Nobody Said It Was Easy - great timing.

Well time for some sleep.

Yours, the Crew

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