Weather hampers world record row attempt

Victorian policeman Tim Spiteri and his rowing team have changed course on their world record attempt across the Indian Ocean due to wild weather.

Three major storm systems have forced the crew vying to set a world record rowing across the Indian Ocean to change their destination.

Victorian policeman Tim Spiteri and his team departed from Geraldton in Western Australia's Mid West region on June 11 with the aim of reaching Durban in South Africa in less than 57 days.

But wild weather has pushed the crew north and they are now heading to Mombasa in Kenya.

Mr Spiteri, 36, said on his blog overnight, marking day 22 of the journey, that the crew had battled pounding waves and torrential rain, reducing their vessel's speed to less than two knots.

"We have some interesting weather coming in the next few days, possibly waves of five metres from the southern ocean with a wind of 20 knots Friday, building to 30 knots on Saturday and back to 20 on Sunday," he said.

"Depending on the exact direction of the wind, we may be looking at some huge miles or sea anchor.

"Will have to wait and see.

"There's also some great current going west a little north of here. Let's hope we can find it next week."

The world record attempt is raising money for multiple sclerosis, which Mr Spiteri's mother suffers from.


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