Twenty-three-year-old Rob Munslow, from Monmouth in south east Wales, is already in Canada, from where the team will launch their attempt to reach Cornwall in under 35 days.

After four years of planning and preparation, the dream of being in the fastest boat to row the ocean has been a long time coming

Team leader Mark Stubbs

On Sunday, his three team members will be flying out to join him, before they set off on their 2,100 mile journey in a week's time.

The quartet will be trying to beat the current record, which has stood since 11 Frenchmen rowed from the Canary Islands, off the coast of Spain, to Martinique, in the Caribbean, in 35 days in 1987.

Since the British team will be travelling from west to east, they can also create a new record for the direction they are taking - the previous best of 55 days was set by two men in 1896, and matched by solo rower Tom McClean in 1987.

The four are be led by 37-year-old Dorset firefighter Mark Stubbs - the other crew members are brothers-in-law George Rock, 39, from Ingleby Barwick in Teesside, Nigel Morris, 38, also from Ingleby Barwick.

"I'm just very excited now," said Mr Stubbs.

"After four years of planning and preparation, the dream of being in the fastest boat to row the ocean has been a long time coming.

The yellow vessel is made from carbon fibre

"But it's also very emotional because we'll be saying goodbye to so many friends and family."

"We've prepared well and the immense good will from the public drives us on when we think we have reached our limits."

During the challenge, the team will be working in pairs doing two hour shifts in the 33ft-long boat and estimate they will be rowing at an average speed of between 2.7 to 3.7 knots.

The journey is taking place in honour of the Queen's Golden Jubilee Year.

The high-tech boat, which is already in Canada, is built from carbon fibre, which is also used for Formula 1 motor racing cars.

Patrick Thornber, spokesman for team sponsor British Waterways, said: "Their over-riding enthusiasm for what lies ahead is infectious, and their commitment to share it through modern technology is just as important as breaking records."