Bristol rowers tackle the Atlantic . . . in just their silk undies

A pair of female rowers planning to tackle the Atlantic Ocean will complete the gruelling race wearing nothing but their silk underwear.

Annie Januszewski, 40, from Eastville, and Mel King, 37, from Leigh Woods, will be stripping to the bare essentials to avoid painful sores from hours spent rowing at sea.

The girls were originally part of a group of four aiming to break a world record by becoming the first mixed four to row the ocean but, after ditching the men, the friends have decided to go it alone in their custom-made boat.

They are now in training to become the fastest female pair to make the crossing.

Ms Januszewski said: "Only 49 women have ever rowed an ocean, and only six female pairs. I think the record is about 50 days.

"Mel has sailed around the world so has experience of navigating the seas. If weather conditions are in our favour we are hoping we could have a good attempt at breaking it.

"Without the men makes the challenge even harder as it means that we now have to become engineers within the month.

"If anything goes wrong on that boat we have to know how to fix it, at least one of us will be rowing all the time day and night."

The girls will face the 3,000 miles battling 35ft waves, sleep deprivation and lack of toilets as well as sores and blisters in unthinkable places.

Ms Januszewski said: "Having done lots of research, we have discovered that if we are to avoid rowing naked, silk is the next best thing for avoiding salt sores and staying dry. We will probably end up rowing in the sun from the Canary Islands across to Antigua in silk underwear."

But before the Atlantic Rowing Race begins on December 6, the pair have the challenge of raising £50,000 of sponsorship.

"Its a bit scary because now we have a greater financial commitment. We've got just a few more weeks to raise it. Not doing this is not an option," she added.

"We have launched a new campaign to help us raise the majority of the funds needed. It's called the 100 Club.

"We aim to get 100 companies, individuals and businesses to buy a ticket for £250. Those 100 will be entered into a prize draw and one will win full corporate branding of the boat, of our kit and also win the right to name the boat whatever they choose. We are also holding a fundraising black tie event on October 17 at The Bristol Hotel."

For more information about the 100 Club or for tickets to the event at the Bristol Hotel contact Ms Januszewski on 07852 198679.