Two brothers will attempt to become the first people ever to hold simultaneous world records for rowing across two different oceans.

Nick McCorry, 30, and Phil, 29, of Bexhill, rowed 3,500 miles from Australia to Mauritius as part of a crew of four to win the first ever Indian Ocean race in 2009.

In their new boat The Bexhill College Endeavour they will now attempt to break the “pairs record” for the Atlantic east to west crossing, a distance of 2,900 miles of open ocean.

The record is currently held by a New Zealand pair who crossed in 41 days.

The official launch and naming ceremony took place on Saturday at the Sovereign Harbour, Eastbourne.

The attempt itself is set for November when the brother will row 2,900 miles from the Canary Islands to the Caribbean.

Nick said: “When we manage to get started we will be able to determine if we are away at Christmas, which will be one of the hardest parts of the row due to what we will be missing out on.

“But I'm sure we will be able to take a couple of small gifts to open.”

The brothers, who have been rowing since they were 15, will alternate stints of 12 to 16 hours’ rowing, far longer than was required in their Indian Ocean crossing.

Phil said: “Even though there were a lot difficult parts last time it was, looking back, enjoyable and a life changing experience.

“I relish a challenge and although the Atlantic can be an unpredictable ocean I am confident we will give a good account of ourselves.”

The event is sponsored by solicitors Gaby Hardwicke, Bexhill College and more than 100 local businesses and residents who paid £10 each to have their name inscribed on the boat.

Proceeds will go to nominated charity St Marys Special Needs School, Bexhill.

The team’s Technical Advisor Geoff Allum held the record for 26 years after completing the route in 73 days with his brother Don in 1971.

He said: “I know they will make a safe crossing, but given their boat, fitness and motivation I fully expect the record to be smashed...watch this space!”

See atlanticchallenge14.org for more details.