A RECORD-BREAKING ocean rowing attempt will be announced at the Weymouth and Port-land National Sailing Academy on Friday.

Six British endurance athletes expect to spend Christmas in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, as they attempt to smash the longest-standing record in ocean rowing.

The six - Simon Chalk, Guy Lavender, Ben Thackway, George Oliver, Mike Martin and Ian Couch - are formally announcing details of their world record attempt to raise awareness of the challenge.

Their epic bid will start a month later when they set off from the Canary Islands in their purpose-built, hi-tech ocean rowing boat The Oyster Shack Ocean Challenger.

Team member Guy Lavender, 40, who is also South West England director for the 2012 Games, said the announcement would give people a chance to view the boat and hear from the crew hoping to break the world record for the fastest unsupported rowing of the Atlantic.

He said: "On December 2, the six of us will set out to smash the current world record of 35 days which was set back in 1992 by a French team, and is the most sought-after and longest-standing record in ocean rowing. Over the last few months, we have been making final preparations to the revolutionary carbon-fibre ocean rowing boat which has been designed and constructed by some of the finest boat builders in the country, here in South West England.

"We have also assembled a team with a unique blend of skills, fitness and determination to have a real chance of success.

"People will be able to track our journey and communicate with us via our website which we will launch next week at www.atlanticsix.com - We are rowing to raise funds for our chosen charity, WaterAid."

Their boat has been in design and development for more than three years and has self-righting capabilities.

Onboard the crew must carry all of their supplies and provisions for the crossing because no outside assistance is permitted if they are going to break the record.

The record, which is currently held by the French team La Mondiale, has stood since 1992 at 35 days, eight hours and 30 minutes. Many have attempted to beat it but so far all have been unsuccessful.