It's so good to see you! | Northland News | Local News in Northland

Shaun Quincey has matched his father's feat by rowing across the Tasman Sea - but he was tossed out of his boat in Ninety Mile Beach surf and had to swim to shore.

Colin Quincey was the first person to row across the Tasman when he crossed from New Zealand to Australia in 1977.

His 25-year-old son Shaun become the first person to row across the 2200km-wide "ditch" from west to east when he completed a 54-day crossing at 12.10pm yesterday.

He was initially expected to arrive at Ahipara but finally felt sand under his feet about 40km north of Waipapakauri Ramp.

Three inflatable boats from Ahipara's Far North Rescue, a jetskier, a news helicopter and Kim Shine of Kaimaumau, aboard his microlight aircraft, were there to shepherd him in.

 On the shore were about 200 people - his family and friends, his support crew and a big entourage of media, including several television crews.

A  3m swell produced solid surf that eased a little after the mid-morning high ride but was still robust enough for the transtasman rower to look for a gap before sprinting for the beach.

He was only partially successful. His 7.3m  Tasman Trespasser rolling in the waves, Quincey parted company with the craft that had served him so well and struck out for the shore.

He accepted a lifebelt from a rescue boat but completed the epic journey under his own steam, much to the joy of his mother, who was first - just - to greet him.

The media were right behind her.  He was escorted up the beach to applause and shouted congratulations.

Although his reported order of eggs benedict, a steak and a cold beer was not forthcoming, his mum handed him a bacon sandwich, which clearly hit the spot.

A hot shower and sleep were his  next priorities.  He was whisked away in a four-wheel-drive but not before thanking his family and friends, support crew and sponsors, and expressing the hope that his "baby" - the Tasman Trespasser - would survive the ride to the beach.

She did, very much in one piece.

A crowd, reminiscent of scenes common in the days when Ninety Mile Beach enjoyed toheroa seasons (the last in 1968), had gathered at Hukatere, 23km south of Quincey's eventual landfall, by mid-morning. Many of them formed a procession to head  north as the craft's position was plotted on a laptop computer.

Among them was Quincey's grandfather, Peter Brown of Whangarei, who said he was pleased the ordeal was almost over.

He and other family members had travelled to New Plymouth where, he said, accommodation had reportedly sold out in anticipation of his grandson's arrival.

They then made their way north as the predicted landfall changed, first to Auckland's Manukau Harbour, then Pouto and finally Ahipara. 

"It's good to see him back on dry land," Mr Brown said when Shaun reached the beach.