Woman's solo Europe to South America row under way

Zara Lachlan, who has competed internationally in cycling and began rowing at the Army's Wellbeck Defence Sixth Form College, said she expected "really tough" conditions

A 21-year-old hoping to become the first woman and youngest person to row solo from mainland Europe to South America has begun her record attempt.

Zara Lachlan, from Cambridge, set off from Lagos on the Portuguese Algarve at about 09:25 GMT, expecting "really tough" conditions and 20ft (6m) waves during her voyage.

She said she faced "the risk of bumping into orca" and "the 11 different species of sharks and marlin known to puncture the hulls of small boats" during the challenge.

The recent graduate aims to row 3,600 nautical miles (6,668km) to French Guiana in about 90 days, and hopes to inspire other women to get into fitness.

She set off in the 24ft (7m) long boat, carrying 800kg (1,764lb) of supplies, including meals and snacks - all of which she will eat cold

Ms Lachlan will need to row for 20 hours a day and expects to lose a third of her bodyweight, while her supplies include 5,500 kcal of meals and snacks per day.

"If I can complete this challenge having never rowed on the ocean before, then other women can attempt a challenge of their own - albeit probably not a cross-Atlantic row," she said.

"I'm feeling really strong and well-prepared having worked with some of the best ocean rowing coaches in the world, including Charlie Pitcher and Lizzie Brown who has become a second mum to me over the last six months."

Her mother Claire Lachlan said she cried when she was told about the challenge, adding: "You are always going to be worried about your children, but rowing an ocean alone takes that to a whole new level - saying that, we couldn't be prouder of her."

Maj Gen Lamont Kirkland, Team Forces' chief executive, described her preparation and training as "incredibly impressive"

Ms Lachlan is raising money for Women In Sport and Team Forces - a charity that aims to improve "the lived experience for the armed forces community through the power of sport, challenge and adventure".

The Loughborough University physics graduate plans to join the Army as a technical officer on her return.

"While the ocean is a challenging beast, it is also incredibly beautiful and I'm looking forward to witnessing things like the night sky free from light pollution," Ms Lachlan said.

"Even seeing orcas over the next few days will be fascinating, as long as they leave my boat alone."

Ms Lachlan will need to descend into the water to clean and check for damage to the underside of the boat every two days