An Englishman is using a warehouse in Invercargill as a launching pad for what is being called the ultimate row.

Jim Shekhdar, 56, plans to conquer two oceans in a 15,000 kilometre solo journey which will take him from Bluff, around Cape Horn and all the way to South Africa.

He is well qualified - having already rowed from South America to Australia.

Shekhdar's unconventional rowing boat will be his home for the next nine months.

"It's built very strong. It won't break and because it's made of fibreglass and closed cell foam, even if it's full of water it floats. It'll be cold but it floats," he says.

The eight metre craft is surrounded by the safety equipment and food he hopes will see him through.

"I've got 300 main meals, either chicken tikka masala, turkey curry or boueff bourgignon, supplmented by rice pasta and noodles."

The determined Englishman's historic 274 day row from Peru to Australia proves he has what it takes but the added challenge this time is the cold. He will combat that by having a wet cabin and one where he'll sleep and rest that hopefully stays dry.

"It's one of the last big challenges that hasn't been achieved in terms of man's exploration or adventure...it's mental and muscle," he explains.

One of New Zealand's own rowing greats is helping Shekhdar prepare and assess the boat's sea worthiness for the Maritime Safety Authority.

"The boat will capsize, there's no doubt. The boat may even pitch pole and you've got to make sure it's going to come up again," record breaking Atlantic rower Rob Hamill says.

Shekhdar puts his chances at 98% for survival and 85% for success but he is still to convince his wife.

This irrepressible oarsman hopes to begin his lonely journey as early as Friday.