Simply oar-some!

James Ketchell, an accounts manager from Severn Way, in Eastrop, completed his epic odyssey from the Canary Islands to Antigua in the Caribbean on Saturday, April 24, after 110 days at sea in a 20ft boat.

Unfortunately, due to the volcano ash flight chaos, James’ mum and dad, John and Trish, could not be there to meet him.

But the good news was a welcoming crowd of about 200, including some of his friends, were waiting on the dock in English Harbour.

Speaking from Antigua, 29-year-old James said: “There were so many people cheering and clapping when I got ashore – I just never expected that many people. It was such a great feeling. I don’t think it will sink in for months.”

Also waiting for him on shore was an “unbelievably tasty” burger and chips and an ice-cold beer, rustled up by an islander.

One obstacle he immediately faced on dry land was walking.

He said: “I am slowly getting better but my legs have been like jelly because my muscles have gone tight.”

But that did not stop him from hitting a nightclub until 4am. He said: “It was a hectic day. To go from spending 110 days at sea alone to a nightclub with all these people dancing about was incredible.”

James was reunited with his parents, with whom he lives in Basingstoke, on Monday after they fin-ally got a flight.

But they hardly recognised their bearded son with his sun-bleached hair.

During his journey, James battled savage storms, narrowly dodged oil tankers, and ran out of food – having to be re-supplied six days before reaching land. The trip was meant to have taken between 80 and 90 days rather than 110. But storms constantly blew him off course.

He said: “I got across the Atlantic by the skin of my teeth.” After all he has been through, he insists there will be no more rowing challenges.

James has been raising money for the NSPCC. If you would like to donate, go to atlanticadventurer.com or visit justgiving. com/james ketchell.