Hi Everyone,

Well a lot has been going on since I returned form my Atlantic row almost 5 months ago now. So many people have been asking what's next? Ok well actually the adventures of Captain Ketch are going to continue you’ll be pleased to know. I’ve been working on this since I've been back in the UK but had to keep it under wraps. Now my new website has been launched and it’s all go again for the Ketch. So what are you actually doing I hear you cry!

Ok myself and 4 other climbers are heading out to the Himalayas to make a summit attempt on Everest next April. This is also going to be filmed by the BBC for a documentary. I will actually be out on Everest for a month this October for some slightly smaller acclimatization climbs. Island Peak to be precise which stands at just under 6,500 meters. Just like the row you’ll be able to follow me via www.jamesketchell.net so get this saved under your favorites as this is where everything will be happening!

I am also making the climb in aid of a wonderful charity The ELIFAR Foundation. This stands for every life is for a reason. More info can be found here http://www.elifarfoundation.org.uk/ The ELIFAR Foundation provide help and support for permanently disabled children mainly to try and improve the quality of their lifes. It’s a fantastic charity that is run by just a hand full of volunteers meaning 99.99% of all funds raised go towards helping children. Any donations are greatly appreciated and like the row will be well earned. http://www.justgiving.com/James-Ketchell

Thank you all for your continued support throughout the Atlantic and I look forward to shearing this new adventure with you all.

Captain Ketch

Hi Everyone,

Finally I've managed to get some video footage together from the crossing.

Here is a 26 minute video from the Atlantic.

Just double click for full screen.

Enjoy!

Captain Ketch

Well it’s been almost 40 days since I landed in Antigua. Of those 40 days I’ve actually only been on land for around 20 of them as I ended up sailing back to Europe arriving in the UK only a few days ago. Little did I know I would be back out in the Atlantic so soon after completing the row. An amazing oppurtunity came my way in Antigua in the form of an invite to sail back on a luxury yacht. How could I refuse! It just goes to show you never know whats round the corner. My travels did however involve a short flight from Lisbon back to London. Something that made me chuckle whislt departing the plane at heathrow was listeining to everyone moan about how long the 2 hour flight felt and how uncomftable it was. Someone asked me what I thought of the flight and I politly said it was ok. Looking back maybe I should of told them the full story of my travels. Since I’ve finished the row I’ve managed to put a little more wait back on, have a hair cut and I now start looking a little more normal again as opposed to a Tom Hanks Cast Away look a like. One bonus is 110 days worth of sun has given me free highlights. Well that’s what the hairdressser said.

Of course the most often asked question now is "What next?". Well, I have many exciting opportunities for the future but for the time being I think I need to get my life back to normal. It’s quite bizarre walking round all the shops in my local town and seeing friends that I have not seen since last year. I will be doing after dinner and motivational speeches on the crossing and telling the story of 110 days at sea as a solo rower. What ever I decide to do next I now know I have the confidence and ability to make it happen.

I still feel the most important people were the sponsors that made the project happen and everyone that followed and supported me. I was just fortunate enough to be the person on board for the wild ride. I am also very grateful for all the donations received to date from all the very generous people out there. Thank you so much. I am still proactively fund raising for my charity and if anyone would like to make a contribution you can do so here. http://www.justgiving.com/jamesketchell/

The good ship Speedo has finally arrived back at Southampton. Hopefully should be collecting it very soon. I would love to keep speedo as a souvenir to remind me of the time I spent at sea, although it would be rather extravagant. Sadly financial restraints mean it will need to be sold to the next aspiring ocean rower asap.

Keep an eye on www.atlanticadventurer.com for further announcements and video footage coming real soon. If anyone has any questions regarding the row feel free to contact me.

Out for now,

Captain Ketch,