Well I've been back on land for 12 days now. It's only now that I'm starting to feel normal again. For the first few days I really struggled to walk for more than 10 mins at a time. My calf muscles would literally just seize up and become quite painful. Also my feet swelled up a lot too. It was basically where I hadn't really been standing or using my legs for over a hundred days. Whilst on the boat I made a real effort to wash and try to stay fresh. I later found out that when I arrived I absolutely stank. I had just got used to my own smell. Aside from stinking a lot of people assumed I would be super fit by the time I got to Antigua. The reality was I was super knackered by the time I got to Antigua. I'd actually lost near to 2 stone in weight and felt incredibly weak. Antigua is a great place to start recovering though. I've been eating steaks, lobster, Ice creams and burgers pretty much everyday and it's only now do I feel like some strength and energy is actually returning to me. Yesterday me and my brother went scuba diving which was a nice treat and quite relaxing.

A lot of people have been asking me would I row an ocean again. Now I'm one for saying never say never. However on this occasion I have to say the answer is probably no. Looking back over the last 6 months makes me realize I've been so lucky to live this crazy adventure.

More photos of the crossing have now been uploaded http://www.atlanticadventurer.com/media/

Once I get back to the UK video footage from the crossing will be on the site too.

The next challenge now is to get the good ship Speedo back to the UK. Hopefully it well be departing Antigua some time next week via container ship back to Southampton. Once it's been collected it will be held on display at my sponsors head quarters for a while. Then it will be put on the market ready for it's next crazy owner to take to the helm.

Out for now

Captain Ketch,

After nearly years 2 years of preparation and 110 days at sea I successfully rowed solo across the Atlantic Ocean. Arriving in Antigua, English Harbour at 13.44 local time which is 18.34 Uk time on the 24th April. The total time was 110 days 4 hours and 4 minutes. The reception that I received absolutely blew my mind with well over 100 well wishers all eagerly awaiting my arrival. Fortunately 2 miles out of English Harbour the local Antigua and Barbuda search and rescue came out to guide me into the harbour. It turned out the entrance was completely hidden behind a headland so was completely blind to me. There was also a very strong current that would of blasted me straight past the entrance to the harbour if I wasn’t careful.

Stepping off the boat was a strange but phenomenal experience. Actually the experience is almost impossible to describe. It has been a very tough 110 days. Never have I felt so demoralized and fed up when you find you’ve rowed all day and basically stayed still. On the flip side the Atlantic can be the best place on earth when the conditions are right and everything is going perfectly. I’ve come to the conclusion that the highs and lows are just all part of ocean rowing. When I set off from Gomera 110 days ago I knew the challenge was with myself and the Atlantic was just the reward. It's totally impossible to conquer the Atlantic that is one thing I can tell you for sure. I was very lucky to make it across safely.

Although I’ve spent the last 110 days on my own and pushing myself as much as I can this epic adventure could not of happened with out all the help and support of my sponsors and people around me. So really everyone that has supported and sponsored me was just a big a part of this project as me. So from a pretty tired and skinny captain Ketch a massive thank you to everyone that has been behind me financially and emotionally for the last 2 years.

Photos of my arrival will be uploaded on the site within the next 24 hours. I think you’ll all be amazed at what I look like. The next couple of days I will be just relaxing with my family who are currently flying out. Sadly they did miss my arrival but they were there in spirit and I know they are relived I’ve now arrived safely. Also over the next week video footage and lots of photos of the crossing will be going up on the site.

110 days of battling across the Atlantic has got to be worth a donation to my charity if you've not done so already. http://www.justgiving.com/jamesketchell Many thanks in advance.

Captain Ketch,

Today has been a productive day towards Antigua. There is quite a nice current that is carrying me along which is a big help at the moment. I'm just praying it stays around and doesn't disappear. I have just over 70 miles to go as I write this and with a bit of luck I think I should be able to just make out land tomorrow. I've been checking the horizon every hour today as there is an island that's only 40 miles away from me but I can't see it. It is only a small one though.

I say this with my fingers crossed but if the weather holds up as it is at the moment I may be able to make it to Antigua for Saturday night or Sunday day time. Sadly due to the flight issues that have played havoc recently I don't think my parents and brother well be able to make it to Antigua in time for my arrival. That does make me a little sad as they are not just my family they are my best friends too. However it's just one of those things so I'll just have to crack on.

Rowing conditions are rather tough at the moment as it really is very hot with little or no breeze to cool things down. The heat can make you feel very drowsy, I almost fell a sleep whilst rowing today. I threw some water over myself just to cool down and carried on. I was fine after that.

Getting loads of messages of support which is great so thank you very much.

Captain Ketch