BATTLING storm-force winds, sleep deprivation and news of a fellow competitor's death, Rushmoor's Simon Curwen gained second place in a prestigious trans-Atlantic yacht race.
His finish is the highest ever of any British entrant in the bi-annual 'Mini-Transat' race's history. The event this year attracted an international field of 60 participants.
Simon (42), who can often be found sailing with his family at Frensham Ponds, set out on his 30-day adventure in his single- handed, custom-built racing yacht on September 22.
He fought the elements in a gruelling 4,300-mile journey from La Rochelle in France to Salvador De Bahia, Brazil, which he said took two years training to prepare for.
Amongst the biggest challenges were storms in the Bay of Biscay, which forced the retirement of two boats and de-masted four others.
North of the equator he encountered "vicious squalls", and slept just one hour a night to keep up the pace. Sleep deprivation and dehydration proved a significant obstacle.
Despite the harsh, lonely journey living off a meagre diet of dried food and cramped in a tiny cabin, Simon was ecstatic at his result.
He said: "For me the race was a great success with my first objective being to finish, It is an adventure as much as a race.
"To do it safely was also important, and my placing is higher than I could have dreamed about."
He added: "I have sailed all my life, having learnt in the Isle of Wight, and occasionally still sail locally with my family at Frensham Ponds."
Simon was greeted by his wife at the finish, and will now travel to the Paris Boat show on December 8, to receive his second-place prize.