7 February 2006

Scottish stockbroker and descendent of the explorer Christopher Columbus, Leven Brown, has rowed single handed across the Atlantic . It is believed Leven is the first person to successfully row the route from Cadiz in Spain , to the port of Scarborough in Trinidad & Tobago. Rowing up to 18 hours each day Leven completed the 4278 mile crossing on Friday 26th January.

Leven's epic five month voyage mirrored the route taken by Columbus in 1498. While Columbus had three ships and 90 men, Leven single-handedly rowed the whole distance. Taking extended leave from his job at Stocktrade, the execution-only dealing division of Brewin Dolphin Securities, Leven sold his house and car to fund the project.

Dubbed “El Loco” by Spanish fishermen, Leven left Spain last August. On route he encountered severe lighting storms, whales using the boat as a scratching post and was followed for several days by a shiver of sharks. With his boat, the Atlantic Wholff measuring just 23ft by 6ft, Leven was at the mercy of the mid Atlantic weather systems. Facing winds of 40 knots and 9 metre waves he was awake at the oars almost permanently.

Commenting on the experience, Leven said:

“The sight of land, people have told me, has emotional content for ocean rowers. I am no exception, I don't mind saying that I had more than a tear in my eye as the bagpipes scurlled from my iPOD and I first caught sight of a hazy Tobago as the sun went down on the 25th.“

Whilst onboard his boat Leven was given £10,000 to create a share portfolio by his employer Stocktrade to boost the money he is raising for charity. Using a satellite phone Leven managed his portfolio from the middle of the Atlantic .

John Hall, CEO at Brewin Dolphin, said:

“It is tremendous that Leven has completed this historic voyage. It takes a special character to undertake such an adventure and we are extremely proud of Leven's remarkable achievement. Not only has Leven set a great milestone by completing this journey he has also raised money for charity.”

Leven is raising funds for the Sportsman's Charity and the One City Trust. You can read more about the crossing or pledge money online at www.columbusrun.com.

Photos to download

• Leven arriving in Tobago 1
• Leven arriving in Tobago 2
• Leven arriving in Tobago 3
• Leven arriving at London Gatwick, being welcomed by John Hall, CEO of Brewin Dolphin Securities