12 September 2006

The Guinness Book of Records today confirmed Leven Brown, a descendent of Columbus, as the first person to row single-handed across the Atlantic from Cadiz in Spain to the port of Scarborough in Trinidad & Tobago. Brewin Dolphin Securities employee Leven set out to break the rowing distance record across the Atlantic, but equipment failure and the worst weather in over 200 years forced the journey to be broken into three separate legs. Despite all the setbacks in this epic journey, after 123 days at sea and almost 4500 miles Leven rowed into the history books. The Guinness Book of Records has officially recognised Leven as being as being the first to cover this route in a rowing boat.

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. While at sea Leven also picked a £10,000 share portfolio on behalf of Brewin Dolphin, all profits of which were donated to charity.

Dubbed “El Loco” by Spanish fishermen, en route Leven 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 for up to 18 hours each day.

Commenting on the experience, Leven said:

"A number of people put effort into the voyage, I had the easy part and I am proud that Guinness has recognised the efforts the team put in. The Expedition’s main sponsors Brewin Dolphin Securities and Stock trade made the voyage possible and I am extremely grateful to people within these organisations whose unwavering support kept me going and to my support team. I would like to dedicate this recognition to Brewin Dolphin Securities, Stocktrade and the people who supported me – thank you.”

John Hall, CEO of Brewin Dolphin, said:

“It is tremendous that Leven has completed this historic voyage. It is a testament to his hard work and dedication that Guinness has recognised this achievement. Not only has Leven set a great milestone by completing this journey, he has also raised significant funds for the Sportsman's Charity and the One City Trust charity.”

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

For further information please contact:

• Charlotte Black
  Brewin Dolphin Securities
  Telephone: 020 7248 4400

• Leven Brown or Mike Graham
  Stocktrade
  Telephone: 0131 240 0400

• Patrick Evans / Alistair Kellie / Ewan Robertson
  Citigate Dewe Rogerson
  Telephone: 020 7638 9571