COLLEAGUES at Taunton's Deane House are preparing a hero's welcome for housing manager John Williams after he and a friend rowed unassisted across the Atlantic.

But John's elation at completing the marathon crossing was tinged with frustration after atrocious weather forced them to be towed for the last leg.

John and partner Mick Burke completed the Atlantic Challenge when they reached Port Charles, Barbados, four days after Christmas -- ten weeks after setting out from the Canaries.

The pair ran into adverse weather for the final four days of their voyage in 2Blokes No Smokes and the boat had to be placed on the sea anchor just four nautical miles from the finishing line.

John, who turned down the offer of a tow, said: "A couple of hours after sunset on December 28 the winds eased, and we drew in the sea anchor and began the row back to the island.

"Conditions then deteriorated very quickly and a storm blew up, driving the boat towards reefs and cliffs. We deployed the sea anchor, which snagged on the reef and prevented us from being blown against the cliffs.

"We reluctantly accepted that our race was over and called for a tow on our satellite phone.

"We're delighted to have achieved our main goal -- a qualifying, unassisted transatlantic row -- though disappointed to have lost our race position through the final tow."