THE crew behind the North Atlantic record rowing attempt were breathing a sigh of relief yesterday after avoiding potentially disastrous weather.

Nigel Morris and George Rock, of Ingleby Barwick, Teesside, along with fellow crew members Steve Dawson and Rob Munslow, have had a difficult few days on their 2,100-mile journey from Canada to England.

Here is their latest report:

"The last 24 hours have been just that emotional. On Sunday, we received the most severe news one could wish not to receive when 400 miles out into the Atlantic in a 29ft rowing boat.

"Such news creates a knot in your stomach and with a release of adrenalin the pulse quickens.

We were advised that we should consider a pick up by a passing ship or alternatively prepare to be capsized.

The tension on the boat has been unbearable and without doubt in the darkest hours our thoughts were with loved ones. Still, I know not one of us would leave Naturally Best without attempting to see out the storm.

We had been expecting to be hit by the worst of the weather overnight. However, we are somewhat relieved to tell you all that the eye of the storm has pushed to our east. At worst, we now expect winds to reach 30 knots, somewhat more comfortable than the predicted 65 knots.

For the last 24 hours, we have been on the Para Anchor but now we hope to be running South East with 30 knots of assistance."

Yours, The Crew.

* Keep up to date with the crew's progress with regular reports in The Northern Echo.