A RECORD-breaking Hampshire rower who braved hurricanes, monster waves, hallucinations and a capsize says he had “the most amazing time” conquering the Atlantic Ocean.

Lawrence Walters, originally from Lymington, punched the air when he and his rowing partner Tom Rainey finally made land to complete their epic 4,300-mile journey from New York to the UK.

After setting off 93 days ago and more than two million paddle strokes they beat all the challenges that they faced and wrote their names in the record books not once, but twice – becoming the youngest team ever to complete the Atlantic crossing, as well as covering the greatest distance by an ocean row boat in 24 hours.

Hundreds of friends, family and well-wishers lined the harbour at Salcombe to welcome the duo back and about 100 boats gathered in the sea to form a guard of honour to accompany them back to land.

Lawrence, 23, said: “We had the most amazing time. There were close to 200 boats and about 1,000 people in shore.

“The best bit was certainly the last few days because we had really good wind and there’s the security of knowing you are going to be on dry land.

“In the couple of weeks leading up to that I had no sugar left and I was losing my mind and constantly angry all the time, but now I’m looking forward to a home-cooked meal and a warm fire.”

There were jubilant scenes when the big moment came and Lawrence and Tom, 24, from Devon, popped champagne corks and embraced their loved ones.

As well as conquering the ocean, the pair have raised more than £53,000 for the Brain Tumour Charity in honour of Tom’s dad Luke, who died from a tumour in 2012.

Engineering consultant Lawrence and hydrographical surveyor Tom have competed in laser dinghies for Team GB and spent weeks at sea training for the mammoth challenge.

The Ocean Valour team had originally set a target of breaking the route’s speed record of 55 days and 13 hours, but this dream was dashed when they became caught in a current for 10 days.

Eventually, in an effort to break free, they had to row backwards towards the USA before managing to escape the current and carry on their journey.

To sponsor the pair visit www.justgiving.com/oceanvalour.