A HAMPSHIRE rower has sailed into the record books after completing a marathon 4,600-mile voyage across the Atlantic.

Serving soldier Jack Jarvis took 111 days to complete the gruelling journey from Portugal to Miami earlier this year, often rowing 15 hours a day.

Now his achievement has been officially recognised by Guinness World Records.

Jack, 28, of Hamble, has been declared the first person to row from mainland Europe to mainland America solo and unsupported.

Daily Echo: Jack Jarvis took 111 days to row across the Atlantic.Jack Jarvis took 111 days to row across the Atlantic.

He made the crossing in memory of his grandfather, who died of a brain tumour in 2007.

Jack has so far raised almost £70,000 for the charity brainstrust, which helps people diagnosed with the condition and also offers support to their families.

During his voyage he needed to consume nearly 8,000 calories a day.

His main source of nourishment was freeze-dried rations but he also munched his way through 20 packets of biscuits and 30 bags of sweets.

He said: "It’s incredible to finally be recognised as a Guinness World Record-holder.

“The row was incredibly testing both mentally and physically but moments like this, combined with the fact that I've raised almost £70,000 for charity, makes it all worthwhile.

Daily Echo: Jack Jarvis has raised almost £70,000 for the charity brainstrust, which helps brain tumour patients and their families.Jack Jarvis has raised almost £70,000 for the charity brainstrust, which helps brain tumour patients and their families. (Image: .)

"I used to spend hours flicking through the Guinness World Records books as a kid, as well as watching the show on TV.

"To be mentioned in the same breath as those guys is pretty special.

“I also want to use this opportunity to give a shout to everyone who supported me - without you guys it wouldn’t have been possible.

"I hope my row has inspired people to smile in the face of adversity and to believe that with hard work and determination you can achieve anything you put your mind to.”

As reported in the Daily Echo Jack set off from on December 3 last year and rowed 4,600 nautical miles - a distance of 8,334km.

He celebrated the end of his voyage by lighting a hand-held flare and waving the Union Flag as he prepared to step ashore for the first time in months.

Sporting tousled hair and a bushy beard he described his relief at completing the near four-month journey, adding: "It was epic."

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