NICHOLAS Baker, tyro yachtsman, suffered storms, torn masts and mountainous seas on his first long voyage.

A cancer sufferer, he threw everything into a journey across the Atlantic, from the Canaries to Antigua, to raise money for organisations close to his heart-including Magpie Cancer Care at Winchester.

"I wanted to make the best of the situation I found myself in," said the 46-year-old, of Owslebury, near Winchester.

His 3,030-mile solo journey, which took 19 days, has raised over £200,000. His family-wife, Karen, and children, Rosanna, Francesca and Charlie-together with over 20 other friends, were there to welcome him as he sailed into English Harbour, where Lord Nelson's ships used to dock for repair.

"A government official was waiting with a welcoming handshake and presentations at a party in the evening.

"What an adventure it was-and it has all ended well," said Karen.

This week, Nicholas was back at work in London, as a yacht broker. The 50ft craft he sailed, provided by Ansbacher, the merchant bankers, will now be sold.

Of course, the trip had been very tiring. Nicholas managed around four hours sleep a night. He had to cope sometimes with huge seas in the middle of the night.

Charities that will now also benefit are the Institute of Cancer Research; Marlin, a disaster relief organisation, and Encompass, which promotes friendship between children of different cultures and religions.

There's fund-raising to come-a joint concert at St Swithun's Performing Arts Centre, Winchester, at 7pm on Monday, March 15th. Nicholas will speak at this event.

For more information, visit www.aqualungtrust.org