THREE sailors returned home to Hampshire in triumph after setting a new record for circumnavigating the UK.

Former world powerboat champion Tony Jenvey and two friends took just 33 hours, 11 minutes and four seconds to complete the 1,600-mile journey.

They slashed the existing record - set by fellow Hampshire sailor Mike Deacon and his team - by an amazing ten hours.

The trio were given a hero's welcome when their 30ft rigid inflatable boat returned to Lymington Yacht Haven yesterday morning.

Mr Jenvey, 45, said their triumph was down to a combination of good luck and perfect preparation.

He said: "We worked with a professional marine forecaster to ensure we got the right weather window. We also put a lot of effort into ensuring we used the right boat, the right navigation equipment and the right refuelling strategy."

Mr Jenvey, who runs a timber company, confirmed that the team encountered a spate of problems during their non-stop voyage around the UK.

"Anyone who climbs aboard a boat and goes flat-out for 30 hours is bound to encounter difficulties along the way," he said.

"We ran into unfavourable conditions off the coast of Scotland and also experienced engine problems.

"Later on we had gearbox trouble, which meant one of the two engines had to run on reduced revs.

"However, we still managed to beat the existing record by a long, long way.

"It would be presumptuous of me to say the new record will stand for a long time.

"I think it will survive for a little while, but it will be beaten eventually - no question."

Mr Jenvey's two companions were Neil McGrigor, 41, and yacht designer Simon Rogers, 37.

All three come from Lymington.