YACHTSMAN Neil Eatough has returned home to Britain after his round-the-world adventure of a lifetime.

Neil, from Burnley, arrived back on dry land after successfully completing the 30,000-mile circumnavigation of the globe in the BT Global Challenge yacht race.

The journey, which began 10 months ago, took yacht crews the 'wrong' way around the world - that is, against prevailing winds.

Neil was on board the Commercial Union Assurance yacht, which arrived in Southampton from Boston, USA, after the sixth and final leg of the race in fifth place, which meant it also claimed fifth place overall in the event.

With a finishing time of 167 days, eight hours, one minute and 32 seconds, it was six days slower than the winner, the Group 4 yacht.

Neil, boss of the Burnley paints firm Dexter's, was delighted to be home and had some wonderful memories of his time at sea.

He said: "We were racing with the Save The Children boat to the bitter end - there was only one and a half minutes separating us."

STC triumphed in the exciting finish after the two boats swept into the Solent neck and neck and battled for the lead as they tacked against the wind to the finish line.

"The race has been exciting from start to finish. The welcome home from family and friends has been terrific.

"This has been an adventure of a lifetime with a very special group of people. I've learned so much from living and working with the crew in such close quarters.

"How I take these new skills forward is yet to be seen."

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