WILL North rowed 120 kilometres on Saturday, without leaving the shelter of the gazebo in the rain-lashed Square, Winchester.

The former Westgate and Peter Symonds’ student was preparing for one of the most gruelling races in the world, rowing across the Atlantic.

His static 12-hour row was designed to raise awareness of the 3,000-mile challenge from the Canaries to Antigua next December.

Will, 27, needs to raise £80,000 to finance his participation along with friend Dan Howie but aims to raise £200,000 for three charities: Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research, Cancer Research UK and St Anna’s, a children’s charity in Ghana.

Two of those are close to his heart as his father Simon, a partner in Winchester estate agents Strutt and Parker is in remission from cancer of the lymphoma.

Mr North, 62, from Shawford, said: “I feel a great deal of pride. Obviously there’s a worry but it is a marvellous adventure. He has my full support.”

Will, a London-based headhunter, is also hoping for corporate support but anyone giving £250 will have their name on the 23-foot £28,000 boat.

The physical training is no easy task as Will must put on two stone in muscle as he will burn 8,000 calories a day in the race expected to last 40-50 days.

“It has taken over my life but it has opened a whole new world, new people and new opportunities. So far it has been a fantastic journey,” he said.

His sister Emma said of her brother’s plans: “I think he’s mad. No, we are very proud of him.”

Visit AtlanticRow2013.com for more details.