FRIGHTENING - that's the first word uttered by Dorset adventurer Bear Grylls back from his record-breaking crossing of the Atlantic.

The 29-year-old is resting at home with his wife Shara and baby son Jesse after his terrifying challenge of sailing from Newfoundland to John O'Groats via Greenland and Iceland on board an open-topped rigid inflatable boat.

Everest conqueror Bear and his four team-mates encountered mountainous seas, freezing temperatures, exhaustion and two life-threatening storms during their 16-day crossing completed on August 16.

"It was much more frightening than I thought it would be," he said.

"When you are mountain climbing you are in much more control but you are so much more vulnerable in open seas 500 miles from land and far more exposed.

"Twice when we got caught in huge storms between Greenland and Iceland it was terrifying with waves lashing us and extreme cold but the guys were brilliant."

Among the difficulties encountered were sleep deprivation - the only opportunities for overcoming exhaustion involved trying to snatch sleep in an open-topped container resembling a sardine can on the open deck which proved virtually impossible with waves crashing over - dangerously low levels of fuel and a number of injuries.

Several members of the team suffered cuts and bruises by banging into instruments while being tossed about by huge waves.

There was also the fear of being capsized, huge icebergs to negotiate and dangerously narrow weather 'windows' to meet.

Bear said: "At times it was humbling and we would be huddled together in the bottom of the boat trying to get warmth. But I was determined to succeed.

"My inspiration to get home safely was a laminated picture of my son I had attached to the control deck.

"The boat performed brilliantly. I was worried that if we capsized that was it because it could not right itself being an open-topped vessel, but even with waves crashing on to us she made it through. Seeing the Scottish coastline is something I will never forget.

"It was very different leading a team. I have never done that but I had huge faith in the guys.

"Each one was carefully chosen to be in charge of a particular area but really they were ordinary guys with day jobs doing something extraordinary. I felt so proud of them because they trained so hard."

Their record-breaking trip is expected to raise tens of thousands for the Prince's Trust, boosted by further funds when the Arnold & Son Explorer boat is auctioned off.

Meanwhile Bear is planning a much-needed holiday with his family before launching into a busy autumn of public speaking engagements. But he has his sights set on more projects for the future.

"I am quite happy just being home at the moment, seeing the flowers and enjoying the warm weather," he said.

"I'm not sure I want to do anything like what we've just been through again but I am doing a series of survival programmes for television later this year."