The sailor's journey took 75 days

Now the 44-year-old outdoor pursuits instructor from Pencoed College in Bridgend intends to make speeches and personal appearances in a bid to reach his target as quickly as possible.

The former member of the British Army's Special Air Service Boat Trooper re-enacted his arrival on Thursday for the cameras.

Lost bearings

His big moment was not captured on Wednesday because he ended up on the other side of Donegal bay after losing radio contact with his support team.

After a helicopter search, Mr Bray was spotted by a fishing boat off County Mayo.

Bray: Happy to be home

He was then flown to Killybegs to be reunited with his friends and family.

And on Thursday Mr Bray returned to where he had abandoned his 24ft craft at a tiny isolated harbour at Belderrig.

And a local man verified that he had made it ashore unaided after 75 days at sea.

Seamus Caulfield said he had asked Mr Bray if anyone was in trouble after he heard shouting in the bay on Wednesday evening.

"He said No, he was fine and was just arriving from Canada."

Mr Caulfield, who has no television or telephone, knew nothing about the Atlantic crossing attempt.

Back in the harbour, Mr Bray was only too pleased to stage a celebratory re-enactment of his arrival for the cameras.

Kayaking holiday

Back in the "Newt" he said: "Of course I'm happy it's my home."

All proceeds from the challenge will go to the Rainbow Hospice in the Midlands and the Ty Hafen Hospice in South Wales.

The adventurer's girlfriend Maria said that after the fundraising was complete they were off on holiday.

"We are going kayaking down rivers in Ecuador with some friends," she said.

On Friday the kayak will be towed across Ireland and Mr Bray will return home with it by ferry.

This was Mr Bray's second attempt at crossing the Atlantic in his kayak.

The first ended last year after his craft capsized and was stranded in the North Atlantic.