He’s done it!

Former Royal Marine Dave ‘Dinger’ Bell successfully landed in Cornwall on Sunday September 26 after rowing across the North Atlantic from New York.

Non-stop, unsupported, solo and with an official crossing time of 118 days, four hours and 55 minutes from mainland USA to mainland UK.

Waiting to greet him at Newlyn Harbour were his partner, Georgie, as well as dad and brother for an emotional homecoming.

Among his first words: “I’m never doing anything dangerous ever again.”

Right up to the last moment there was tension with fears that Dinger was going to hit a reef in the Scilly Isles.

The original plan to land in Falmouth, further up the coast, was abandoned in favour of Newlyn due to an approaching Atlantic depression.

Dinger was escorted into the harbour by the local RNLI crew.

The 49-year-old launched from Liberty Landing Marina in New York, USA, on May 31 at 1.55am local time.

Due to hurricanes, the gulf stream and huge waves, he has since rowed around 4,000 nautical miles.

So far Dinger has raised more than £39,000, including Gift Aid, for the Poole-based Special Boat Service Association and Rock2Recovery UK.

To donate to his chosen charities, please click here.

Dinger was given the nickname (based on his surname Bell) on his first day with the Royal Marines – it’s been with him ever since.

He served 20 years in the Corps leaving in 2010 with the rank of Colour Sergeant.

Dinger left the Big Apple with everything he needed to complete the entire crossing.

Rowing solo from New York to continental Europe unsupported has never been done before.

Fewer than 60 people have ever rowed across the North Atlantic while more than 100 people rowed the Mid Atlantic last year alone.

Dorset Biz News has followed Dinger’s Atlantic row from the beginning.

Speaking to us last year, he said: “I’m quite scared of what I’m attempting to do but I’m using that fear to drive me on.”

Asked why he was mounting the personal challenge Dinger, who lives in Bere Regis, said: “Everyone asks me that.

“The simple answer is to see if I can.

“I’m no way an athlete.

“I have the classic Marine’s knees, hips and back.

“I’ve done some tough things and, to be honest, I don’t know if my body will hold out.

“But I’m curious to see if I can do this and I have a quiet determination to succeed.

“After all, if you don’t try, you’ll never know.”

He decided to row the Atlantic in 2015 but only started telling people three years later.

Dinger said: “95 per cent of people look blank and just say ’why?’.

“The other five per cent are fascinated and ask me loads of questions.”

Dinger bought his boat from Avon Marina, formerly Rossiters, in Christchurch.

It was used in the annual Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge, where up to 30 teams row the Mid Atlantic.

Dinger later christened it ‘Billy No Mates’.

The venture was self-funded with several sponsors also coming on board.

Among the businesses Dinger promoted was Bravery, the Poole-based extreme clothing brand founded by Tobias Gutteridge.

The former Royal Marine, pictured, was paralysed from the neck down after a bullet severed his spinal cord while serving in Afghanistan 12 years ago.

Dinger said: “He’s an amazing guy.”

He added: “This is something you only do once.

“I don’t intend to make a career out of it.

“But if I’m successful no-one will be able to take that achievement away from me.”

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How Dorset Biz News covered Dinger’s Atlantic solo row…

See all our stories here:

Dinger announces plans for his Atlantic row.

He’s off from New York!

Dinger’s on his way…

Dinger reaches the half-way stage.

Just 200 nautical miles to go now…

Our huge thanks to Barry Hayes, who was handling Dinger’s social media, for his help over the last four months.