Captain John O'Keeffe at the helm on the Atlantic crossing.

Soldiers from 7th Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery (7 Para RHA) have sailed across the Atlantic Ocean, just months after returning from a tour of landlocked Afghanistan.

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The team of 12 Colchester-based Gunners, many of whom had not sailed before, took to the cold waters of the Atlantic for Exercise Atlantic Chellenge, raising £5,000 for Help for Heroes and the Royal Artillery Charitable Fund along the way.

After just a week of training in the Solent, the soldiers sailed on HMSTV Endeavour from the Isle of Wight to Newport, Rhode Island, and then on to New York. Winds of up to 40 knots sped the yacht on its 3,200 nautical mile crossing in 18 days and 23 hours, several days quicker than was expected.

Expedition leader Captain John O’Keeffe, a keen sailor, said: “Sailing across the Atlantic Ocean was a real adventure for us. It was every bit as tough as expected, but all of the crew rose to the challenge. We faced heavy weather and rough seas on the way, which tested the leadership and skills of the experienced sailors and resolve of the novices.

“Despite some difficult moments, morale never dipped as we were conscious of the strong backing we had, which was manifested in the money pledged to charity and I would like to thank everyone who has sponsored us.

“After the arduous crossing we were all delighted to step on to dry land in Newport, an emotion matched by the immense pride at telling our colleagues, families and friends what we had achieved.”

In Newport, the crew were hosted by the New York Yacht Club, famous for “the longest winning streak in sport” when they defended the America’s Cup between 1851 and 1983, and the Newport Yacht Club, with both clubs offering high praise for the soldiers’ achievement. In New York, HMSTV Endeavour was moored in the shadow of the Statue of Liberty while the crew enjoyed a few days of rest and tourism including laying a wreath at the World Trade Centre, which was attacked by terrorists on September 11, 2001.

To make a donation visit www.exerciseatlanticchallenge.com.