In these risk-averse times, hats off to City firm Wedlake Bell for getting involved in the last great nautical challenge: circumnavigating Antarctica solo by oar power.

Adventurer Olly Hicks reckons his 15,000-mile ‘Virgin Global Row’ (spot the other sponsor) will take between 18 and 24 months. Apart from wintering on South Georgia, he will be at sea all the time.

Olly aims to raise £1m for charity Hope & Homes for Children.

David Earl, senior partner at Wedlake Bell said: ‘His detailed planning and rigorous training, impressive past experience and enthusiasm for Hope and Homes for Children make us confident.’