A Briton has made the first non-stop solo rowing trip across the Pacific from North America to Australia. John Beeden, 53, set off from San Francisco on 1 June and rowed for an average of 15 hours a day. He had hoped to reach Cairns in north-east Australia weeks ago, but was slowed down by bad weather. Mr Beeden, who rowed across the Atlantic four years ago, said there were times when he didn't think he could go on. Mr Beeden, who is originally from the northern English city of Sheffield but now lives in Canada. He thanked the people of Cairns for a "brilliant reception" after 209 days at sea.