SEA adventurer Simon Chalk has admitted that the choice of Teignmouth as his home port has been a huge stumbling block for the Spirit of Teignmouth community project.

Crippling political in-fighting, negative press and small-mindedness has forced him to admit that some sectors of the community are 'sticking a knife' in his back. 'If I had the choice again, I would not have come to Teignmouth. 'There are a loud minority here who have been determined not to support the project and this challenge is difficult enough without being stabbed in the back,' he said.

Mr Chalk, 34, stuck to Teignmouth as the launch site for his round-the-world challenge in a 68ft multihull because it is his home port. And that was despite Torquay tourism bosses offering him money to site the project there, and also firm support in Totnes.

He admits that the prominent location on The Den has not been popular with some, but it was not first choice for the record-breaking rower. 'We had about four locations in mind and the clinching factor was finding a site large enough. 'I would have preferred to be near the slipway, but that is private land.' In the early days, it was hoped that the private enterprise would be an economic boost to the town.

'Teignbridge Council, the town council and ourselves thought it would be a potential boost that suited everyone's purpose. 'But I have to say that the downsides have outweighed any potential benefits.' Mr Chalk said that strict health and safety conditions for the building work on Teignbridge Council-owned land meant a delay in the visitor centre opening and the launch from the town beach is also more complicated than using a ready-made slipway.

The visitor centre has also been classed as a commercial enterprise and the team was forced to impose an entrance fee to cover high rents and business rates.

'If anyone thinks that this is a money-making venture then they are mistaken,' said Mr Chalk. 'This has not been profit-orientated in the slightest and there was no way it would ever have been. Mr Chalk said that his branch companies under Woodvale Ltd have had to accommodate the boat build project. 'If this had been stand alone, it would have gone bankrupt by now,' he said. A major sponsor for the project is yet to come forward for the project, that has been entirely financed by Mr Chalk. One potential sponsor pulled out at a late stage because of negative feeling in the town. 'It would be great if a sponsor came forward now, but that would only cover the costs of the project from that moment forward and not what has gone before. He said that he felt so passionate about the record-breaking ambition then it could force him to sell up. 'I almost feel like I have to lose everything to do this and ultimately that could still be what it will take,' he said. The temporary building is due to leave the Den six weeks after the launch date scheduled for September. Mr Chalk said that he has a site in mind for the structure. The challenge of taking to the high seas the wrong way round still feels a long way off and he is confident that the John Shuttleworth-built multi-hull is more than up for the job. It has been designed to cope with the harsh realities of travelling against prevailing conditions and will be able to reach speeds of 38-42 knots. 'It is exciting and also terrifying and despite the amount of publicity this project has received, I am a very private person. 'I am nervous about launching the boat and the amount of people following the project,' he said. But it is the drive to challenge the world that has propelled this project. The visitor centre was supposed to be a showcase and inspiration for others to achieve their goals. The localised problems really do not matter, 'This is a global sailing campaign and is bigger than the problems that have arisen,' he stressed Visitor numbers have been good and comments positive but Mr Chalk would love to see more people enjoying the centre and the large ground floor hall used by community groups. 'On a personal level I am saddened that the potential of this project hasn't so far been realised.'