Scottish expeditionists Mark Beaumont and Leven Brown have suffered a major setback in their bid to break the world record for rowing across the Atlantic when Brown’s boat, La Mondiale, sank last week.

The boat was struck on the under-side of the hull by a mystery object, though to have been a whale.

The pair were part of a 12-strong team who were aiming to break the trans-Atlantic rowing record from New York to Falmouth.

Whilst remaining positive, skipper Brown stated on his Facebook page that it would be wise to postpone the row for a year, meaning the group would depart in summer 2010.

Beaumont, who is currently in France, told ITWZ, “The boat unfortunately has been lost.  We are hoping to rebuild a new one and get back to the challenge as soon as possible.”

More information on Beaumont’s plans are expected to be released next week.