He has dodged ferries and dangerous whirlpools, crossed the Irish Sea and slept in a makeshift tent made of windsurfing equipment.

Eastern Daily Press: Jono Dunnett by his makeshift camp made up by his windsurfing equipment. Picture: SUBMITTEDJono Dunnett by his makeshift camp made up by his windsurfing equipment. Picture: SUBMITTED (Image: Archant)

And now daredevil Jono Dunnett, 41, is on the homestretch to become the first windsurfer to sail around Britain without a support boat after passing north Norfolk.

Mr Dunnett, who grew up in Essex, has always wanted to navigate around the island since he learned the skill aged 10 at Gunfleet Sailing Club in Clacton.

He started his challenge on June 7 from Clacton Pier, where he aims to finish this weekend, and came to a rest at Sea Palling yesterday after briefly stopping at Cromer.

The windsurfer is raising money for the Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund and Suffolk-based charity Supporting Tanzanian Orphans and Widows (STOW) which educates children orphaned by AIDS.

Eastern Daily Press: Jono Dunnett launching from Cromer beach during his windsurfing challenge, Picture: BILLY SHORTJono Dunnett launching from Cromer beach during his windsurfing challenge, Picture: BILLY SHORT (Image: Archant)

His mother Jenefer Roberts, from Kelsale, near Saxmundham in Suffolk, said: 'I was quite frightened for him when he first told me about it. What he has done is amazing. I look at the map of Britain and think it is an extraordinary thing.'

The longest distance her son has covered in one day so far is 100 miles while travelling past the south coast.

Mr Dunnett has encountered difficulties including navigating a large swell around Land's End, which he said he would never windsurf around again.

He also dodged ferries around Dover Harbour where it was very stormy and the deadly Corryvreckan whirlpool around the Scottish islands.

The water enthusiast also crossed the Irish Sea from Abereiddy in Wales to Rosslare in Ireland which took eight hours.

'He said he wouldn't cross the Irish Sea, but he said that to keep us quiet,' his mother added.

Mr Dunnett has been joined by wildlife including dolphins, seals and gannets during his adventure.

Overnight stays have been either under a tent made up of windsurfing equipment or beds offered by people who have been tracking his progress online.

He has even fished for his food and eaten it on his board out at sea.

To follow his progress visit www.windsurfroundbritain.co.uk.

Are you taking part in an adventurous challenge? Email sophie.wyllie@archant.co.uk