Jono sails through ‘gates of Hell’ to meet mum and dad

A SOLO windsurfing sailor who is aiming to be the first to circumnavigate Britain unaided, cruised into Oban at the weekend to meet his parents.

Three people have windsurfed round Britain, but all were supported in the seas by yachts or powerboats. However, Jono Dunnett, 41, from London, is attempting his voyage unsupported. Jono started his epic voyage when he left Britain’s capital in June, travelling clockwise and aims to arrive back in London in August or September. He also hopes to raise funds for research into pancreatic cancer.

He arrived in Machrihanish, Kintyre for dinner at the Old Clubhouse last week after sailing from Northern Ireland.

Last Thursday, he reached Jura, describing his nerve-wracking voyage through Corryvrecken as his ‘gates of Hell’. On Saturday, he reached Oban and was able to chill out on shore with his mum and dad who were visiting the town.

Three people have windsurfed around Britain, taking between 70 and 61 days, the first in 1984 and two more in 1999, but Jono’s is the first unaided effort.

To track Jono’s whereabouts, and to donate to his cause, visit: www.windsurfroundbritain.co.uk.