The craft was named Little Murka by Mee's friend Uri Geller

Dom Mee, of Somerset, has travelled 78 miles since leaving Newfoundland, Canada on Thursday afternoon.

He hopes to travel the 3,500 miles to Devon in 35 days. The one-man boat can go a maximum speed of eight knots.

His team spokesman Adrian Wyebrow said: "He is quite happy to actually be out there after two years of planning. There is a great sense of relief."

The first few days will be spent trying to make good progress to reach deep Atlantic waters more suited to the kite boat.

Stash

His progress will be logged twice a day on his website using a tracking mechanism that identifies the boat's position in the Atlantic. He will also be keeping a blog of the expedition.

Keeping his spirits high will be a stash of miniature whiskeys, pepperami, and a pencil case prepared by family containing a Book of Psalms and a lock of his mother's hair.

Dom Mee made a successful trip to the Arctic last year

Mr Mee's friend, magician Uri Geller, named the boat Little Murka.

It has been built in the South West, using kites designed in the United States and is equipped with the latest satellite communication and navigational tools.

In the past, the former Royal Marine commando led a team of seven people on a six-week trip retracing the steps of the Victorian explorer Sir John Ross.