Rowing across the Atlantic was Mr Munslow's childhood dream

Rob Munslow, 28, from Monmouth, south Wales, has rowed solo and unsupported across the north Atlantic in a bid to beat a record.

The rower started his ocean-wide journey from St John's in Canada to the Scilly Isles on 27 June.

During the charity fundraising row, his boat has capsized twice and he has had to survive by collecting rain water.

The adventure is coming to an end, it has been pretty beautiful and I am going to miss it Rob Munslow

Mr Munslow, who aims to touch land on Wednesday, spoke to BBC Wales's news website via satellite phone to say he was looking forward to seeing family, friends and well-wishers after an arduous journey.

The Territorial Army recruitment officer has limited his food and drink rations after his freshwater-making machine broke down.

He said: "It's been pretty emotional. Since day 41, I have been within 300 miles of land but the weather has been pushing me away. In a rowing boat you are in the lap of the gods."

Rule book

Mr Munslow, who has lost weight on his journey, was inspired to make the voyage after reading about Tom McClean, the first man to row the Atlantic solo, in 1969.

He said: "I was trying to beat a record of 55 days, I think it's now day 64 or 65."

On 13 August, Mr Munslow pinpointed how far he had to go

His supporters are studying the rule book to see if he could set his own record by not requiring assistance when he approaches the shore.

"It's going to be quite late when I get in (to the Scilly Isles). I am looking forward to a shave - I've got a beard now - and a shower.

"I will stay there a bit, I'm pretty exhausted and pretty weak at the moment.

"I have no regrets whatsoever, an opportunity came to take water off a passing ship but I didn't take it, I wanted to do it unsupported."

The 28-year-old is raising money for Ty Hafan Children's Hospice in Cardiff and Trinity Hospice in south London.

He said he was happy to be near land but said he felt an element of sadness.

I have been watching the sun rising and the sunsets- there have been whales and the dolphins have been swimming by the boat Rob Munslow

"The adventure is coming to an end, it has been pretty beautiful and I am going to miss it.

"I have been watching the sun rising and the sunsets. There have been whales and the dolphins have been swimming by the boat, he said.

Phil Munslow said he was proud of his brother Rob's achievements.

"We are not a seafaring family by any stretch of the imagination, our parents are from Monmouth and that's where we were brought up," he said.