What a tale of determination and sheer grit.

And now real achievement.

Dave ‘Dinger’ Bell has passed the half-way point on his solo – and unsupported – row across the North Atlantic.

An incredible 1,600 miles completed in the most challenging of circumstances.

From a hurricane to strong currents pushing him in the wrong direction.

Yet the former Royal Marine, from Bere Regis, has remained undaunted.

And now he’s on the home run, albeit another 1,435 nautical miles, as he seeks to complete the remaining distance of his epic 3,118 mile journey.

As reported on Dorset Biz News, Dinger set off from Liberty Landing Marina in New York, USA, for Falmouth in Cornwall on May 31.

He’s raising money for the SBS Association and Rock2Recovery UK.

So far more than £22,300 has been raised including Gift Aid.

You can donate here.

What’s called the NY2UKSoloRow is self-funded and backed by 35 generous sponsors which means every penny goes to the nominated charities.

Among the businesses Dinger is promoting is Bravery, the Poole-based extreme clothing brand founded by Toby Gutteridge, also a former Royal Marine.

The challenge has taken its toll on Dinger.

On the left, he’s shown on Day One and on the right, Day 44.

Rowing solo from New York to continental Europe unsupported has never been done before.

Fewer than 60 people have ever rowed across the North Atlantic.

The two most similar successful crossings were Gerard d’Aboville and Olly Hicks.

Gerard rowed from Massachusetts to the Lizard Meridian line, before being towed into Brittany in 1980, while Olly rowed from New Jersey to the Isles of Scilly in 2005.

They took 71 and 124 days respectively.

Dinger is rowing further than both, so it’s thought he could take three or even four months.

Not that he’s totally alone in the North Atlantic when it comes to rowers.

In fact there are more people attempting to row from west to east across the North Atlantic this year than ever before.

Some left from New York, some from Cape Cod, and all at varying times.

They include solos, a trio, a four and even one man who has a rowing machine system attached to a propeller drive.

Barry Hayes, pictured right, who is handling Dinger’s social media and has himself rowed across both the Pacific and Indian Oceans, described Dinger’s progress to date as “phenomenal”.

He said: “Most people that attempt to cross the Atlantic from west to east in a rowing boat, fail.

“So for Dinger to make it this far unassisted and solo is phenomenal.

“The total distance rowed is actually 2,100 miles because there have been a lot of ups and downs and backwards – but 1,600 towards the UK.

“But it hasn’t come without its difficulties; with rip currents dragging him backwards at high speed, infections, giant swordfish and even a hurricane to contend with.

“It has been a roller coaster of emotions for Dinger – not to mention everyone that is avidly following his trip.

“Dinger’s latest issue is that he has been dragged south which he’s been desperately trying to avoid.

“Thankfully, though, the winds have changed and are now allowing him to make the north easterly direction that he so desperately needs.

“Dinger has experienced and overcome more adversity in this one row than many people experience in a lifetime.

“And with just under half of the row left, it is by no means over yet!”

• Dinger’s live position can be seen here and you can see regular updates on his progress from Barry on the NY2UKSoloRow Facebook page here.
• Dinger’s sponsors are: