The Pacific Basin shipping executive completed the grueling effort in 24 days, but actually covered a distance of 2,000 km.

The expedition between Mozambique and Kenya was in aid of Sorensen’s campaign, Mission: Safe Ocean – a campaign to raise awareness of the roots causes of piracy in the Indian Ocean.

He also sought to support seafarer safety and to raise money for two charities, the Mission to Seafarers and African Development Solutions.

Speaking shortly after his arrival in Mombasa, Kenya, Sorensen spoke about his achievement and the challenges that he faced: “I encountered all sorts of obstacles along the way, including a severe lack of wind at crucial times during our journey.

“I was stranded overnight on a remote island; I had a near miss with a humpback whale and had to kitesurf at night at times to stay on schedule, which definitely isn’t recommended.

“We didn’t know if it would be possible to cover this distance in the time available and the fact that we achieved this goal with just one day to go shows how close it was.

“It has been a tough few weeks, but all the risks and the physical challenges were worth it, in return for the causes we are highlighting and the two charities we are supporting.”

He also spoke about his vision for Mission: Safe Ocean and his ongoing fundraising efforts: “It may have been me on the surfboard, but I couldn’t have started this expedition, let alone achieved my goal, without the wonderful backing of our friends and supporters, particularly our lead partner, Sturrock Grindrod Maritime and the staff of all of their offices along the East African coast.”

Sorensen’s latest kitesurf journey may be complete, but he says the mission continues and he has plans for an even bolder adventure.

“Our vision is a safe Indian Ocean for all and my dream that it will one day to possible to attempt a 6000+km kitesurf journey from Durban to Djibouti, including over 3,000km along the Somali coastline.”

Mission: Safe Ocean is supported by a number of shipping organisations, including Sturrock Grindrod Maritime, Neptune Maritime Security, Pacific Basin, Univan Ship Management, Thuraya and BLUE Communications.