In his dreams, the story must have had a far happier ending.

After sailing over 4000 kilometres from Turkey in a 4.8-metre yacht, Ramazan Noyan Culum imagined that the British woman he loved would be swept off her feet and accept his hand in marriage.

Ramazan Culum's odyssey of love has attracted international attention. Photo: Ramazan Culum

Instead, his eight-month odyssey took him only as far as an immigration removal office in Sussex, with the object of his desire telling him he will be arrested if he comes anywhere near her.

Mr Culum, a 38-year-old Turkish businessman, was picked up by Customs officials in the Channel this week after sailing the length of Europe to win the affections of Courtney Murray, whom he met at a restaurant in Cyprus in 2005.