Mike Perham breaks world record youngest solo sailor
Mike Perham has become the youngest person ever to sail round the world. Mike will be arriving at Gunwharf Quays at 11am on Saturday 29th August after a journey of 30,000-miles.
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Only seventeen Mike, who is aged 17 years and 164 days, was escorted across the finish line by the Royal Navy guard ship HMS Mersey and a Royal Naval helicopter. "I've made it, I've made my dream come true and it feels amazing," said Mike. "A BIG BIG thanks to my Dad, Mum, all the sponsors and every one who has helped me along the way. I can't believe that the Royal Navy |
has sent HMS Mersey and a helicopter to witness my crossing the line. I feel very honoured." Mike's Dad - Peter Perham - added: "Mike is a very special son, he has done incredibly well. He has shown that with determination, you can succeed even in the most adverse circumstances. He has shown the world that he is an extraordinary young man and an inspiration to us all." |
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The departure On 18th November 2008, 16-year-old Mike Perham set out to become the youngest person to sail around the world single-handed in his yacht, TotallyMoney.com. Pirates His predecessor, Zac Sunderland was followed by pirates between Australia and the Coconut Islands. He had to call in for help at the Australian authorities to get rid of them. |
Problems Repeated autopilot failures put Mike’s record attempt at risk, forcing him to stop for repairs in Portugal, Gran Canaria and Cape Town. After finally overcoming those problems, Mike crossed the Southern Indian Ocean in March, celebrating his 17th birthday enroute, but was forced to stop again in Tasmania and then Aukland after serious rudder problems emerged. |
More challenges
Mike faced strong winds and big waves in the Pacific. Closer to home mike recently slowed down and diverted course to avoid the rapidly-approaching Hurricane Bill, with a big smile as the young adventurer likes a big wave, some where over 50 feet!
Dolphins and Whales
Last week Mike Perham was "escorted" by over fifty dolphins and even some whales, when he was en route to Lisbon.
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Questions Opponents of the attempt have questioned whether anyone with so little experience, let alone a minor, should be allowed to make such an attempt. Much less, thanks to the delays, at a time of year when the weather is so inhospitable, but Mike has pushed on and is set to prove his critics wrong. Barring any further complications, Mike is expected to arrive at his final destination, Gunwharf Quay, Portsmouth in two days. |
Next up; 13 year-old Laura Dekker? The 13-year-old Laura Dekker is planning to leave on September 1st for a solo sailing trip around the world. Although Mike Perham crossed the Atlantic in 2004 at the age of 14, he wonders if she is fiscally strong enough to face the challenges at sea. |
Source: Sailmike
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