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Young sailor sets global record Young sailor sets global record
(31 minutes later)
A 17-year-old boy has become the youngest person to sail solo around the world after entering UK waters.A 17-year-old boy has become the youngest person to sail solo around the world after entering UK waters.
Mike Perham, from Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, has tackled 50ft waves, gale force winds and technical problems during a 30,000-mile circumnavigation.Mike Perham, from Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, has tackled 50ft waves, gale force winds and technical problems during a 30,000-mile circumnavigation.
He left Portsmouth, Hampshire, on 15 November 2008 and celebrated his 17th birthday on the Indian Ocean in March.He left Portsmouth, Hampshire, on 15 November 2008 and celebrated his 17th birthday on the Indian Ocean in March.
His record was set when he crossed a line between Lizard Point and Ushant in France at 0947 BST.His record was set when he crossed a line between Lizard Point and Ushant in France at 0947 BST.
'Very excited''Very excited'
Falmouth Coastguards confirmed he had crossed the finish line at Lizard Point, off the Cornish coast.Falmouth Coastguards confirmed he had crossed the finish line at Lizard Point, off the Cornish coast.
That means that, subject to verification, he has set a new world record as the youngest person to sail solo around the world.That means that, subject to verification, he has set a new world record as the youngest person to sail solo around the world.
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Solo sailor's world routeSolo sailor's world route
His father Peter Perham said: "I am delighted and I know Mike is very, very excited." Mike, who is aged 17 years and 164 days, was escorted across the finish line by the Royal Navy guard ship HMS Mersey.
He said: "I've made it, I've made my dream come true and it feels amazing.
"I can't believe that the Royal Navy sent HMS Mersey and a helicopter to witness my crossing the line. I feel very honoured."
His father, Peter, said: "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."
Joined by father
The First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope, sent a message to the teenager on his success.
He said: "This is a remarkable and inspirational achievement in one so young.
"Michael's family have strong maritime connections. His father was a merchant naval officer, his grandfather served with the Royal Navy during the Second World War, and his great-grandfather was a Royal Marine in the Crimean war.
"The Royal Navy is delighted to participate in welcoming him back home to the UK as an honoured and much-respected fellow seafarer."
I just always look forward. You've got to have confidence in yourself that you will make it Mike Perham
After crossing the finish line, Mike was joined by his father to continue sailing back for a homecoming welcome at Portsmouth on Saturday.
Mike originally set off aiming to complete the challenge non-stop but technical problems forced several stay overs, meaning his world record is the youngest solo circumnavigation with assistance.Mike originally set off aiming to complete the challenge non-stop but technical problems forced several stay overs, meaning his world record is the youngest solo circumnavigation with assistance.
According to Guinness World Records, the youngest person to circumnavigate the globe, sailing solo, non-stop and unsupported is Jesse Martin, of Australia.According to Guinness World Records, the youngest person to circumnavigate the globe, sailing solo, non-stop and unsupported is Jesse Martin, of Australia.
He sailed in Lionheart from Melbourne, Australia, on 8 December 1998 aged 18 years 104 days and returned on October 31 1999, taking 327 days 12hrs 52 mins.He sailed in Lionheart from Melbourne, Australia, on 8 December 1998 aged 18 years 104 days and returned on October 31 1999, taking 327 days 12hrs 52 mins.
Mike's voyage has taken him via Portugal, the Canaries, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. Thrilled and frightened
His route also took him via the Panama Canal after he missed the weather window to sail around Cape Horn at the southern tip of South America.
I just always look forward. You've got to have confidence in yourself that you will make it Mike Perham
Craig Glenday, editor-in-chief of Guinness World Records, said earlier: "Even the most experienced of sailors would be tested by the mental and physical stamina required to achieve a record of this magnitude.Craig Glenday, editor-in-chief of Guinness World Records, said earlier: "Even the most experienced of sailors would be tested by the mental and physical stamina required to achieve a record of this magnitude.
"The fact that Mike achieved it at such a young age is a testament to his courage and unparalleled sense of adventure." "Mike achieved it at a young age and this is a testament to his courage and unparalleled sense of adventure."
On his way towards his achievement, Mike said: "It's beginning to sink in what I've done and I'm feeling very proud of myself and the people who have helped me make this happen. On his way towards his achievement, Mike said: "It's beginning to sink in what I've done.
"It does get lonely, no doubt about it, but that's part of the challenge. "I just always look forward. You've got to have confidence in yourself that you will make it."
"I'm probably used to it now. I just always look forward. You've got to have confidence in yourself that you will make it."
'He's come through'
The family back home, father Peter, mother Heather and older sister Fiona, say they have been equally thrilled and frightened during Mike's adventure.The family back home, father Peter, mother Heather and older sister Fiona, say they have been equally thrilled and frightened during Mike's adventure.
Mr Perham said: "The enormity and scale of what he has achieved is amazing.
"It's been pretty tough for him and us back home too.
"You really swing with the pendulum of equipment failure.
"He is the only one who can fix it and there's no manual on how to sail an open racing yacht, it's like a formula one racing car, but he's come through."
Mike's arrival comes as controversy has arisen in Holland where social workers have taken legal action to try to stop 13-year-old Laura Dekker from setting off to break the same record.Mike's arrival comes as controversy has arisen in Holland where social workers have taken legal action to try to stop 13-year-old Laura Dekker from setting off to break the same record.
They want to make her a ward of court to prevent her parents from being able to give her the go-ahead to undertake the challenge, which would involve missing up to two years of school. They want to make her a ward of court to prevent her parents from being able to give her the go-ahead to undertake the challenge.