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Hero's welcome for young sailor Hero's welcome for young sailor
(30 minutes later)
Teenage sailor Mike Perham received a hero's welcome when he returned back to the UK after becoming the youngest person to circumnavigate the world.Teenage sailor Mike Perham received a hero's welcome when he returned back to the UK after becoming the youngest person to circumnavigate the world.
The 17-year-old arrived to cheers from hundreds of people who gathered at Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth, where he set off in November last year. The 17-year-old arrived to cheers from hundreds of people who gathered at Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth, where he set off from in November last year.
Mike, from Potters Bar, Herts, crossed the finish line between Lizard Point and Ushant, France, on Thursday.Mike, from Potters Bar, Herts, crossed the finish line between Lizard Point and Ushant, France, on Thursday.
As he arrived back, he said: "It's incredible. Absolutely incredible."As he arrived back, he said: "It's incredible. Absolutely incredible."
He added: "I always knew I could do it." He added: "I always knew I could do it. Sure, there were times when I thought: 'Crikey what am I doing here'.
"It's just such an adventure and I am a dreamer."
During the 30,000-mile voyage he battled gales and 50ft waves.During the 30,000-mile voyage he battled gales and 50ft waves.
Mike's Open 50 racing yacht Totallymoney.com was escorted into Portsmouth's Gunwharf Quays by the Royal Navy patrol vessel HMS Puncher. He was joined by parents Heather and Peter, and sister Fiona when he set foot back on dry land.
Commanding Officer Lieutenant Tim Leeder said: "Mike Perham sets a fine example to young people today - his record-breaking achievement adds immensely to this country's distinguished maritime heritage." Mr Perham, who joined his son on board the Open 50 racing yacht Totallymoney.com on Thursday, said: "This is what we have been waiting for."
Technical problemsTechnical problems
Mike set off aiming to complete the challenge non-stop, but several technical problems halted the voyage, meaning his world record is the youngest solo circumnavigation with assistance.Mike set off aiming to complete the challenge non-stop, but several technical problems halted the voyage, meaning his world record is the youngest solo circumnavigation with assistance.
He was 16 when he set off from Portsmouth and celebrated his 17th birthday in the South Indian Ocean on March 16.He was 16 when he set off from Portsmouth and celebrated his 17th birthday in the South Indian Ocean on March 16.
To satisfy the requirements of the world record, the solo circumnavigation has to cross the equator and every line of longitude.To satisfy the requirements of the world record, the solo circumnavigation has to cross the equator and every line of longitude.
The previous youngest to complete a similar voyage was American Zac Sunderland who was two months older than Mike when he completed his voyage last month.The previous youngest to complete a similar voyage was American Zac Sunderland who was two months older than Mike when he completed his voyage last month.
Jesse Martin, of Australia, is recognised by Guinness World Records as the youngest person to circumnavigate the globe, sailing solo, non-stop and unsupported, aged 18 years 104 days when he set off from Melbourne on December 8, 1998, taking 327 days 12hrs 52 mins.Jesse Martin, of Australia, is recognised by Guinness World Records as the youngest person to circumnavigate the globe, sailing solo, non-stop and unsupported, aged 18 years 104 days when he set off from Melbourne on December 8, 1998, taking 327 days 12hrs 52 mins.
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