Sailing schoolboy Mike Perham, 17, has arrived in his Open 50 Totallymoney.com in Panama. He hopes to become the youngest solo circumnavigator. His parents are relieved he has arrived safely. Their missive on his website reads:

‘The Perham family anxiety levels have now receded as Mike safely arrived at Flamenco Marina, Panama at 09.30hrs local time (15.30hrs BST). He was escorted in by guys from the Panama Sailing School and shepherded into his berth by three ribs from the marina.

‘There were several members of the media and people from the yacht Club to greet him. However, a press conference has been arranged for 2pm at the Consulate tomorrow.

‘Stopping in Panama will allow TotallyMoney.com to have a thorough check over before she transits the canal and heads off into the Caribbean. If all goes well we are hoping that Mike will be able to transit over the weekend. As soon as we know timings, we will post them on the website.

‘As Mike was unable to sleep last night due to the proximity of shipping and only had a couple of hours the night before, we are hoping he is able to thoroughly re-charge his batteries whilst staying in the company of a lovely family in Panama.

‘We are hugely grateful to the people of Panama who are making Mike so welcome and organising everything that needs to be done to get TotallyMoney.Com on her way.

‘A good record of Mike’s arrival can be seen at :

http://www.panama-guide.com/article.php/20090708131514610

Peter and Heather’