At only 14 years old, Michael Perham, from Potters Bar, is aiming to become the youngest person ever to sail single-handed across the Atlantic Ocean. Having been inspired by Sebastian Clover – who, aged 15, completed a transatlantic in 2003 – Michael will set off from Gibraltar in November, and expects to arrive in Antigua approximately four weeks and 3500 miles later. Michael’s father Peter, will be shadowing him in a second boat – both of which are identical Tide 28s designed by Nigel Harley and built by Peter’s company in Cowes. While standard models are Class B Offshore trailable boats, those being used for the record attempt have apparently been modified and equipped to bring them up to Ocean standards.
Michael started sailing at the age of seven, has completed RYA sailing courses in dinghy sailing and windsurfing and has clocked ‘literally thousands of hours sailing with his Dad.’ He has a growing list of sponsors including McMurdo who have provided EPIRBs and Fastfind Plus PLBs – and luckily the support of his school, Chancellor’s School in Brookmans Park.
For more information see www.sailmike.com