A 14-year-old British schoolboy today became the youngest person to sail the Atlantic single-handed, arriving in the Caribbean after setting off from Gibraltar just over six weeks ago. Michael Perham, from Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, sailed into Nelson's Dockyard on the Caribbean island of Antigua at 10am (2pm UK time), and was escorted into dock by a flotilla of boats.Now, as a fellow sailor [still count myself current], this is more than astounding. I began sailing about 8 but only sailed single-handed at 12. By 14 I’d graduated to bigger boats but this was all bay sailing. I didn’t try a trek until I was 23. But to get a 28 foot keeler across the Atlantic – this is more astounding than I can say and quite frankly, it’s hard to believe he didn’t have total backup e.g. some other boats alongside or near him.
Having said that, John Prescott is right in that it’s an extension of the British Maritime Tradition and there are some august personages on that list. Amazingly well done to the lad!
Hi James, I like your new sails, I imagine you wish it was you on those ocean waves. I also completed a sailing course last summer and was thinking of buying something small for the Norfolk coast, but never got round to it, maybe this year.
ReplyDeleteFor the coast, Ellee?
ReplyDeleteThat requires a little more than a sailing course. Have you done navigation? Britain has some of the most treacherous and tidal waters in the world.
Of course, if you mean to sail as part of a club with others, then a Puffin or similar would be great for you. Do you intend singlehanded?
Why not sail inland - it's much safer? But whatever you do - do it. It's a wonderful feeling, as you already know.
Yes, well done to him. I was worried about how safe he'd been when I first heard it but knew he would have been tracked - as he was, by his lovely Dad. I need a drink now, James, as I find myself agreeing with something Prescott has said!
ReplyDeleteDid you notice that the traditional bottle of rum given to long-distance sailors was given, not to Micheal, but to his dad?
ReplyDelete