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16-Year-Old Sails Solo Around the World

Most of us can't even drive a car on our own by the time we're 16. But teenager Michael Perham, from Hertfordshire, England, has a much bigger goal than a simple drive around the block: he plans to become the youngest person to finish a solo sailing trip around the world.

By Kathryn Hawkins. Posted on November 19 2008
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Most of us can’t even drive a car on our own by the time we’re 16. But teenager Michael Perham, from Hertfordshire, England, has a much bigger goal than a simple drive around the block: he plans to become the youngest person to finish a solo sailing trip around the world.

Perham’s record-breaking trip began on Saturday, as he said goodbye to friends and family and set off from Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth. He’ll be completely alone in the water for the next four months, with no communication except for satellite link-ups.

After circumnavigating the globe, Perham plans to make the return voyage home around the middle of March, just in time for his 17th birthday.

“I’m a little bit nervous but otherwise really, really excited,” Perham told BBC News.

His mother, Heather, was sad to say goodbye to her son, but she’s full of admiration for his exciting journey, which will raise money for the charities Save the Children and the Tall Ships Youth Trust. “He’s just such an inspiration for other young people - for anyone really - we’re just amazed we’ve got to this point,” she said.

Michael’s father, who introduced him to sailing at the age of seven, agrees: “whether he is 16, 26 or 36, as a parent you are always concerned for your children,” he said. “But it will be an amazing achievement. I take my hat off to him completely.”

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