Kids Aboard Boating, Fishing & Watersports Magazine
For Children & Families
Posted Wednesday, January 3, 2007
Have you ever dreamed to sail across the ocean, or even just across the bay? Well, a little perseverance and your dreams can come true. That's what 14 year-old Michael Pelham learned as he sailed into the harbor of the Caribbean island of Antigua the morning of January 3, 2007, after spending 46 days crossing the Atlantic Ocean on his 28 ft. sailboat- alone.
A sailor since the tender age of 7, Michael got the inspiration to sail across the Atlantic solo when he heard about a 15 year-old boy who set the previous record of youngest single-handed sailor to cross the Atlantic in 2003.
"Michael said to me: 'It would be great if I could do that, Dad.' As a parent I just thought it was a typical boy's dream. I never thought it would actually happen," Peter Perham, the boy's father said in an article printed by the Guardian Unlimited, a British newspaper.
Michael's family, especially his dad Peter, were very instrumental in making his dream come true. While Michael's mom Heather stayed at home in England keeping an eye on his progress via email and radio, Peter was literally behind his son, trailing him a few miles away on his own identical sailboat.
Michael's dad is an experienced Yachtsman, as well as a chartered surveyor. Both boats were outfitted according to RCD standards for safety. Before this trip, Michael already had a few thousand miles of sailing under his belt. Trained by his dad, he completed RYA sailing courses in dinghy sailing and windsurfing. Before his crossing he also studied for the RYA Yachtmaster exam.
Along the 3,500 mile, 46-day trip Michael battled huge waves and squalls. His 28 ft. sailboat, Cheeky Monkey, enjoyed the company of dolphins who followed him for days at a time.
According to reports in Cruising World magazine, "A flotilla of welcoming boats escorted Perham to the dock in Antigua, where a steel band was performing in his honor. Overwhelmed by the reception he'd received, Perham told BBC News, "It feels absolutely fantastic being back on dry land, absolutely brilliant.""
You can read all about Michael's trip by visiting his website and reading his log.
