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Boy sails into the record books Boy sails into the record books
(40 minutes later)
A British 14-year-old has arrived in Antigua to become the youngest person to sail the Atlantic single-handed.A British 14-year-old has arrived in Antigua to become the youngest person to sail the Atlantic single-handed.
Michael Perham, from Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, ended his 3,500-mile voyage when he sailed into Nelson's Dockyard at 1400 GMT.Michael Perham, from Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, ended his 3,500-mile voyage when he sailed into Nelson's Dockyard at 1400 GMT.
Michael takes the record from Isle of Wight teenager Seb Clover, who was 15 when he made the crossing in 2003.Michael takes the record from Isle of Wight teenager Seb Clover, who was 15 when he made the crossing in 2003.
The teenager, who has spent six weeks at sea, was escorted into dock by a flotilla of boats.The teenager, who has spent six weeks at sea, was escorted into dock by a flotilla of boats.
'Huge accomplishment''Huge accomplishment'
On reaching dry land, where he was met by a steel band, Michael said he had been overwhelmed by the reception he had received.On reaching dry land, where he was met by a steel band, Michael said he had been overwhelmed by the reception he had received.
"It feels absolutely fantastic being back on dry land, absolutely brilliant," he told BBC News."It feels absolutely fantastic being back on dry land, absolutely brilliant," he told BBC News.
Michael's yacht, Cheeky Monkey, was shadowed by his father, Peter, a quantity surveyor, who was also in radio contact.Michael's yacht, Cheeky Monkey, was shadowed by his father, Peter, a quantity surveyor, who was also in radio contact.
Michael Perham has been sailing since he was six
Mother Heather Perham said her son had been inspired by Seb Clover's record in 2003.Mother Heather Perham said her son had been inspired by Seb Clover's record in 2003.
"He's a very adventurous lad. When he heard about the trip that Seb and his father had done... it challenged him.""He's a very adventurous lad. When he heard about the trip that Seb and his father had done... it challenged him."
Speaking to her son via video-link for the first time since reaching shore, Mrs Perham congratulated him on his achievement.Speaking to her son via video-link for the first time since reaching shore, Mrs Perham congratulated him on his achievement.
"Congratulations Michael from everyone here in the family," she said."Congratulations Michael from everyone here in the family," she said.
"We are very proud of you. It's a huge accomplishment for yourself and to set an example for other young people to have adventures and live life to the full.""We are very proud of you. It's a huge accomplishment for yourself and to set an example for other young people to have adventures and live life to the full."
Stuart Phillips, head teacher at Chancellors Secondary School, which Michael attends, said: "It is an amazing achievement and goes to show what young people can achieve.Stuart Phillips, head teacher at Chancellors Secondary School, which Michael attends, said: "It is an amazing achievement and goes to show what young people can achieve.
"We have been keeping students and parents informed of his progress. His friends have been logging onto his website.""We have been keeping students and parents informed of his progress. His friends have been logging onto his website."
Mr Phillips said Michael was in his first year of GCSEs and had been given a revision programme to support him.Mr Phillips said Michael was in his first year of GCSEs and had been given a revision programme to support him.
He said: "What he has achieved is an education in itself and when people achieve success in something like this it translates into success in other areas.He said: "What he has achieved is an education in itself and when people achieve success in something like this it translates into success in other areas.
"The school is very proud of him and when he returns we will decide how to mark this remarkable feat.""The school is very proud of him and when he returns we will decide how to mark this remarkable feat."