Record breaking sailor back home

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A 14-year-old boy from Hertfordshire who became the youngest person to sail single-handedly across the Atlantic has arrived back in the UK.

Michael Perham, from Potters Bar, ended his 3,500-mile voyage when he sailed into Nelson's Dockyard in Antigua on 3 January after six weeks at sea.

He had set off from Gibraltar on board his 28ft yacht, Cheeky Monkey.

He is expected to return to lessons at Chancellor's School in Brookmans Park on Thursday or Friday.

Michael and his father, Peter, who shadowed him on the voyage in another boat, arrived at Gatwick airport on Wednesday morning.

The first thing Michael will probably do is get a decent night's sleep Kizzi Nkwocha

Mother Heather Perham, who was at the airport to meet them, said her son had been inspired by Seb Clover.

At 15, he became the youngest person to sail solo across the Atlantic in 2003.

Heather said: "Michael's a very adventurous lad. When he heard about the trip that Seb and his father had done... it challenged him."

Michael's spokesman Kizzi Nkwocha said: "He has been completely overwhelmed by the level of public support he has received from all over the world.

"When he first discussed the idea of crossing the Atlantic, a lot of people dismissed it as a schoolboy fantasy but he has proved himself.

"The first thing Michael will probably do is get a decent night's sleep."