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Associated Press 17y

At 14, British sailor youngest to conquer Atlantic

ST JOHN'S, Antigua -- A British teenager became the youngest
person to sail solo across the Atlantic Ocean, reaching the
Caribbean island of Antigua after a six-week voyage.

Mike Perham, 14, raised his fist triumphantly to a crowd of
Antiguan officials and supporters as he docked outside St. John's
on the southeastern side of the island Wednesday.

Perham, who was trailed by his father in another boat, set sail
Nov. 18 from Gibraltar and made brief stops in the Canary Islands
and Cape Verde to replace satellite phones. They were originally
expected to complete the 3,500-mile trip just before Jan. 1.

Perham's father, Peter, praised his son's courage and tenacity
and said he hoped the voyage would inspire others to attempt
similar feats.

"At home in England you can't even climb a tree without a
safety certificate, so I hope it will ignite a little spark in some
families," he said. "When a child puts their mind to really want
to do something they should be thoroughly supported."

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