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UK teen completes record solo sail

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LONDON, England -- A British teenager on Wednesday entered the record books after reaching Antigua to become the youngest person ever to sail single-handed across the Atlantic Ocean.

Michael Perham, 14, took six weeks to complete the 5,600-kilometer (3,500-mile) voyage from Gibraltar to the Caribbean island in his 8.5-meter (28-feet) boat Cheeky Monkey.

Perham contended with giant waves, shark-infested waters and hurricane winds to reach his destination, the UK's Press Association.

A last-minute hitch with a sail also delayed his arrival by 24 hours.

"This is an amazing moment. Michael has become the most famous teenager in the world and an inspiration to millions of youngsters," family spokesman Kizzi Nkwocha said, according to Reuters.

"I've just spoken to him and he's completely overwhelmed by the huge public support his adventure has attracted. He is looking forward to being back on dry land, having a decent steak meal and seeing his family and friends again."

He was looking forward to the comforts of his Playstation, a steak meal, and going to bed without being wet, he added.

Although he has completed the voyage solo, Perham's father Peter, an experienced yachtsman, has been shadowing the trip in regular radio contact with his son, PA said.

The previous record for the youngest person to cross the Atlantic was set by 15-year-old Sebastian Clover from the Isle of Wight, who sailed from the Canary Islands to Antigua in January 2003.

Michael's mother Heather said from her north London home her son loved a challenge and had been inspired by Clover's exploits, Reuters said.

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