Mike Perham documentary screening

by PPL media on 5 Nov 2009
Mike Perham, the youngest person to sail solo around the world, is the subject of a 90-minute documentary to be aired on Channel 4 tomorrow night.

'The schoolboy who sailed the world' is one of Channel 4's Cutting Edge series of programmes and airs at 9pm on Thursday 5th November. In 2006, Mike Perham, then a 14-year-old schoolboy, set a world record as the youngest person to sail solo across the Atlantic. Cutting Edge tracks his next record attempt when, aged 16, Mike set out on the biggest challenge in sailing: a solo non-stop circumnavigation.

He set off alone from Gunwharf Quay in November 2008 aboard the Open 50 yacht TotallyMoney.com filming his bid to become the youngest person to sail solo around the world.

The documentary follows Mike's dramatic, and at times almost unbearable, struggle with wild seas, failing equipment and loneliness, while his parents, friends and girlfriend Beckie waited anxiously for his return.

Mike originally planned to be at sea for four months, but it soon became apparent that he would have to battle with the elements for far longer than anyone anticipated, and encounter difficulties that no one could have predicted.
The documentary is rated 'Pick of the Week' in both the TV Times and Radio Times.

Mike is now working as an Ambassador for the Prince's Trust, visiting schools and youth groups to inspire ordinary young people to achieve the extraordinary. 'Nothing is impossible if you really really set your heart on doing something special and prepare for it' he says.

Mike, who has just returned from a speaking tour in Hong Kong as part of a corporate and social responsibility initiative organised by his sponsor, VocaLink, spoke about his solo voyage to a group of 6th formers at The Island School and to young sailors at the Royal Hong Kong YC, and wants to continue this work. 'If I can motivate just one person at each talk to go out and 'live their dream' I feel I will have achieved something. If I can inspire two or three to turn their dreams into reality, then I will have achieved something special.' he says.

Annie Lycett, the Head of Ambassadors at the Prince's Trust says: 'We are delighted to have Mike as an ambassador. His inspiring story and determination to succeed is an excellent example to those young people whom we aim to help'