17 year old Mike Perham becomes the world’s youngest solo sailing circumnavigator Dateline: Wednesday 27th August 2009 - Day 157 Position: 10:00 UTC 49° 57N, 05° 00W  1 mile South of the Lizard Speed: 7.0kts 17 year-old British sailor Mike Perham has become the youngest person to sail single-handed around the world. His 50ft yacht Totallymoney.com  crossed the traditional Lizard/Ushant line marking the start and finish point of his 30,000 mile record-setting in bright sunshine at 09:47:30 secs (local)am this morning - two months inside the previous age record set by American teenager Zac Sutherland. Aged 17 years, 164 days old the teenager from Potters Bar Hertfordshire, was escorted across the line by Royal Navy guard ship HMS Mersey, a helicopter from 771 Squadron at Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose, and a small flotilla of press boats that had been on standby overnight to record his finish. Mike said: "I've made it, I've made my dream come true and it feels amazing. A BIG BIG thanks to my Dad, Mum, all the sponsors and every one who has helped me along the way. I can't believe that the Royal Navy has sent HMS Mersey and a helicopter to witness my crossing the line. I feel very honoured." Mike's Dad said: "Mike is a very special son, he has done incredibly well. He has shown that with determination, you can succeed even in the most adverse circumstances. He has shown the world that he is an extraordinary young man and an inspiration to us all." The First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope, KCB OBE ADC passed a message to  Mike Perham as he sailed past The Lizard passed on a congratulatory message via Lt Cdr Carl Wiseman Captain of HMS Mersey: “The Royal Navy offers its sincere congratulations to Michael Perham on his record breaking single-handed sailing circumnavigation. This is a remarkable and inspirational achievement in one so young, another impressive event in the rich Maritime history of this island nation and of the Perham family”. “Michael’s family have strong maritime connections, with his father having been a merchant naval officer, his grandfather having served with the Royal Navy during World War 2, and his great grandfather as a Royal Marine in the Crimean war.” “Michael sets a fine example showing remarkable character, grit and self discipline in completing this historic record-breaking voyage and the Royal Navy is delighted to participate in welcoming him back home to the UK as an honoured and much respected fellow seafarer.” After crossing the finish line Mike was joined by his Dad, Peter to continue sailing back to for a homecoming welcome at Gunwharf Quay at 11:00 on Saturday. To read this daily insight on the last leg of Mike's remarkable voyage, visit www.totallymoney.com/sailmike Aerial photography at the Lizard PPL Photo Agency will have a photographer covering Mike Perham’s record finish off the Lizard tomorrow, and his return to Portsmouth on Saturday. The Agency also holds photographs taken by Mike during his record setting solo sail around the world, and historic shots of him from his Boy Scout days to sailing solo across the Atlantic in 2006 when he was 14. Contact Rowland Eno at PPL Tel +44(0)1243 666661 E.mail: ppl@mistral.co.uk Web: www.pplmedia.com Media accredition for finish at Portsmouth. If you intend to cover Mike Perham's arrival at Portsmouth, click here to complete the media accredition form and return to barry@pplmedia.com Channel 4 Cutting Edge TV documentary Mike’s story has been filmed for Channel 4’s documentary series Cutting Edge. Dangerous Seas For Boys follows Mike’s primeval struggle with nature as he films his time at sea, combined with the poignant family saga of his parents and friends eagerly following his journey from dry land.  The film will broadcast on Channel 4 in November. Mike Perham will be available for interviews on arrival at Gunwharf Quay, Portsmouth. To request an interview, contact: Barry Pickthall, PPL Media Ltd   +44 (0) 1243 555561  +44 (0)7768 395719   e.mail: barry@pplmedia.com For background on Mike Perham, visit: www.totallymoney.com/sailmike To read this daily insight on the last leg of Mike's remarkable voyage, visit www.totallymoney.com/sailmike Money raised by Mike during the 30,000-mile voyage is being donated to Save the Children and the Tall Ships Youth Trust. Mike is available for media interviews via satellite telephone. To arrange an interview, please contact Barry Pickthall at PPL Media on +44(0)7768 395719 or e.mail barry@pplmedia.com Photos available from PPL Photo Agency. Tel +44(0)1243 666661 E.mail: ppl@mistral.co.uk. Web: www.pplmedia.com To view a lightbox of hi.res images available on line click here		Click here to view copyright reserved images. Until 2007, Michael Perham was a Patrol Leader in the Fifth Potters Bar Scout Group in Herfordshire, where the training prepard him generally for life and also gave him the endurance and fortitude to undertake the physical and mentally strenuous task of sailing around the world single-handed.