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.
