Royal Navy escorts record-breaking yachtsman home
UNITED KINGDOM - 28 AUGUST 2009
The Royal Navy escorted Mike Perham, who has become the world's youngest yachtsman to sail single-handedly around the world, back into Falmouth yesterday, shortly after he achieved his record.
The River Class offshore patrol vessel, HMS Mersey, which is built for fishery protection around the UK, along with a Sea King helicopter from 771 Squadron, based at Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose, escorted Mike into Falmouth after he crossed the traditional Lizard/Ushant line in Cornwall, marking the start and finish points of his 30,0000-mile (48,300km) voyage.
At the age of just 17 years and 164 days, Mike is two months younger than the previous record-holder, American Zac Sutherland.
The First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope, passed a message to Mike via HMS Mersey's Captain, Lieutenant Commander Carl Wiseman:
"The Royal Navy offers its sincere congratulations to Michael Perham on his record-breaking, single-handed sailing circumnavigation. 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."
Mike said:
"I've made it and I feel very honoured that the Royal Navy has sent a helicopter and a ship to witness my crossing the line."
Mike arrived back in UK waters yesterday, Thursday 27 August 2009, having set off in November 2008 from Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth, in his 50-foot (15m) racing yacht TotallyMoney.com.
He will be escorted back into Portsmouth Harbour tomorrow, Saturday 29 August 2009, by Royal Navy patrol vessel HMS Puncher.
HMS Puncher's primary task is to provide sea training for students of the University of London's Royal Naval Unit.
She is also used to train members of the Combined Cadet Force and the Sea Cadet Corps, and to provide navigational training for young Royal Navy and Royal Marines officers.
Puncher's Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Tim Leeder, said he will be delighted to be involved in such an important occasion:
"I think it's imperative that, as an island nation, we must support and applaud inspirational maritime ventures such as Mike Perham's magnificent achievement.
"I believe it's one of our missions in the Royal Navy to help eradicate sea-blindness and improve understanding of the Navy's versatility and relevance.
"It's absolutely appropriate for us to champion Mike's tenacity and spirit of adventure because HMS Puncher provides a platform for educating young university students and reserve forces at sea, improving seamanship skills and maritime knowledge.
"Mike Perham sets a fine example to young people today - his record-breaking achievement adds immensely to this country's distinguished maritime heritage."
Mike has Royal Navy family connections with his grandfather having served on minesweepers during the Second World War and his great-great-grandfather fought with the Royal Marines during the Crimean War.
HMS Mersey escorts Mike Perham into Falmouth
Mike Perham crosses the finishing line to become the youngest yachtsman to sail single-handedly around the world
Source: UK Ministry of Defence
UNITED KINGDOM - 28 AUGUST 2009
The Royal Navy escorted Mike Perham, who has become the world's youngest yachtsman to sail single-handedly around the world, back into Falmouth yesterday, shortly after he achieved his record.
The River Class offshore patrol vessel, HMS Mersey, which is built for fishery protection around the UK, along with a Sea King helicopter from 771 Squadron, based at Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose, escorted Mike into Falmouth after he crossed the traditional Lizard/Ushant line in Cornwall, marking the start and finish points of his 30,0000-mile (48,300km) voyage.
At the age of just 17 years and 164 days, Mike is two months younger than the previous record-holder, American Zac Sutherland.
The First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope, passed a message to Mike via HMS Mersey's Captain, Lieutenant Commander Carl Wiseman:
"The Royal Navy offers its sincere congratulations to Michael Perham on his record-breaking, single-handed sailing circumnavigation. 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."
Mike said:
"I've made it and I feel very honoured that the Royal Navy has sent a helicopter and a ship to witness my crossing the line."
Mike arrived back in UK waters yesterday, Thursday 27 August 2009, having set off in November 2008 from Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth, in his 50-foot (15m) racing yacht TotallyMoney.com.
He will be escorted back into Portsmouth Harbour tomorrow, Saturday 29 August 2009, by Royal Navy patrol vessel HMS Puncher.
HMS Puncher's primary task is to provide sea training for students of the University of London's Royal Naval Unit.
She is also used to train members of the Combined Cadet Force and the Sea Cadet Corps, and to provide navigational training for young Royal Navy and Royal Marines officers.
Puncher's Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Tim Leeder, said he will be delighted to be involved in such an important occasion:
"I think it's imperative that, as an island nation, we must support and applaud inspirational maritime ventures such as Mike Perham's magnificent achievement.
"I believe it's one of our missions in the Royal Navy to help eradicate sea-blindness and improve understanding of the Navy's versatility and relevance.
"It's absolutely appropriate for us to champion Mike's tenacity and spirit of adventure because HMS Puncher provides a platform for educating young university students and reserve forces at sea, improving seamanship skills and maritime knowledge.
"Mike Perham sets a fine example to young people today - his record-breaking achievement adds immensely to this country's distinguished maritime heritage."
Mike has Royal Navy family connections with his grandfather having served on minesweepers during the Second World War and his great-great-grandfather fought with the Royal Marines during the Crimean War.
HMS Mersey escorts Mike Perham into Falmouth
Mike Perham crosses the finishing line to become the youngest yachtsman to sail single-handedly around the world
Source: UK Ministry of Defence
