Mike Perham becomes the youngest to sail solo around the world

The Daily Mail - 28 August 2009

After nine months sailing solo around the world, and nearly 40,000km covered on the sea, it's understandable that a fish supper had lost its appeal. So when 17-year-old Mike Perham was asked what his first meal would be when he completed his voyage, there was only one thing on his mind: steak and chips!

With little more than tinned food and an Apple iPod for company, Mike has sailed around Africa, Australia, New Zealand and through the Panama Canal before making his way back to the finish-line off Cornwall yesterday morning.

As the 17-year-old reached the finishing line of his solo voyage, he was sailing homeward on the crest of a record-breaking wave. Thirty thousand miles on from the day he set sail on his 50ft yacht, the teenager is now the youngest person ever to make the journey alone. In a remarkable 158 days at sea the record-breaking teenager has battled equipment failures, celebrated his 17th birthday and even kept on top of his studies. He is due to make land in Portsmouth tomorrow for his richly deserved meal.

Speaking from his yacht yesterday, Mike said: 'I'm feeling very proud of myself and the people who have helped me make this happen. 'It does get lonely, no doubt about it, but that's part of the challenge. I'm probably used to it now. I just always look forward. 'You've got to have confidence in yourself that you will make it.'

What an achievement: The British teenager became the youngest person ever to sail solo around the world assisted. His father, Peter, 50, who joined his son on board after the Open 50 racing yacht had crossed the finishing line, 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.

Mike set off last November 15, hoping to complete the challenge non-stop. Technical difficulties, however, obliged him to stop several times - meaning his world record will be for the youngest solo circumnavigation 'with assistance'.

Just nine days in, he was forced to stop at Cascais in Portugal for repairs to his autopilot system. A similar malfunction, as well as rudder trouble, forced him to stop for 27 days in the Canary Islands followed by further halts in Cape Town, Hobart and Auckland.

Throughout his voyage he has been in daily email and satellite phone contact with his mother Heather, 51, sister Fiona, 18, and his support team. Craig Glenday, editor-in-chief of Guinness World Records, said: 'Even the most experienced of sailors would be tested by the mental and physical stamina required to achieve a record of this magnitude.' 'The fact that Mike achieved it at such a young age is a testament to his courage and unparalleled sense of adventure.'

Dee Caffari, the only female to sail solo, non-stop in both directions around the world, congratulated Mike on his success. She said: 'What Mike has achieved is fantastic.

Adapted from : http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1209391/British-teenager-Mike-Perham-youngest-sail-solo-world-month-voyage.html

Check your skills

A/ read the text carefully and answer the questions

1) Who is this text about? Fill in the following grid

First nameFamily nameNationalityOccupation AgeFamily members (name + age)

2) What has he done? Sum up the main idea of the text in 2 lines

3) What do the following dates or numbers correspond to? Complete the sentences

28 August 2009 is the date when ………………………………………………………………………...15 November 2008 is the date when …………………………………………………………………….158 is the number of …………………………………………………………………………………….27 is the number of………………………………………………………………………………………50 feet is the size of the ……………………………………………………………………………….

4) True or flase ? Justify with a quote from the text a) He is daring/courageous –b) He never goes beyond his limits – c) he has the

spirit of adventure – d) he has overcome many hardships – e) he didn’t suffer from solitude – f) He has been in contact with his friends during his journey –g) Many people think he is a hero

B/ Work in pairs