Michael Perham arriving in Antigua now.

[graham]

And sailing into the record book for the youngest singlehanded transatlantic sailor.(14)

Well done Michael,and his Dad /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[Santana379]

Hear hear!

Some achievement, even more so as they're not in boats generally recognised as being ocean going.

Little Knot

 

[tome]

Splendid - well done Michael!

He'll be pleased to see his photo on the front page of todays Times

 

[Kilter]

Great achievement for him, well done!

 

[Sans Bateau]

What a relief, good news and congrats!

So does this mean then that the Tide 28s is the ARC boat to have?

 

[Bajansailor]

Re: ARC Tides

The Tides have been proven to be seaworthy, but I doubt that they will be the Boat design of choice for the next ARC - the Oysters and Rallberg Hussys will continue to dominate here - besides, I think that the minimum length requirement for the ARC is 30'........

 

[Lakesailor]

Re: ARC Tides

But a real coup for a planing sailboat. Would you attempt that in a McGreggor?
http://www.tide28.com/index.html

Well done.

 

[Woodlouse]

Quite an achievement. Pity the whole excercise is really just an advertising stunt for Tide 28's. I still don't think I'd like to lose sight of land in one.

 

[Duffer]

Many congratulations to the young lad!

 

[Bajansailor]

Re: ARC Tides

Oh I agree with you absolutely Phil, I wasn't knocking Tides - far from it!

And IMHO, I think it is highly probable that given reasonable weather conditions, a McGregor 26 should also be able to give a good account of herself on an Atlantic passage like this, provided that she is suitably equipped and competently manned.

In typical tradewind conditions, it is just a downhill sleigh ride the whole way. Never mind that each time I sailed across we had everything else as well as typical trades (at least we were not bored), from flat calms to 40 knots from behind.

I tip my lid to Mike and his Dad - good for them! And I hope that the Tides sell like the proverbial hot cakes now!

 

[Mirelle]

Re: ARC Tides

Well, considering that this bit of sea was crossed by a canvas folding canoe in the 1920's, and by an amphibious Jeep going the wrong way in the 1950's, not really!

 

[Spacewaist]

Brave or Stupid?

Congratulations to Michael perhaps - but to his Father too?

What responsible father would allow his 14 year old son to sail single handed across the Atlantic, let alone in the marine equivalent of an Airfix Toy?

True, father dutifully sailed in company and wa on hand in case of disaster but if disaster struck he too was in an Airfix Toy.

This year's weather/wind was among the strongest on record - I would not have relished either of them having to sail up wind e.g. to effect a rescue.

Personnally, (and what opinion is not personal?), I think it borders on irresponsible.

 

[Solitaire]

Last year, I did a the previous record holders Level 2 PB course and I asked him what was the worst part of the trip. His answer - the boredom!

Interestingly he hardly ever sails now.

 

[Captain Haddock]

Well if we are talking about Macgregors doing the ARC I was considering the ARC in 2008.

I shall be sailing a custom built tea tray. I don't know whether to use Carbon construction methods or go the traditional material route of Tin with flared edging.

 

[John_Lana]

It will be interesting to see if they try to sail them back again. It is often harder coming back - I have done five crossings eastwards and been clattered twice with weather that I feel certain these boats would not survive. My suggestion is that they quit while they are ahead and either sell the boats there or ship them back......

John

 

[graham]

The plan is to sell one boat in Antigua and ship the other back to the UK.

before the event I was critical of the motives behind this and the choice of boats (Mr Perham Senior is a director of the manufacturers)but today I think we should be congratulating Young Mike on his achievment.

 

[samwise]

At the risk of attracting a great many slings and arrows, may I ask what really constitutes single handed? Or, when does it really mean a creditable cruise in company? No doubt, the lad did well and was, indeed alone on board, however Dad was never far behind and in regular radio contact, so Michael never had the pressure of being really alone out there. A great achievement, but slightly qualified I think. I will now don my protective gear, slings and arrows away!

 

[graham]

with sattelite phones his dad could have chatted to him from his armchair at home .I would say being the only person aboard would be the only requisite to qualify as "singlehanded".

 

[samwise]

Ah yes, but he wasn't in his armchair was he? He was playing safety net a couple of miles astern.

 

[Phoenix of Hamble]

i'd agree with that..... the boys only 14.....

I was one of the (large) group, that thought he was mad to, or rather his father was mad to let him, attempt this crossing in a Tide28...

But hats off to him.... he's done it.... and made the lead feature on the 18h00 BBC1 news.... so a very big well done to him......

I still think they were mad, but respect his achievement, and happy to eat my words on a successful conclusion...