Sixteen-year-old Michael Perham has lost his chance to sail non-stop around the world after autopilot problems forced him to stop in Portugal and Grand Canaria. However, he is continuing his voyage in the hope of becoming the youngest circumnavigator.
From the BBC:
Michael said: “I’ve had to be really careful sailing the boat as, whenever the auto-pilot malfunctions, there is a big risk of bringing down the mast.
“I’ve only been able to sail for 10 days out of 30. It’s just so frustrating.”
He said he hoped to set off again in the next few days after testing repairs to the auto-pilot system.
He already has one record up his sleeve – he became the youngest person to cross the Atlantic when he was just 14.
