Inmarsat C Keeps Teenage Sailor Safe
Teenage sailor Michael Perham enjoyed peace of mind throughout his record-breaking voyage across the Atlantic Ocean, thanks to Inmarsat safety communications.
Michael, 14, became the youngest person to cross the Atlantic single handed when his yacht Cheeky Monkey arrived in Antigua on 3 January at 14.00 UTC.
The 3,500-mile voyage began on 14 November when Michael from Potters Bar in the UK set out from Gibraltar, closely shadowed by his father Peter in his yacht Arcturus.
Safety system
Heather Perham, Michael's mother, confirmed the Cheeky Monkey was equipped with Inmarsat C, which connects users to the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS).
GMDSS automatically alerts shore-based authorities, and shipping in the vicinity, when a vessel is in trouble at sea.
Users of Inmarsat C can also:
- Send emails
- Send text messages
- Transfer files and other data
- Receive weather and chart updates.
Michael has been sailing since the age of seven and was inspired to attempt the voyage by the 2003 cross-Atlantic voyage of Seb Clover, who set the previous record at the age of 15.
Proud family
Speaking to her son by video link after his arrival in Antigua, Mrs Perham said: "Congratulations Michael from everyone here in the family. We are very proud of you.
"It's a huge accomplishment for yourself and to set an example for other young people to have adventures and live life to the full."
Peter Perham, an experienced yachtsman, prepared his son for the voyage personally. He has been close by throughout the six-week crossing and in regular radio contact with Michael.
www.sailmike.com
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31
January 2007
