Origional Writing †Media Coursework Essay

After 6 weeks of non-stop sailing for the 14-year-old British schoolboy, Michael Perham has successfully completed his objective becoming the youngest person ever to sail solo across the Atlantic, beating Sebastian trefoil who, at 15, had held the record since 2003. microphone began sailing at the age of seven and has since completed the rya rug courses in dinghy sailing and windsurfing, as well as be thoroughly prepared by his bugger off (a qualified Yachtmaster). Before mike could begin his incredible journey, he spent many long hours persuading pie-eyed companies to sponsor him so he could finance the stir up.No easy task for a 14-year-old Eventu each toldy, he managed to tack enough sponsors to buy the 2 yachts and all the equipment, safety measures and back-ups he could possibly need. His main sponsor was Sketchers without whom the trip would most likely spend a penny been called off. The RYA was going to be the main sponsors of the pair but they withdrew their move on after accusing Mike of using a category B yacht. The Tide28 did not comply with the RYAs safety requirements and was not class A.However, Mikes soda pop said angrily part thats true, we have strengthened it up to comply with many of the category A requirements and it is better accommodate to our route. Its frustrating that we did not have the chance to say that. He also condition up an online website with daily updates to his blog, and details of his trip, location and the charities hes supporting. So far, Mike has raised around i 2,000 apiece for both BBC Children In Need and RYA Sailability (aimed at helping disabled people to arrive into sailing). You can donate to either of these charities by visiting Mikes website at http//www.sailmike. com/charities. htm. On the eighteenth November, Michael Perham, from land-locked Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, headed off from Gibraltar on the 18th November 2006 with the intention of sailing into the record books in approximately 4 weeks. With his bugger off (Peter, 47) shadowing him, in an identical 18ft Tide 28 yacht Arturus, he and Cheeky Monkey set sail for Antigua. His route following the trade winds, tried and tested by seafarers down the centuries, had to include a last minute diversions to the Canary Islands and Cape Verde for equipment repairs.Having planned to cross the 3,500 miles and reach his destination before Christmas, the credit that his journey time must be extended would have been aggravating but necessary. During the voyage, Mike has encountered all kinds of problems and pleasures, including sharks dolphins gale-force winds and 25ft waves Often on his journey, Mike was accompanied by the dolphins friendly presence or the sharks more excite one, but throughout it all, the experiences were exhilarating, Steve, 39, head teacher of Chancellors School in Brookmans Park (Stuart, 39) said, It was an chance in itself.It would be a huge learning curve for him. He would learn resilience and transact ion with solitude, whilst keeping up on his homework, of course On November 25th, Mike wrote Had my first experience of squalls, they really do knock your teeth out which shows just what a challenge this trip was for him. Despite the Tide 28s being far safer than horse riding, Mike seems to have encountered every possible hitch, a matter confirmed by Mikes publicist Kizzi Nkwocha Almost everything you could imagine going wrong, did go wrong mechanical failure, technical failure, shark-infested waters, waves the size of skyscrapers. However, Mike finagled remarkably well with all problems sent his way, including diving off his boat to unpick a rope from the rudder. As well as the large amount of sailing thing activities that Mike had to attend to, he enjoyed reading listening to music playing battleships with his dad over the WHF Phone and, inevitably, homework. He also started to teach himself the guitar and he filmed his most extraordinary moments aboard Cheeky Monkey. Mikes reception Antigua was very convivial, with a welcoming flotilla to bring him in, consisting of all sorts of vehicles from dinghies to speedboats.The response from the media was highly measure as was that from his parents, with Mikes mum, Heather Perham, 50, (who has remained on dry land in the UK during the voyage with Michaels sister Fiona, 16,) stating Im really, really, really proud of him. Peter, said It has been very hard on him, he has had no Christmas presents, no snacks, no video games or T. V. and no company for 6 weeks now, but everyone present is extremely proud of his exploit, as is Mike. However, the public reaction has been largely 2-sided whereas it was expected Mikes achievement would be celebrated, in many cases, jealousy or some other factor has caused much upbraiding of his achievement. The main objects of dispute have been that Mike was from an upper-class family, and so had more opportunity and the fact that his dad was following a couple of miles behind. O ne online correspondent even said So Little superior Fauntleroy has sailed across the pond, big deal Whereas another pointed out If a force 10 gale had hit, Peter Perham would have enough to worry about on Arturus, let alone chasing after Michael.He would have had to cope alone. To start with Peter said Michael said to me It would be great if I could do that, Dad. As a parent I just thought it was a typical boys dream. I never thought it would actually happen. Now he has been proven wrong to his delight and all in all this is a remarkable achievement for someone so young and he deserves all the praise he is given. And who knows how many people have turned their thoughts to the future already Will an adventurous 13-year-old break Perhams record any time soon?