BOY sailor Michael Perham was today (Thursday) celebrating another milestone on his epic global voyage. The 17-year-old from Potters Bar has passed Cape Leeuwin on the south-west corner of Australia en-route to setting a world record. Michael, of Oakroyd

BOY sailor Michael Perham was today (Thursday) celebrating another milestone on his epic global voyage.

The 17-year-old from Potters Bar has passed Cape Leeuwin on the south-west corner of Australia en-route to setting a world record.

Michael, of Oakroyd Avenue, is hoping to become the youngest person in the world to circumnavigate the globe single-handed.

Dad Peter, 49, said: "This cape represents an important milestone for Mike as it ticks off another one of the five capes which he must pass on his route around the world."

After problems with the autopilot on board his Open 50 Racing yacht, Michael has been forced to stop three times during his adventure, in Portugal, Gran Canaria and Cape Town.

But no stranger to breaking world records, the teenager became the youngest person to sail across the Atlantic unaided at the age of 14.

He is expected to complete his 24,000-mile record in May.

Michael, who celebrated his birthday at sea on March 16, said in his online blog yesterday: "Another good day ticking off lots of miles.

"I'm really enjoying it down here; the days are just storming past because I'm having so much fun.

"I've put my clocks forward yet another hour today, so I'm now on Perth time (GMT +8)."

All funds raised from the voyage will be donated to Save the Children and the Tall Ships Youth Trust.

Regular updates on the youngster's journey will appear online at www.whtimes24.co.uk over the coming weeks.

To read the Michael's blog visit www.totallymoney.com/sailmike