NOT many people have the luxury of celebrating their 17th birthday onboard a yacht in the middle of an ocean en-route to setting a world record. Well, not everyone is boy sailor Michael Perham. The Potters Bar teenager is celebrating alone today (Monday) in

NOT many people have the luxury of celebrating their 17th birthday onboard a yacht in the middle of an ocean en-route to setting a world record.

Well, not everyone is boy sailor Michael Perham.

The Potters Bar teenager is celebrating alone today (Monday) in the Southern Ocean somewhere between Africa and Australia.

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

Originally when Michael set off on his epic high seas voyage, from Portsmouth in November, he was hoping to have completed his adventure by today, his birthday.

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

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

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

Money 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 youngster's blog visit www.totallymoney.com/sailmike