January 8, 2007 - Fourteen year old Michael Perham is near achieving his dream of becoming the youngest ever person to sail single-handed across the Atlantic.

Perham, of Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, England, is due to reach Antigua this week, capping a 3,500 mile solo voyage.

Perham has been more than six weeks at see in his 28 foot boat, Cheeky Monkey.

He has overcome obstacles including unexpected hurricane force winds, giant waves and shark-infested waters.

'Michael says that he just can't wait to get on dry land,' spokesman Kizzi Nkwocha said.

Barnes was reported to being eager to play some video games, eat a big steak, and sleep in a dry bed once he hits land.

Perham left Gilbraltar on November 18, and is set to reach Nelson's Dockyard on the Caribbean island of Antigua on Wednesday afternoon.

Then fifteen-year-old Sebastian Clover from the Isle of Wight set the previous record for youngest solo transatlantic crossing when he sailed from the Canary Islands to Antigua in January 2003.