Michael Perham, 14, has earned the distinction of being the youngest person to cross the Atlantic single-handedly.

A student at Chancellor's School in Hatfield, Hertfordshire, he started his journey from Gibraltar on November 18 and spent 6˝ weeks alone on the open sea.

He is scheduled to land in Antigua today, where he will be welcomed by a delegation from the island's Government.

Michael was followed in a separate boat by his father, Peter.

His spokesman, Kizzy Nkowcha said: "There have been so many setbacks there cannot possibly be any more. He will definitely be arriving in Antigua at around 2 pm British time."

Michael's mother, Heather Perham, said the difficulties during his journey had made her son grow up quickly. She said: "If there was a problem, he knew that he just had to get on with it and sort it out. He has proved that obviously he is mature enough to do that, and we are all incredibly proud of him."

She adds: "I did get quite scared when I found out he had to tie a rope around his waist and dive into the water to fix something, and when he was talking about sharks. But you cannot expect your kids not to go out. You don't want them staying at home, fixed to the computer. They need to be out there, fulfilling their ambitions, otherwise life will pass them by. I just wish more kids had the opportunity to do these things."

She said that Michael kept in touch with his friends via e-mail.

As early as 7 years old, Michael already started sailing. He has also completed Royal Yachting Association courses in dinghy sailing and windsurfing.