Teenage sailor Michael Perham is planning a brief stop in Cape Town, South Africa, before he continues his attempt to become the youngest person to sail around the world single-handed. Michael (16) from Potters Bar, is sailing 24,000 miles in his bid to enter the record books. He is scheduled to complete his journey in May.

Michael decided today that he will make a brief stop in Cape Town to check equipment on board his boat, Totallymoney.com. “A horrible groaning noise has been coming from one of the rudder shafts,” he explained. “It’s been moving around in the top bearing, only very slightly with about 2mm of movement. I’ve asked the shore team for some advice as to what to do about this. One of the last things I want to do is to push into the Southern Ocean without total confidence in the steering system.”

Plans have already been made to fly out new equipment in time for Michael’s arrival. His father, Peter, will also be flying to Cape Town. He said: “It will certainly be good to see Michael again and give my anxiety levels a rest knowing he is safe on dry land.”

Spokesman Kizzi Nkwocha said: “This is a precautionary stop and will take a couple of days. Michael is still on schedule to become the youngest person to circumnavigate the globe. This has been an incredibly expensive project for the Perhams and we’re grateful to The Marine Travel Company for offering to pay for Peter’s flight. Peter just needs a hotel once he gets there”

Visit www.totallymoney.com/sailmike www.totallymoney.com/sailmike to keep up with Michael’s activities.