Mike Perham

New Blog Site!

2010-07-15T14:17:00.001+01:00

Hi Everyone,

I've had a really exciting last week which has been pretty packed I have to admit!

I've decided to move this blog over to another 'name'. www.mikeperham.blogspot.com

This has been done as it's a lot simpler and easier to remember, I don't know why I didn't do this in the first place! Also more importantly, from this site, I will be posting all my blogs for my next big adventure. There will be a big announcement coming in little over a week so watch this space!

See you all on, www.mikeperham.blogspot.com

Thanks,

Mike

Round the Island Race

2010-07-03T10:26:00.002+01:00

Hi all,

Sorry about the silence recently, I’ve been meaning to do this blog for a while now.

The Round the Island race was brilliant fun. I was racing on the Prostate UK cancer boat representing one of the four charity boats. It was brilliant because it was just like a race within a race. I wasn’t too concerned about our overall result. I just wanted to get a result within the charity boats. It was a very exciting race, there is simply none other like it in the world. To head out to the start line soon after 5am and see literally hundreds of yachts filling the Solent is quite a sight I have to admit.

It was a downwind first leg and we got a cracking start accelerating across the line with the spinnaker up. I was happy to see we had an early lead on the other charity boats which we held nicely up until the needles. At this point we had a bit trouble dropping the spinnaker and unfortunately lost around 300m (a lot in racing terms!). Another charity boat caught us up and they then went off inshore to take that tactical route. We stayed offshore as did the other two charity boats.

At the south of the island where all the boats rounded the point (St Catherine's light house - a great reference point for positions) we saw that our offshore route wasn’t as favourable as the inshore one and the Macmillan cancer support boat took the lead.

We were still in second place maintaining a healthy distance over the other two boats and I was happy with our tactics as we came up to the Bembridge Ledge on the east of the island. The Ellen Macarthur Trust boat at this point had made up a good bit of ground and were trailing us by around 150m.

They were able to point higher (brand new sails I’ll add!) and so I was a little worried tactically as they would no doubt try to come up over us and nick our wind and take the lead. The whole team onboard our boat worked really hard with the trimming and we were able to defend our position very nicely all the way to the finish line. I was really chuffed how well everyone worked together onboard and it definitely paid off as we came back in a well earned second place.

The racing was great fun with just the right blend of competitiveness. We didn’t ding anyone and had very few mishaps so I was a very happy Mike at the end of the day. Great racing from all the charity challenge boats too!

Since the race I have been doing a few talks to some schools as part of our VocaLink Live the Dream school programme and I have also been working a bit towards my next adventure.. (can’t tell you what that is yet, but hope to be able to announce something in a couple of weeks!).

Excitingly I’m heading out to Australia at the end of the month to speak at the Sydney Boat Show which I’m really excited about. It’s going to be a fantastic show with lots of exciting attractions!

This next coming week I’m doing a couple more school visits and excitingly I’m also flying out to the Isle of Man courtesy of Canada Life International to speak at a charity event where we are raising money for Project 21. See www.project21iom.com for more info on who they are.

Don McIntyre is flying into the UK soon and it will be fantastic to catch up with him and hear all about the Talisker Bounty Boat Expedition. One of the most important aims of the expedition was to raise money for the Sheffield Institute Foundation and the guys on the trip certainly worked seriously hard doing so! Please keep donating! See www.taliskerbountyboat.com for more info.

Mike

Back home

2010-06-17T23:32:00.002+01:00

Hi all,

I’m back home now in the UK after what was a seriously fun trip out to Australia. I met some amazing people and it was really great to stay with Jess’s family. Thanks guys!

First and foremost I want to say congrats to the guys who have just completed the Talisker Bounty Boat expedition. They arrived in Kupang not so long ago and it was great to see some photos of an extremely elated crew. See taliskerbountyboat.com for more details.

It’s good be be home again after my time out in Aus and I’ve been busy planning my next few weeks. I’m doing a few talks here and there, a couple of school visits, I’m racing in the Round the Island race on Saturday raising money for Prostate UK and just in general having lots of fun!

Need to get packed for heading down to Cowes tomorrow morning.

Mike

Thinking of Abby

2010-06-11T19:44:00.000+01:00

Yesterday when we heard that Abby Sunderland's EPIRBs had been activated and her team were unable to contact her, we were extremely concerned for her and her family.

This morning we were very relieved to hear that a spotter plane had been mobilised, had located and spoken with Abby.

We understand she has been dismasted and a fishing boat is on it's way to meet with her.

We're all hugely disappointed for her but she has proved to be of very strong character and very capable. Sailing around the world as we all know is a huge undertaking at any age and the chances of being dismasted in bad weather are relatively high.

Our thoughts continue to be with her and her family. We look forward to hearing when they are reunited.

Mike, Fiona, Peter and Heather

Good times

2010-06-02T09:31:00.003+01:00

Hi all,

I’m currently writing this off Ella’s Pink Lady. We’re sailing up the Aussie coast up from Sydney to Mooloolaba just north of Brisbane and it’s been a pretty hilarious journey so far without a doubt.

Have also had time to reflect on what a great time I had in Sydney. To say I was well looked after would be a complete understatement. So, to anyone I met and if you are reading this… THANKS.

We pulled in to a lovely little port on the coast and spent a night there. Then last night we sailed through the night to make some better progress up the coast.
It’s been fantastic to get out to sea again and although I did feel a little sea sick on our first night out from Sydney I’ve got my sea legs now which is really great as my appetite is back too! I always like to be well fed onboard and I’ve been pretty impressed with Jess’s cooking I have to admit.

The wind is starting to die off now which is a little frustrating but I’m enjoying being up in a little warmer climes.

I'm really looking forward to arriving in Mooloolaba on Sunday

Mike

Sydney to Mooloolaba

2010-05-31T16:54:00.003+01:00

Mike is now sailing up the Australian coast to Mooloolaba with Jessica Watson on board Ella's Pink Lady. They sailed out of Sydney under cover of darkness with a third unidentified sailor aboard to share the workload...well that's what the papers are saying.

They will stop a couple of times along the way to say thank you to people who have helped Jess.

Mike has had an amazing time in Sydney and been made so very welcome he says it would be a great place to live.

Apologies for not keeping everyone in tune with what Mike has been doing...He says there has been no internet connection where he has been staying...and I checked his personal hotmail which has also been pretty dormant...so it must be true! ...but still a weak excuse.

Ella's Pink Lady is planned to arrive in Mooloolaba next Sunday for a scaled down Sydney reception, then Mike will fly home a week later as he will be sailing on the ProstateUK Cancer entry in the Round the Island Race which he is really looking forward to...and I would also take part if anyone has a spare place?

Peter

Fun in Australia

2010-05-25T13:25:00.003+01:00

Hi All,

It's been crazily fun here in Sydney over the last couple of weeks. I flew out a few days before Jessica Watson's arrival to get used to the jet lag and to also do a full run through of Jessica's arrival on the water with the guys co-ordinating it all. Jesse Martin (previous youngest person to sail single-handed around the world) and I had been given the fun task of helming Ella's Pink Lady from the Sydney Heads all the way up the Opera House, which was a pretty exciting prospect. We were also reporting live for Channel 10 and One HD right off Jessica's yacht which was certainly going to be a laugh.

The day before Jessica arrived, everything in Sydney was really hotting up. Signs were put up all over the city telling everyone to expect a major 'class 1' event on Saturday. The city was really welcoming Jessica home! The news was packed with items about Jessica too.

I met up with Jesse Martin outside his hotel in Manly on the morning of Jessica's arrival and we walked down to the ferry to grab one over to Circular Quay in the heart of Sydney. After arriving and picking up a bite to eat, we were briefed about our role in the reporting and then we headed out in a chase boat with a full camera crew to go and find Jess. And she was late! Jess crossed the line two hours after her 'scheduled arrival time' but I wasn't surprised in the slightest. I think it's somewhat a tradition for solo sailors to be late.

The flotilla around Jessica was totally huge with reports of up to 1500 boats in the area which is pretty mad. The buzz in the flotilla was amazing though and I sure couldn't take the grin off my face. I was very lucky to be on one of the official chase boats as we were allowed inside her 'official cordon'. With all the spectator boats, there were about 8 police boats marking off the area around her so that no spectators boats could come close enough to risk a collision. Jesse Martin and I then jumped into a rib and we motored over to Jessica and boarded Ella's Pink Lady to help Jessica guide her up the harbour with such a huge armada of boats around her. It was fantastic to jump aboard and hand Jessica some FRESH FOOD! She immediately found the fresh cream!

We motored up the harbour, did a load of live crosses off the boat on TV and about half an hour later, we safely berthed at the Sydney Opera House. Jessica was greeted by thousands of cheering fans on the shore. The atmosphere was just so electric it sent shivers up my spine. Jessica jumped off into the waiting arms of her parents and family and it was fantastic to see them all reunited again. Jesse Martin and I then finished berthing Ella's Pink Lady and then followed Jessica up the pink carpet into the area right in front of the stage reserved for her close family and friends. Her speech was pretty awesome and I was pretty darn proud of her.

Jessica was then whisked off to her press conference and after that was finished Jesse Martin and I sailed Ella's Pink Lady around to the Maritime Museum where she was due to be quarantined. We later caught up with Jessica at a small but brilliant get together at a hotel in Manly where all her close family and team were. Amazingly, there was Jesse Martin, David Dicks, Brian Caldwell, and Jon Sanders there too. Six people who had sailed solo around the world before in the same room and four of us who had once been the 'youngest'. It was brilliant to meet these guys and we all had a great laugh together.

Since Jessica arrived back it's been a brilliantly fun week. I've been surfing with Layne Beachley (7 times world champion), diving with sharks, helicopter flying, bridge climbing, and even spent a bit of time out on the water but to name a few of the things that I've been up too. It's been non stop fun here in Manly.

Jess, I, and a couple of others are going to sail Ella's Pink Lady up the coast next week which should be good fun and I'm looking forward to getting into some warmer climes.

Mike

To Jesse - Heartfelt congratulations

2010-05-15T11:56:00.003+01:00

It would be very easy to just say congrats but I don’t think that really is enough to be honest. I’m writing this from my warm, dry, and comfortable apartment in Sydney. The fridge downstairs is full, the toilet works and I have a whole nights sleep ahead of me. Everything you haven’t had for over 200 days. Welcome back home and relish it!

I met you just over a year ago when you had just got hold of Ella’s Pink Lady from Don McIntyre and it was a pleasure to fly up from Tasmania whilst on my own world trip and meet you up in Mooloolaba.

I was struck when I first met you quite simply by your attitude and how passionate you were about your trip. I’ve always thought that was your best attribute, as with enough passion I believe anything is possible.

It was fantastic to really get to know you then and chat about all the different aspects of what was to come ahead; from the loneliness, to the food, to the way the media can act. I remember vividly how much your eyes opened as we spoke about the southern ocean and just how much fun it is down there!

It’s been really great fun speaking on the phone to you whilst you’ve been out there and it’s always brought a smile to my face hearing about what’s happening out on the ocean. You brought back so many memories of the time I spent out there.

Over the last year, it has been an absolute pleasure to be in the thick of things communicating regularly with yourself, your family and your team and really living the adventure with you. It’s been so much fun to be a part of it all.

Not many people will ever come close to understanding just how much of an accomplishment yours is, and I really do offer my heartfelt congratulations.

Best wishes,

Mike

Off to meet Jess

2010-05-10T10:48:00.000+01:00

Hi all,

Excitingly, I'm jumping on a plane on tuesday to fly out to Australia
to see Jessica Watson return home into Sydney. To say I'm excited
about this would definitely be a understatement. Jesse will have been
away from home for over 200 days on her own which is a pretty darn
long time and it's going to be great fun to be in the thick of things
in Sydney.

Today I went and did a talk to a group of scouts who are now hoping to
raise funds to go to an international jamboree. It was great fun
talking to them and I really hope that their fundraising goes well.

Yesterday I did a small book signing at a local Waterstones book shop
in St Albans which was really nice as I was able to chat to some of
the people there and share my story.

When I get back from Australia I'll tell you all about it.

Mike

The parents came home

2010-04-26T22:32:00.000+01:00

Hi all,

My week of no parents ended unfortunately when they somehow got the
train all the way home from Italy thanks to the good old volcano
popping up in iceland. It's good to have them back though as the house
is now back to it's usual state.

I was very lucky to be invited on board the TS Jack Petchey for a sail
down the Thames with a group of cadets from all the 10 cadet
organisations out there last week which was great fun! It was great to
meet Jack himself and we had a good chat about all sorts of random
things which was a laugh. It is a real honour to be working with an
organisation such as the Jack Petchey Foundation and it's fantastic to
see that though the hard work they're doing loads of young people are
being inspired to go that extra step.

I've been cracking on and still catching up with loads of college work
recently which I'm pleased to see is really progressing nicely. Also
what I'm totally dead chuffed about is how hot it is these days, it
feels like summer and I'm totally and madly excited about it! I was
out cutting the lawn this morning and it was brilliant to be able to
do so in bright sunshine and just a t-shirt.

I had a meeting with a large production company this week to talk
about some of my other future ideas which was really interesting and
we'll be seeing where that leads us...

I've been eagerly following everything happening with the Talisker
BountyBoat Expedition and I'm very excited for the guys out there who
are about to set off on the 28th. I'm a little nervous for them of
course, but gee, I really really wish I could be there participating
too! Just a shame that I fell ill at the time that I did. Good luck to
you guys, and I know you'll be having the adventure of a lifetime!

Mike

Good week to be a teenager

2010-04-14T18:36:00.000+01:00

Hi Everybody

Since sending out a press release saying I won't be going on the Talisker Bounty Boat I've been overwhelmed by the messages of support and encouragement. Thanks so much if you sent one.

BIG Thanks for all the lovely comments I've received from people who have read my book. I still can't believe I'm offically an 'author'. One thing that might help my book sales is adding some reviews on Amazon if you don't mind.

Over the last week or so life has actually been a bit quiet for me, mostly enforced by having to take it easy when my tonsils flared up, but now feeling much better.

This week has been a dream week for any teenager – my parents have been away leaving me to eat, sleep and party as much as I wanted.

Tomorrow, I am going on board the TS Jack Petchey, which has been donated by the man himself to allow young people to experience life afloat. Should be fun! It will be good to meet the young people on board who I understand have all won Achievement Awards. www.jackpetcheyfoundation.org.uk

Mike

Happy Easter

2010-04-04T22:38:00.000+01:00

Happy Easter everyone.

Since anouncing that I will not be going on the Talisker Bounty Boat voyage, loads of people have said it is probablly for the best and now that I have come to terms with the idea, I am already planning another adventure.

This week I visited a couple more schools near Leeds which were very different. One with high security and one very relaxed which seemed to reflect the mood of the kids. The feed back from my visit was really encouraging.

Radio stations and newspapers still want to talk to me about the Bounty Boat, so I am using the opportunity to talk about my book. I also appeared on the This Morning Show and as my mum was with me, she got interviewed at the same time.

Mike

End of Talisker Bounty Boat dream

2010-03-28T22:22:00.001+01:00

Hi all,

This week I had my final medical and I received my test results back and I'm totally gutted to report that it's become clear that I won't be fit enough to participate in the Talisker Bounty Boat expedition. The doctors who I have been seeing whilst I've been recovering from my operation won't sign me as fit and are saying I shouldn't go.

Although the tests I've had to take have came back clear, the lymph glands in my abdominal area are still inflamed despite the time it's been since the operation which according to my doctor implies that there is still stuff going in on my body following the operation. The doc also said that this would explain why I am not putting any weight back on at the moment.

What with having my appendix out, I've lost just over a stone and I haven't been able to put any back on since arriving back home. The doc said it's as if my body has been through the trip once already and is still not far along the road of recovery. I real fine mentally and am raring to go, but physically still don't have anywhere near the amount of energy I used too.

Everyday that I've been home I've been hoping that the next day I would improve further and faster but it just hasn't really been happening. I had fully expected to be fit and dandy by now but it seems that my body just isn't recovering as fast as we'd all like it too.

So feeling really hacked off; I'm now announcing that I'll be off the boat simply down to health reasons and so now there is a place on the boat to fill. Anyone want to go and fill my spot??

The good news is that the book launch is going really well and I have probably signed over a hundred books for different people. I am actually really chuffed at the way it has gone and it is very satisfying to think that my story is in bookstores all over the country and now I am officially an 'Author'. I wonder what my English teachers must think of me!

Mike

I'm 18

2010-03-17T23:29:00.000Z

Hi all,

Exciting news! The book is released tomorrow! It hits the shelves and will be available to buy in any good bookstore.

The last few days have been very busy with lots of press interviews surrounding the book and also the Talisker Bounty Boat expedition combined which has been excellent for ramping up both interest in the project and in the book.

Today after a bright and early start we were driven into London for a day of radio interviews and it was certainly a busy day as we went from studio to studio. The first show was with Libby Purves on Radio 4's midweek program which was good fun. There were four other guests there and we all sat around a table chatting about all sorts of different items for the 45minute long show.

Tomorrow is a very exciting day for me as I get to see the book on an actual shelf in a bookshop! I am doing the main book signing at Hatchards bookstore in Piccadilly from 11am to 1pm so if you want to pop down and grab a signed copy then feel welcome too and it would be great to see you there!

There are also signed copies available off my website www.challengemike.com so if you'd rather grab one off the net then you can order one from there.

It was my 18th birthday yesterday I'm pleased to say and it was a really good day all up which I thoroughly enjoyed. It was really relaxing and lovely to wake up and go into my parents bedroom and open a few presents with my family with us all in our dressing gowns. In the evening we went out for a lovely meal at an 'outback' restaurant which was good fun. Thank you everyone for your kind birthday messages.

Mike

Back home

2010-03-03T14:24:00.000Z

Hi everyone,

I flew back into London yesterday morning at the bright and early time of 4.30am. It felt like just the afternoon in Australian time though so it wasn't so bad. A day and a half of flying can seriously muck up the sleep pattern..

Looking back at the training I'm totally chuffed with how it went to be honest. I don't think we could be much more prepared than we are now and that is a really good feeling. After packing everything into the container on Saturday there was even a feeling of 'what now?' as we'd now well and truly ticked the job list right off.

I'm really pleased with how the crew has bonded together as that is totally vital for a project like this and I can guarantee with the crew that we have we'll most certainly have an crazy lot of laughs on board.

As I had a couple of days to spare before I flew back to London I hopped over to Hobart to catch up on some friends I had made whilst staying there on my world voyage. I had a great time and had loads of laughs. I think Don and Margie's rabbit called Noddy remembered me..

I've got a lot of things happening this month before I fly back out to Australia, mainly cantered around the launch of my book 'Sailing the Dream' on the 18th of March. I'll keep you guys updated in due course.

Thanks for all the good wishes I received whilst I was laid up with appendicitis. I am now feeling fine, but have been told not to do any heavy lifting for a bit.

Mike

Recovering

2010-02-12T23:43:00.000Z

Hi everyone,

Sorry about the silence on my blog recently, I've been a tad preoccupied!

I arrived in Sydney last friday morning and after meeting up with David and Pete the other two crew members from overseas we jumped in our hire car and headed off to find the park we're staying at. It was great to see the boat and see the guys expressions the first time they saw her. I'm sure they both shouted "she's tiny!" Don came by later in the evening after driving up from Hobart with all sorts of bits and bobs.

Saturday was the first day of the sea survival course and after just an hour or so, I decided I was feeling pretty ill and went out to get some fresh air. I later headed back to the cabin in a taxi as I wasn't getting any better. I thought it was only dehydration but it turned out to be a little worse..

After waiting to get better I headed into hospital to get checked out as I'd been advised to, and they decided to keep me in overnight for observations as they couldn't define what was up with me. Another day followed with another night in hospital with more tests and the day after that they decided to operate and see if it was my appendix that was causing me a load of constant pain. The op went smoothly fortunately and I was later told that my appendix was certainly inflamed so it was a very good call to have it taken out.

I spent another night in hospital recovering and then the guys came and picked me up and brought me back to the cabin. I'm currently resting up a lot and not really doing much to be honest! Sleep is a little difficult as is moving around but it will hopefully get a lot easier with time.

There's lots happening to the boat in terms of small modifications which are exciting to see and it looks like she'll be going in the water very shortly which should be fun.

Mike

Appendix gone

2010-02-09T13:35:00.002Z

Hello everybody

I thought now Mike was on dry land he would be updating this blog, but alas he has just had his appendix removed and has asked me to update.

Mike flew to Sydney a few days ago to meet up with the other guys signed up as Bounty Boat crew and to help prepare and take part in the training Don is working up. Mike only managed the morning of the survival course before retiring with abdominal pains then throwing up and fainting a couple of times. He was taken to hospital by some kind people who Don knows. He was admitted straight away and after a couple of days of tests and monitoring the surgeon took the decision of removing his appendix. Great news…one less thing to worry about in the future…. shame he couldn't have his tonsils and any other redundant organs taken out at the same time! The doctors and nurses have done a great job at looking after Mike and BIG thanks to everyone who has visited him.

Peter
Dad

Off Piste

2010-02-03T22:55:00.000Z

Hi everyone,

I got back from skiing on Saturday and wow what a good week it was. I went with an old friend of mine Tom and we generally skied down any piste or off piste available which was certainly a good laugh. We were up in the French resort of Tignes and the choice of piste and off piste was just huge so we definitely explored a good bit. Amusingly every single lunch time we'd ski to the same restaurant on the mountain and have the same pizza there as it was one of the cheapest meals on the mountain - especially what with us being students, every little bit of saved money helps. Surprisingly the resort actually felt quite empty, which was a good thing as a lot of the slopes were nice and empty, although the nightlife did suffer a little subsequently.

Since getting back, I have been totally absorbed making changes to my book, reading and re-reading it before it goes to the printers. I will post details of outlets and how it may be obtained overseas, when they are all firmed up.

Tonight I'm jumping on a plane to Hong Kong which is my transfer airport for flying out to Sydney, arriving there Friday morning! Almost a day in the air! Crazy! I've been looking forward to heading out to Oz a lot and I really am very excited. Especially as it's nice and hot there now too! I'm out there training for the BountyBoat expedition and so I'm sure as team we're going to bond really well which I'm looking forward too.

Right, I suppose I better pack! I'll keep you updated with how the training progresses.

Mike

Talks, Talks, Talks

2010-01-23T17:14:00.000Z

Hi everyone,

Well this last week has just been crazily busy. Great fun though!

On Monday I visited the Wren school in North London and did two talks there which was good fun. Later that day I hopped on a train up to Bradford where I had one of Bradford's famous curries and stayed the night. The following morning I went to visit an organisation called The Lighthouse Group. I've never quite seen a setup like the one they had and I was pretty impressed to say the least. The Lighthouse Group is an organisation that works with guys who have been excluded from school and their aim is to get them back on track. An amazing fact is that two thirds of people who are in prison were excluded from school.

I worked with a couple of small groups of people there and it was great to see just how determined some of these guys were to get out there and really lead an exciting life. One of the girls has an ambition to get out to Africa and work there for a while. I know the people heading up the organisation are looking into that and it shows just how committed these people are to getting these guys back on track.

I got on the train back to London, had a super busy day with more engagements and then on Thursday I popped up to Stafford to stay at my relatives house, as I was to do a talk at their college the following day which went really well. The guys at Stafford college made us feel very welcome so thanks guys!

My throat has started to give up now so I'm cutting back on the speaking a little to let it mend but in the meantime a good old friend of mine and I are flying out to France this afternoon to go skiing for a week! We only booked it a few days ago as a spur of the moment bargain holiday but I'm sure we're going to have some great fun out there. We're skiing in Tinges which is an amazing resort, so it should be pretty good that's for sure.

Anyway, I better be off, as I've got to get out to the airport shortly. I'll let you guys know how the skiing goes when I get back.

Mike

New Website

2010-01-15T12:20:00.000Z

Hi everyone,

Welcome to the new website! Hope you all like it!

We've expanded the content here and there which should make the use of the site easier. Also the blog should be easier to use now.

It's fantastic news to see that Jessica Watson has now rounded cape horn nice and safely and I'm really chuffed for her. She's always in such high spirits and I continue to be really impressed by her super positive attitude.

I've finally sent off all my university applications so am waiting to hear some replies. Fingers crossed I get the offers that I'm hoping for.

The snow is finally melting away here in Potters Bar which is kind of a good sign to be honest. Finally things can get back to normal!

Next week, I'm visiting three schools all in different parts of the country, I'll keep you updated about how it's going.

Mike

Snow - 10th January 2010

2010-01-11T13:40:00.001Z

Hi everyone,
We finally put away the chirstmas decorations here in at home yesterday. Late I know!
It's been so nice having christmas at home here in the UK this year, and to have a white-ish christmas made it even more special. It's been snowing rather a lot here recently and I find it hilarious how the UK can just grind to a halt at times with only 6inches of snow. It does seem like the country is getting used to it though as the roads are steadily improving now.
I'm looking forward to visiting some schools over the next couple of weeks over the country as part of my Live the Dream schools program. It's always exciting to visit schools and talk about the trip.

Not much else to chat about at the moment really, but I'll keep you all updated in due course.

Mike

Reader Comments

Dan near Toronto :

Thanks for the update Mike. You Brits have more bloody snow than we have near Toronto..lol..and me sitting here with my snowplow truck and nothing to do. Great to hear about more school program stuff..please post more as it happens with that..maybe links to news articles etc.

10/01/2010 18:39:01

johnboi :

Hi mike, 6inchs of snow, lucky. Only got an inch here so far, but saying that, there is plenty of ice. Times like this I wish I was back at school, those kids you visit are very lucky. Enjoy the snow! john

10/01/2010 19:05:18

Jim :

So, Mike - how did you enjoy your first experiences driving in snow? Or did you drive in it? We have ice and a bit of snow here in the Atlanta,USA area and I found out that even experienced drivers in the stuff can go sledding using the car as the vehicle : ) Not recommended. I was on the way to a store to buy something to create a 'surprise' for Timothy and the car just developed a life of its own. Glad you were able to get out and enjoy the snow you had. Hope your talks go well next week.

11/01/2010 02:34:05

Happy New Year - 2nd January 2010

2010-01-03T23:31:00.002Z

Hi everyone,

Happy New Year!

What an amazing year its been and wow do I have many incredible memories of it. From surfing 50ft waves in the southern ocean to exploring the back roads of Latin America finding deserted and beautiful tropical beaches. I've met some incredible people too, which has by far been one of the best bits of the year.

I'm getting very excited about the up and coming training in Sydney for the Bounty Boat expedition. It should be great fun and I'm sure we will bond as a crew really well. The Bounty Boat is now well on it's way to Sydney packaged up nice and safely in a container. I'm looking forward to seeing her again when I fly into Sydney in the first week of February. I'm sure Don is too! He's currently down in Antarctica with Margie leading an expedition down there which sounds good fun.

Its been fantastic to watch Jessica Watson's progress through the southern ocean go so smoothly and I'm really super pleased for her. I speak to her on the phone every now and again and I'm always very impressed by her high spirits. Fingers crossed, she'll have a smooth rounding of the Horn soon enough.

Well happy New Year everyone once again

Mike

Reader Comments

Dan near Toronto :

LOL...this is just like the Queen's annual end of year speech..talks about what's happened and what is coming in the future...and I'm looking forward to many more...thanks Mike. It has been a momentus year for you, and very rewarding for you and many others....cont'd.

02/01/2010 23:06:19

Dan near Toronto :

cont'd....through your work with school kids, you've enriched many lives and given them new insights into what can be achieved. Equally you've inspired others to fight on..most notably Timothy from Amsterdam (poster here)and we can never thank you enough for that. Smile (grin)..it's FREE.

02/01/2010 23:18:43

Timothy from Amsterdam Holland :

Hi Mike + family, we're wishing you a very happy, prosperous, and espacially healthy 2010, and that all your pretty, lovely, nautical tough and morally strong dreams may come true. Greetings from partly Dutch/Aussie Timothy & parents & grandparents from Amsterdam Holland and Sydney/Cronulla NSW 2230 Australia.

03/01/2010 08:22:59

Timothy from Amsterdam Holland :

G'day all the other posters...sure we're also wishing you all the best for 2010 making and living your dreams. Sorry mates, later more cuzz I'm not feeling very well this moments as a result of some adverse chemo therapy reactions. Never mind, crying will get you nowhere. Bye CU, Timothy.

03/01/2010 09:12:58

Merry Christmas - 25th December 2009

2010-01-03T23:29:00.004Z

Hi everyone,

Happy Christmas!

It's a nice white-ish Christmas here in Potters Bar with some snow still on the ground and our drive is totally iced over which makes for some fun times.

It's fantastic to be at home this year for Christmas and to be with the family is such good fun.

I wish everyone a very happy and enjoyable Christmas.

Mike

Reader Comments

Dan near Toronto :

Merry Christmas Mike and Family! How ironic that you would have a bit of snow for Christmas while I'm having rain in Canada right now. Guess I'm going to have to buy a lottery ticket and fly over to enjoy it..lol...maybe stay over for your Stratford college presentation...good for you Mike. Keep it up. As I said many months ago, you are a legend..and a pretty cool guy too. Cheers m8

25/12/2009 20:14:36

Callum :

Hello Mike, this is yet another message from someone who really enjoyed the documentary! To say that your around-the-world voyage was an achievement would be an understatement. You really are an inspiration to us all. (Although I've reassured my Mum I won't be following in your footsteps anytime soon!) I would have followed the progress of your voyage on your blog but sadly I didn't find out about it until you got back to the UK! Anyway, hope you had a great Christmas, and I wish you the

26/12/2009 13:13:35

Timothy from Amsterdam Holland :

Hi Mike, You don't know me, but I was following your worldwide challange from the very first beginning it started. And that from my hospital-bed on laptop, but this is the first time I dare contacting you. I'm a 17 yr old Dutch boy from Amsterdam Holland with leukemia, cancer of the blood cells, and during my several chemo therapies I was following you on my screen every nautical mile you made, and I can say that you are an important, a very important part that I'm still alive this moment. A

30/12/2009 01:12:39

Callum :

The end of the last comment was cut off. I was going to say best of luck with the Bounty Boat expedition next year!

30/12/2009 22:17:27

Yihan :

@Dan near Toronto:You are not unnecessary to apologize with me! You 've helped me a lot, and this time it did work ,THANK YOU again! By the way, today is the last day of 2009! Wish you have a HAPPY NEW YEAR =D

31/12/2009 06:35:10

Dan near Toronto :

We only get 9-10 lines here,then cut off,maybe it can be extended. To Perham family and all fellow posters, I wish you the very best for the New Year. Please keep clicking the adverts at the side here to raise more funds. See next post. Dan

31/12/2009 15:17:15

Dan near Toronto :

@Yihan..great to hear the link worked finally. It is amazing video @Timothy..Thanks SO MUCH for joining us here..I KNOW you're an amazing guy!I'd love to follow your journey too.Our next big adventure here is Mike's Bounty Boat trip in the spring,click the link.More..

31/12/2009 15:33:13

Dan near Toronto :

Here's link to Mike's documentary of epic voyage.Can be slow with buffering..just pause near start and let it load,then play. http://vidreel.com/video/NTc4MTU1/ my email: dan01ster@wightman.ca ..I'd love to chat with you folks anytime. Timothy..give me a call plz.

31/12/2009 15:58:04

Yihan :

Hey Mike, me again! I've already seen your documentary and it is amazing! You're not only a sailor,you are a great man,a hero,and even a legend! I really envy you can have a dream and then achieve it.I am moved deeply again.I can not wait to see your next adventure. I didn’t have free time to tell you Merry Christmas,but at least I can wish you a Happy New Year! It is 00:00 , 2010 at Taiwan now! So, HAPPY NEW YEAR! :D

31/12/2009 16:00:06

Timothy from Amsterdam Holland :

The end of my last comment was cut off...Before the cancer I was also a very passionate sailingboy, that's why my friends told me about your challange. And that's also why I was following you, on my hospital-bed, perhaps with more intensiveness strength than others, because I could feel all your great sailing talents. But the reason why I'm now contacting you is, wishing you all great successes with every challanges you're concerning, but most of all the best good health you can get in company

31/12/2009 16:50:50

Timothy from Amsterdam Holland :

The end of the last comment was cut off... in company of your family and loveones for 2010. Also greetz and best wishes to your parents and sister. You have built me all the months so much stronger in proceeding and keeping fight back my cancer, with the reasonable results of this moment. Mike, thanks a lot for that and bye bye from Timothy and parents.

02/01/2010 10:17:38

Timothy from Amsterdam Holland :

@Dan near Toronto and @all the other valued posters here on Mike's blog: All our best wishes for 2010 following your dreams in the best imaginable healthiness and successes from Tim & parents & grandparents.

02/01/2010 10:27:01

Timothy from Amsterdam Holland :

@Dan near Toronto: as soon as possible I will email you. My emailaddress is: aboriginal@home.nl (Aboriginal because I was born on 23rd March 1992 in Sydney/Cronulla 2230 NSW Australia from a Dutch dad and an Aussie mom, but now lived in Holland) Tim.

02/01/2010 10:41:29

Driving, talking, mingling - 18th December 2009

2010-01-03T23:27:00.001Z

Hi everyone,

It's snowing here in Potters Bar as I look out the window in front of me right now! I missed last years snow fall so I'm really excited to see snow this year. Plus as it's snowing before Christmas, maybe we will be in for a treat and get a white Christmas?

The last couple of weeks have been good fun as I've been talking at a couple more primary schools. Its always such a fantastic feeling seeing children's faces light up as I describe to them what the southern ocean can be like in a blow. Washing machine mode basically! I've also visited a couple of senior schools, a scout group, a fire station, a church and a synagogue.

It was with a great bubbly feeling that I passed my Driving test the other day! YEAHH FREEDOM! I've been learning with BSM. All the credit has got to go to them for passing me first time, and to my instructor Michael too! Without his very professional help I would still have my 'L' plates.

I've been doing a lot of tv work recently which has taken up a lot of time, and its been great fun! Not long ago I went to the BBC Sports Personality Of The Year Awards which was really excellent. There were 11,000 people there. Mine and my sisters seats were just 4 rows from the front of the stage! It was great seeing Jenson Button and Michael Schumacher only a few metres away, Dame Kelly Homes a few metres the other and all sorts of other sporting heroes so close by!

I've now broken up for the Christmas holidays so let the fun begin!

Mike

Reader Comments

Neil A. :

Hiya Mike, hearty congrats on passing your driving test! I always feel a little warmth inside when achieving a goal, no matter how big or small. Thought of going for the advanced test later in 2010? With all these celebs you get to meet, any autographs? Have a great family Christmas. Cheers.

18/12/2009 21:19:55

johnboi :

Well done on passing your driving test! No excuse not to visit now :P I can well imagine what your asking your parents for christmas... something with 4 wheels ;) I met Dame Kelly Homes when I was about 11, she is really nice. Sounds like you have had all the fun... and snow, not had that here in dorset... yet! Lots of ice though, my car has been frozen all day. Hope you have a great christmas!

19/12/2009 17:44:45

Dan near Toronto :

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to the Perham family. It's so good to hear from you Mike. That's excellent news about your driving exam success...congrats mate! I'm very glad you're having so much fun with all your speaking engagements. You are an amazing positive influence on the young kids in the schools that you've visited. Not much space here so I'll just say thanks for your continued posts here and keep us informed mate. Dan

20/12/2009 04:28:36

Yihan :

@Dan near Toronto:The two address you gave me both can not work. The second one says the video has already deleted. But it's really nice that you gave me these addresses , thanks a lot! I guess I can find another one by myself, and thanks again! =D

20/12/2009 13:49:19

Yihan :

Hey Mike! Congratulate that you passed the driving exam! You play a positive role to those kids, and it's really great. How does it feel when snowing? I 've never seen snow before, so I haven't had a white Christmas either. Wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Cheers :D

20/12/2009 14:41:54

@Yihan: Sorry about the links mate...I also found that one of those no longer works. This one I've just tried (0500GMT 22Dec)and it works for me. http://vidreel.com/video/NTc4MTU1/ You have to click the red button (close me)that's ontop of the video player screen and then click on the white play button (>). If it doesn't work then follow the directions below it..ie install the codec required. This video is a bit jerky at times if your internet speed is slow...it tends to buffer alot for me.

22/12/2009 05:19:37

Dan near Toronto :

last one may not have gone through.. @Yihan: Sorry about the links mate...I also found that one of those no longer works. This one I've just tried (0500GMT 22Dec)and it works for me. http://vidreel.com/video/NTc4MTU1/ You have to click the red button (close me)over top of the play window and then click on the white play button (>). If it doesn't work then follow the directions below ie install the codec required. This video is a bit jerky at times if your internet speed is slow...it tend

22/12/2009 05:21:53

Poetry and Smiles - 22 November 2009

2010-01-03T23:25:00.001Z

Hi everyone,

The fun never stops here, and as I look at my diary for the next week I'm somewhat gawping at it's business! It's sure as packed a week as I've ever seen. But you know. Work hard play hard.

Recently I attended and spoke at a lovely poetic dinner organised by Libby Purves. It was such a nice evening and I met some really great people. It was held at the Trafalga Tavern, a fantastic location with a gorgeous view over the Thames and as I looked out the window during the clear night I wished that I could treasure that moment for times to come.

I've also been talking at schools recently and last week I had a throughly good time visiting a school in South London, going into classes and talking to all the pupils. This is all thanks to the Vocalink/ChallengeMike schools program we have jointly developed, which I'm really enjoying doing. There isn't much that can beat the smile of a child with a grin full of expression wanting to hear more.

I've been visiting some uni's around and about recently and I've been really impressed with some of the courses out there that I'd like to do. This is really opening my eyes to future options.

I'm still getting loads of emails saying how much people have enjoyed watching the documentary. Thanks, it means a lot.

Mike

Reader Comments

Dan near Toronto :

Hello from across the pond. Good to hear from you Mike. I'm sure you know, your posts here are not nearly frequent enough for your fans/well wishers. I'm pleased to hear your work with the school kids is rewarding for you (and them). I've now watched your docu on the web a couple of times and each has given me more to ponder and appreciate. Give my best to your family and I hope things are working out for your Dad...I know he means the world to you. Cheers mate Dan

22/11/2009 22:21:49

Devon from the US :

It is amazing to see what you have done and put into your life. As most people skim by on nothing, you are living life to its fullest it seems. I was amazed at what I saw in the documentary, and having never sailed or even remeber being at the beach, as I live in land, it made me want to experience something like that. I obviously can't right this second, but I admire all you have done. I am 18 and hven't even dreamed of the things you have done. Keep living life. Hope to hear some more from you

02/12/2009 07:36:43

Yihan :

Hello, Mike! Since I knew your adventure in newspaper, I have started to notice you. You are such a brave and great sailor. It is sad that I can not watch the documentary which is on Channel 4 because I live in Taiwan. However, I have seen some of your videos on YouTube. You really did a good job and you are truly awesome! I do not know how to show my respect to you and how excited I am. You made an amazing dream come true which moves me deeply. You are my hero, and that is all wha

06/12/2009 09:43:50

Dan near Toronto :

@ Yihan...I too was disappointed that I couldn't watch Mike's video on Channel 4, BUT...I found it on the web. Here's an address that shows the complete 90min. documentary. http://vidreel.com/video/NTc4MTU1/

11/12/2009 02:11:06

Dan near Toronto :

Hi Mike...I'm thinkin' it's about time we had another update on your latest activities...LOL. 1. How's the driver training going mate? 2. Has Totallymoney (Cray Valley) been returned to her owners yet? 3. How goes the presentations to the school kids around the country? 4. How's your Dad getting along? 5. How do you find time for your own school work?

11/12/2009 02:13:09

Dan near Toronto :

A long list eh? Guess I'm going to have to sponsor you again (ie Up the mast, and Sails videos) in order to get the answers to the above questions...lol. I Still love that "Sails" video for your comment of the "shredded sail...your favourite"...too funny mate. Oh Mike/Peter...I wondered if there was going to be t-shirts offered in any XL or XXL sizes..I don't see any clothing line any longer. Had to break this up 'cause I didn't want to get it cut off...not enough space allowed for posts..

11/12/2009 02:15:14

Dan near Toronto :

@Yihan...here's another link to Mike's documentary. The earlier link I gave may have some annoying buffering issues at times. http://www.wisevid.com/view_video.php?viewkey=nqvzjpzf77akvh014

11/12/2009 02:24:49

nicola :

Hi, finally managed to watch your video, had to watch it on streaming since it is not available where i am. Brilliant stuff. Everyone criticises Ellen MacArthur for crying during her film but few realise that no matter who you are you would also cry in the same circumstances. I think you did amazingly well given all the circumstances and watching the movie just made me realise even more the hurdles you had to overcome. Wishing you all the best for future adventures. N.

15/12/2009 09:33:14

angene :

hi Mike Ilive in China. I knew your adventure in Chinese newspaper,it is amazing . I want to show your wonderfui story on the magazine of SiChuan university .It is should be inspirit more peoplie

21/12/2009 07:15:52

Fireworks - 9th November 2009

2010-01-03T23:23:00.002Z

Hi everyone,

The last week has been a good laugh. The documentary came out on Thursday which was a great success and this weekend it was fireworks night which was a great fun. Also Don McIntyre is back over from Australia staying with us and this coming weekend we're going to be having some fun with Bounty Boat, which is actually sitting patiently on my drive just dying to go sailing.

The documentary, 'Schoolboy who sailed the world', aired on Thursday on Channel 4 and there was quite a bit of advertising for it in the week previous so we were all getting excited about seeing it on TV. When it came out we were immediately inundated with emails flooding in from all over the UK saying how fantastic it was which put a big smile on my face. A lot of credit must go to the guys over at Blink Productions who have put the whole project together and of course Channel 4. Over a million TV's were watching it which was exciting news to hear on Friday. You can still catch it on 4OD if you want to watch it, http://www.channel4.com/programmes/schoolboy-who-sailed-the-world/4od#3008360

This weekend the sky lit up with firework displays which was really great to see. I went to a display in Watford with a load of college friends and we had a ball which was great fun. I'm always smiling when those guys are around as they're such a fun lot!

So yes, Don is back in town to have some fun with Bounty Boat. It's great to have Don back here as he's such a laugh to have around and we're always joking about the things ahead!

Anyway, things to do and people to see…

Mike

Reader Comments

TooMuchTVforMe :

All my friends and I have been wondering if you and Beckie got back together?? Well done BTW the TV programme was amazing!! :) xxx

10/11/2009 17:59:54

Alex :

Just saw the documetary on channel 4, and I thought it was amazing! I found this website, and just thought I'd wish you loads of luck on your next adventure. I think you are SO brave for doing what you did, and I hope to be seeing more of you as you 'live the dream'! Alex xx :)

10/11/2009 21:21:52

Neil A. :

Hiya Mike, just to add my bit on your docu. Very good, and friends of mine I persuaded to watch it were very impressed! Amazing how over nine months of your journey could be compressed into one and a half hour film. Riveting to watch.

10/11/2009 22:51:37

Natalie - Hants :

Hi Mike, I just had to leave you a comment. I have just this moment watched your documentary which was recommended to me by a friend, as we currently studying weather systems, sometimes its better to see the power of the wind and sea, rather then just read about it on paper. I cried and laughed with you throughout the film. You are a true inspiration, I hope that when I complete my degree I have just as much courage and determination as you to follow my dreams. You have an amazing fami

11/11/2009 13:59:27

Emily Mckay <3>

watched your documentary (: very brave well done!

14/11/2009 01:39:59

Dan near Toronto :

Yes Mike, I'm still here. I've just viewed the "Cutting Edge" docu of your voyage..."The Schoolboy who sailed around the World". What an epic voyage! Now we know the rest of the story, which wasn't really evident from your daily blogs and vids. What a story! I had tears several times while watching this. For you folks also living outside the UK, you can view it at the following link. Just click on the button in upper centre of page "show me....." http://www.wisevid.com/view_video.p

18/11/2009 02:00:55

Dan near Toronto :

Seems like that last link I gave for Mike's video docu was cut off at the end. Here is a better one. http://vidreel.com/video/NTc4MTU1/

20/11/2009 03:38:53

Arianna :

Ok I seriously jut got done watching the doctumentary and I have to say it was probably the most epic thing I have ever seen! It brought back so many personal memories for me being from a family who used to sail. Oh and it was funny too! Good job! You make me feel like I hve done nothing with my life. -Arianna

29/11/2009 10:16:42

nicki :

15/12/2009 09:32:13

College, documentary & driving - 3rd November 2009

2010-01-03T23:20:00.004Z

Hi Everyone,

Its been a good fun last 2 weeks here in land locked potters bar. You certainly wouldn't think that I'm a sailor!

I've been ploughing into my college work recently and starting to catch up on what I missed last year and I've also been looking at a couple of university options as I like to keep my options open. I'm not currently sure whether I I want to head off to uni for 3 years or not. We shall see what the future holds...

Excitingly, the documentary comes out this thursday! I've seen it and its looks really really fantastic. A big well done to everyone who has put it together. A special mention must go to Adam who has spent the best part of the last 8 weeks sitting in a edit studio going over and over it! Its showing at 9pm on channel 4 so if you're around, grab a couch and have a look.

I've had a few more driving lessons recently and I'm absolutely loving driving with my BSM instructor Michael. I've been doing hand break turns, skidding round corners, dodging speed cameras and rally driving. Only kidding!

Mike

Reader Comments

Albos :

I love cheese too!!!

07/10/2009 00:06:47

Dan near Toronto :

Hi Mike. Good to hear more of your daily life events again. Sounds like you're having a blast! I was wondering if the "Cutting Edge" episode "Dangerous Seas for Boys" will be made available on DVD for foreign buyers. Unfortunately, Channel 4 is not available in North America even via podcast, so we folks over here will miss what I expect will be an amazing docu. I'd be more than willing to contribute towards your charities, for a chance to have a copy of that program Mike. I'm sure there ar

07/10/2009 01:54:53

Dan near Toronto :

cont't ...I'm sure there are many others overseas who feel the same. Please (time permitting), could you make some inquiries as to availability for us folks on the other side of the pond. Cheers mate Dan

07/10/2009 01:59:40

Jonathan :

I'm really sorry Mike.. but I'm sure like many of your followers on totallymoney.com/sailmike, I'm totally captivated by your next adventure, So you've got me AGAIN as a committed follower and blogger. Can't wait to see the Channel 4 Documentary Watch out for future daft comments to keep you cheerful! Best wishes Jonathan

08/10/2009 02:03:26

Jonathan :

P.S. Motor Neurone Disease. You know the most worthy and important Charities to pick! I wish you all success. JM

08/10/2009 02:08:11

Jonathan (again) ! :

P.P.S To all fellow and future bloggers... I was privileged to spend an evening with Mike and Don McIntyre recently. What a team! I can't help feeling they are completely 'bonkers' attempting the Bounty Boat Expedition - BUT I for one support them Wholeheartedly. Please visit http://www.justgiving.com/bountyboatadventure and show your support for both of them just as you did with The Tall Ships Youth Trust and The NSPCC on Mike's last heroic trip. Jonathan

08/10/2009 02:24:12

johnboi :

Hi everyone, the documentary is THIS WEEK!!! its on the 5 nov, this thursday, not next thursday. It was advertised in the tv guide, there is even a half page section about it. Dont worry I have emailed mike and his dad, cant have him miss his own documentary can we :)

03/11/2009 18:00:18

Mark W :

I've just watched the documentary. It showed some sides of Mike and some events along the way that didn't come through in the calm words in the blog, and made it all much more immediate. I'm even more impressed than I was before: Mike, you really are amazing!

05/11/2009 23:02:11

Mike Diamond :

Well done on all your sailing achievements to date and the adventures yet to come! Really enjoyed your documentary on C4 such a good account of your epic journey.That was one tough challenge,so impressed matey!

05/11/2009 23:11:53

peejay :

Hi Mike just finished watching the Channel 4 stuff. Should be made compulsory viewing for every "hoodie victim "before the courts (Tall Ships Trust ?) My non-sailing wife's comment "OMG how is that wee Australian lassie gonna cope with stuff like that ?"No comment necessary .Till the end young man SUERTE PETER

06/11/2009 01:53:59

Mark :

Great documentary. IMHO not as good as reading it in your own words in your blog but still great see the pictures of the adventures you had going round. "What happens in Panama, stays in Panama". Like it! Is there a book? Will there be one? Will it be ghost written or in Mike's own words? Big respect to Mike!

06/11/2009 12:43:11

Tom williams :

wow life is good for you, just watched the documentery and its amazing, dont know how u coped at times, maybe oneday i will sail the world- wont be yongest- thats for sure ;) great stuff

06/11/2009 23:06:04

Dan near Toronto :

This is driving me crazy. The Cutting Edge show is now over and we aren't going to be able to see it in North America. Grrrr.

07/11/2009 05:40:12

Martin :

Hi Mike, watched the Channel 4 documentary about your circumnavigation of the globe. Just wanted to say you are brilliant and an inspiration to all of us. Well done and keep up the adventures! All the best, Martin.

07/11/2009 11:58:34

Claire Bibby :

Hi Mike. I think what you have done in your life is AMAZING!! I watched your documentary on Thursday and thought it was awsome(kinda scary at points but awsome :D)I was so shocked at how happy you were for the most part, I think I would have been crying the majority of the way. I'm just hoping you write a book, i would defonetly buy it (hint hint lol). I was also wondering if you were going to do any talks about your trip, i think that would be soooo good :)? I sail (in Scotland where I live. lo

07/11/2009 17:24:21

Sam!! :

Ive become quite obsessed with becoming better at sailing since ive heard about you!! Its quite werid, but the things that you have done have inspired me soo much, your simply amazing, what you have achieved is unbelievable, and something that I, nor anybody I know could ever do. Wish I could though, thats why im spuring on up with sailing :)

08/11/2009 22:23:17

Claire Bibby :

Hey Mike. I think what you have done in your life is AMAZING!!! I watched your documentary and it was awsome (a little scary at times but awsome :D). I sail (in Scotland :D) and don't think I could ever do what you have done!! I'm hoping you will bring a book out about you trip, I would defonetly buy it (hint hint lol)! I was also wondering if you were going to be doing any talks at some point?!?! Hope you're enjoying being on dry land :) Love Claire xx

09/11/2009 18:51:43

buy strattera :

this is a cool news. Thank you.

13/12/2009 10:58:11

2010-01-03T23:17:00.003Z

Ch 4 Cutting Edge Documentary - 23rd Oct 2009

Channel 4 are going to show the documentary about my voyage called "The schoolboy who sailed around the world" on 5th November at 9pm. I have seen it almost finished and I think Adam the Director has done a great job.

Reader Comments

Dan near Toronto :

WOW!!! The Princes Trust. Congratulations Mike. They've made a great choice with you coming on board. What an honour (Cdn spelling-lol). Don't forget to keep us posted on your driver training and testing when that occurs. Cheers mate Dan

29/09/2009 02:31:19

29/09/2009 22:58:35

Julia :

Hello Mike. I followed you around the world thanks to the WWWeb, and I miss my morning check in with you. However following your days back on terra firma. You mentioned the Princes' trust and I am wondering if you have met Either Prince Charles, Prince William or Prince Harry? I surely hope so. Keep up the good work. Cheers, Julia

04/10/2009 02:50:41

Bill :

Hey Mike After all that you have been through, I can't wait to see the story unwrapped. Cheers Bill

28/10/2009 22:31:20

Petra :

hey do you have any idea when the documentary is gonna come out abroad, or has it been even sold to foreign countries? i'm following you from finland and would love to see it. or is it going to be published somewhere in the internet maybe??

31/10/2009 10:44:56

Ray Harkins :

Great job getting home safe Mike. Is there any place on the web where I can watch that channel 4 documentary as I am in California. I really would love to see it and read your book when it comes out. Later...

01/11/2009 09:04:34

Dan near Toronto :

The Channel 4 "Cutting Edge" docu entitled "The Boy who sailed around the World" is not available for viewing outside of the channel 4 viewing area. It will not be available via podcast or downloadable from Channel 4 web site either. I had contacted their programming and tech dept's and they then forwarded me on to the original film producers at Blink Films who have so far only acknowledged receipt of my email. In it, I had asked whether it would be made available for purchase on DVD, and empha

01/11/2009 16:56:03

Natalie :

11/11/2009 13:56:53

Dan near Toronto :

I've just viewed the "Cutting Edge" docu of Mike's voyage..."The Schoolboy who sailed around the World". What an epic voyage! Now we know the rest of the story, which wasn't really evident from his daily blogs and vids. What a story! I had tears several times while watching this. For you folks also living outside the UK, you can view it at the following link. Just click on the button in upper centre of page "show me....." http://www.wisevid.com/view_video.php?viewkey=nqvzjpzf77akvh014

18/11/2009 01:51:30

Dan near Toronto :

Here's a link that I found that shows the entire Cutting Edge docu. http://vidreel.com/video/NTc4MTU1/

20/11/2009 03:41:01

Dan near Toronto :

@ Ray and others looking for the docu. on the internet. Try this link. http://vidreel.com/video/NTc4MTU1/

25/11/2009 19:46:55

Ray Harkins :

Dan. Thank you for the link to Cutting edge. It was great. Mike had a real adventure. Got kind ofcrazy lonely on that voyage. A really well made film.. Thanks Ray

06/12/2009 08:35:28

2010-01-03T23:16:00.000Z

Cruising, driving and awarding - 19th Oct 2009

Hi everyone,

A few evenings ago I was treated to a lovely cruise on the Thames thanks to the guys over at Underwriting Risk Services as I was giving a short presentation about my trip to all their guests at their very late summer get together. I arrived at Tower Bridge pier around half an hour early and so I wandered up to the bridge and walked halfway along it.

I stopped there and just gazed out over the river and at the greatview of London you get from there and I reflected on the trip and how everything has adjusted since I've arrived back home. I remember that a few weeks before I left, I stood in exactly the same place on the bridge and thought about everything that was coming up and I was so excited about it all. Looking back to that point, it really does feel like time has just flown by as quick as a flash. What a year it's been! Certainly one i will remember for a long time.

The exciting news is that British School of Motoring (BSM) has now come on board as a sponsor for all my driving lessons and so I'm now having around 2 lessons a week which I'm totally loving! The BSM car (Fiat 500) is very nippy and it's great fun to drive, oh and easy to park too seeing as it's so small and agile! I've got another lesson tomorrow morning so I'm looking forward to that.

Saturday was a mad day. I had a wedding in the morning. Not mine! In the afternoon the Potters Bar golf club had organised a reception for me and had invited lots of pretty important people. I won't mention who as I don't want to miss anyone out! There were also loads of other people from Potters Bar and several other close friends. I felt very honoured as I was given 2 awards and an amazing painting of TotallyMoney.com . In the evening I had been invited as a guest of honour to the 50th anniversary dinner of the local rotary club. Great food was served and this certainly satisfied my appetite which hasn't let off much since the trip. I also received another award which was really appreciated. Thanks guys!

Another exciting bit of news to hear was of Jessica Watson's departure from Sydney to attempt to become the youngest person to sail around the world, non-stop and unassisted. I spoke to Jessica the evening before she left and wished her luck. Jessica was in high spirits and I really wish good luck to her. She's one of these super positive people and I'm sure she's going to love her trip! Go Jesse go!

Anyway, I've got some college work to do so I better get on with that,

Mike

Reader Comments

A Bizzle :

Ohhh Yeaaahhhhhh!!

28/09/2009 03:01:50

Philip :

Hi Mike Can we have a blog with RSS feeds like you did before? Much easier for people to follow then. Thanks and good luck with the new venture. Phil

28/09/2009 15:46:41

johnboi :

wow, you have been busy. Free driving lessons, lucky thing. You say that time has passed quickly, but saying that it was only about three months ago when you were on the water, although I can understand how it can seem like a lifetime away. Hope everythings going well, how do you keep up with all of this and your college work?!

22/10/2009 14:03:47

johnboi :

22/10/2009 14:03:47

dan near Toronto :

Hi Mike...great to see more posts here again. I read in your local paper, the story of your awards at the local golf club...good show mate! Has your driving instructor asked for your autograph yet...lol. I certainly miss your daily blogs from the totallymoney and those great videos too. I sent Jessica my regards and best wishes but, tend to agree with Andrew Cape's assessment in his letter to Jess. I'm not sure how you find enough time in a day to get 'everything' done, but thanks again f

29/10/2009 03:13:18

buy strattera :

this is a cool news. Thank you.

13/12/2009 10:49:11

College, Cheese and Channel 4 - 6th Oct 2009

2010-01-03T23:13:00.000Z

Hi everyone,

College work has continued and things are still nice and busy. This morning I was in London doing a photo shoot and I jumped on the train to get back for college at 1pm. I got there... just. I'm still finding new things every day which I haven't done or haven't tasted or haven't seen for pretty much a year. Such as this type of cheese that I love. I was in Tesco's yesterday, I saw it and, 'mum, check this out, we've got to get some!' She gave in fortunately. It tasted... YUM!

When I slept on the boat it was always noisy, there was always the sound of rushing water in the background and also a never ending movement. My bed at home doesn't move about at all, but crikey it's noisy too. It squeaks like hell! I can't ever remember it being like this before I left. Maybe one day I'll have a quiet bed, but perhaps not. One things for sure, the Bounty Boat isn't going to be quiet or stable, but wow I'm already really excited.

The channel 4 film crew were over here the other day doing all the master interviews for the documentary which was a good laugh. I knew they would take a while, but I didn't expect each one to last 2 hours! The back lounge was transformed into a film set as they set up a giant green screen behind and set up loads of other lights and screens to get it just right. I've seen the first cut and it looks fantastic. The guys in the edit suite are putting together the last final touches now and it will be airing on channel 4, cutting edge series, near the end of this month.

Mike

Reader Comments

ABizzle :

i love cheese!!!

28/10/2009 02:08:43

Back at College - 28th Sep 2009

2010-01-03T23:11:00.000Z

Hi everyone,

It's been another busy week as it's been my first week back at college! It was great to see all the guys there as I haven't seen them for quite some time, but they've barely changed a bit to be honest. I've been set a few assignments already but I'm keeping up with the work which I'm pleased about.

This week was also quite an exciting week as I met up with the Princes Trust guys in London and we've now teamed up and I've become an ambassador for them. This means that I'll be doing quite a bit of work with them over the next coming year and hopefully through that we can inspire some other young people to live their dreams.

Things are continuing to be busy over the next coming week too, but I'll keep you all updated.

Mike

Hong Kong to London to College - Sep 21 2009

2010-01-03T23:10:00.000Z

Hi Everyone

I flew back into London on Thursday morning from Hong Kong and what a fun trip it was! I was out there to work with Vocalink at the Sibos conference and also to do a couple of public talks which were great fun. I did one to a few hundred students at the Island School and another at the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club which was quite similar, it just had a lot more technical terms in. I was a little nervous at first going up and starting off, but as I got more and more into the swing of things I really started to enjoy it. It's always nice seeing people's faces light up as I describe what it truly is like sailing an Open 50 in the Southern Ocean, kind of like being in a washing machine!

After jumping off the plane I headed straight into London to see some Publishers who are really interested in the Book which is quite exciting! I then took the train back home and grabbed a couple of hours sleep before heading once again back into London and to the Dorchester for a charity dinner which was really enjoyable. After grabbing a taxi back at 1am I eventually hit the sack in the early hours of the morning! But there was no lie in for me.. no no no! I was up early to head down to the Southampton Boat show to help out on the Bounty Boat stand.

Friday was an exciting day too as we made it public that Vocalink is continuing their sponsorship and also with their help, I will be going into many more schools and colleges which is something I'm quite passionate about. A big thank you to Vocalink.

Saturday was another boat show day showing people around the Bounty Boat. The remarks we are given about the project are always quite entertaining!

Today, (Sunday) passed seeming packed full as always. And tomorrow is my first day back at college, a whole new adventure in itself! So yep, I've been super super busy, but I've been having great fun!

Mike

Southampton Boat Show - Sep 12 2009

2010-01-03T23:08:00.001Z

Hi everyone,

Well after the launch at St Katherine's Dock things have continued to be nice and busy. There has been no let up and I've been up early almost every day and have been heading up to hit the sack around midnight every night due to just simply being very very busy.

Our email inbox here has finally been completely looked through and mostly replied to at long last. As I was coming into Portsmouth, we were receiving over a 100 emails a day and it was simply impossible to reply to them all. Oh how I wish they answered themselves!

Many opportunities have really started to open up now and it's all getting very exciting. The release of our documentary as part of the 'cutting edge' series on channel four in late November, publishers looking to get the book out on the shelves by early next year and some interest coming in from all over about talk shows and talking at corporate events too.

Yesterday I was down at the Southampton boat show with the Bounty Boat! One of the main reasons we brought the boat over from Australia was to get it into the boat show and show the world just what we're using to replicate the mutiny on the Bounty which happened 220 years ago. It certainly is a small boat, but it's sure beautiful and I think I've fallen in love with the classic nature of the girl. I'll be back down at the show next weekend and Don is there all week long so come down and say hi. We're placed right next to the Guinness stand so there is plenty of refreshment on hand! There has been loads of support coming in from everyone at the show which is great to see. Also there has been a lot of interest in the Sheffield Institute Foundation and I've been blown away by just how many people have come over to us knowing someone with Motor Neurone Disease. I really hope that Don, me and ?? can raise these guys a lot of money!

Well I'm off on the train in half an hour to head off to Heathrow and jump on a plane to Hong Kong. The fun never stops! I'm heading over there to support Vocalink my biggest sponsor at the Sibos conference there. I will also be doing a talk to the Hong Kong yacht club which I'm quite excited as it will be my first big talk since getting back.

Anyway must dash as I need to finish packing!

Mike

Next Adventure Part II - Sep 8 2009

2010-01-03T23:07:00.000Z

Hi everyone,

well the news is out now.

My next project is the Bounty Boat adventure! Today at 11am at St Katherine's dock we held a press conference and with the bounty boat present with tower bridge in the background we launched our new adventure. There was lots of press with TV crews from the UK and also Australia and it was fantastic to see the immediate interest of everyone. I'm teaming up with Don McIntyre and we're recreating the cast-a-ways from the mutiny on the Bounty!

Me, Don, and two others who haven't been selected yet (want to come?) are teaming up and we're setting sail from near Tonga on the 28th April, exactly 221 years after the actual mutiny and will end up in Timor around 48days later.

I'm sure excited about this as it's going to be a real adventure. We're going to do as close a recreation as possible to the original trip. We won't have much food, we'll have little water, there'll be no torches, there will be no comfortable sleep, there will be no toilet paper, we will be very cold at times and also extremely hot at others, we'll take the weather as it comes and generally head in the direction that the sun sets as we will have no charts! However, we do have a sextant and original watch of the time.

What an adventure!

Visit www.bountyboat.com for much more information about the boat we're using and what we're doing.

One of the main reasons for doing this trip though is to raise awareness and also hopefully a good chunk of money for the Sheffield Institute Foundation who are putting together the first institute for Motor Neurone Disease. This is seen as one of the worst diseases in the world. Usually, once diagnosed, a person will only live on average for 2 years as their body will slowly shut down. Hopefully, the efforts of the Bounty boat trip will help the Sheffield Institute foundation.

I'm going to be busy for the next few weeks which includes appearing at the Southampton boat show and also doing many more public appearances. So maybe you could come down and meet me and Don down there on stand J018 where we are showing off the Bounty Boat herself.

Anyway, lots to do and people to see.

Mike

Next Adventure - Sep 7 2009

2010-01-03T23:05:00.000Z

Hi all,

It's now been over a week since I arrived back here in the UK and wow what a week it's been! I've been seeing friends, catching up on all the latest news and am starting to finally settle into a more normal sleep pattern at last. I've been so used to sleeping in 40minute bursts and always grabbing sleep during the day that it always takes a little while to get used to not having naps, but that's part of the job really.

What's starting to take up a lot of time now, is the launch of the next project. The Launch is TOMORROW!

I'll be at St Katherine's dock tomorrow at 11am at the Dickens Inn unveiling my next adventure. Wait and see what it is. I'm sure it'll go down quite a storm and cause some surprised grins around everyone as I don't think many would ever guess. It's certainly a very different kind of adventure from the one I've just had and is going to be a lot tougher in many ways. Excited? I sure am! Let me throw some clues out there, none of which will be any use of course but should hopefully be intriguing…

It's not going to be close to home, it includes land, it includes water, it includes fish eyes, it includes wood, it includes rain, it includes loneliness, it includes people, it includes warmth, it includes cold, and just to throw a spanner in the works..

It doesn't include toilets.

Try and work that one out!

Another adventure looming closer and closer still though is my first driving lesson!

Mike