UK sailor's letter to Jess

MIKE Perham, the 18-year-old British sailor who holds the record for the youngest person to sail around the globe assisted, has penned an open letter to Jess Watson.

MIKE Perham, the 18-year-old British sailor who holds the record for the youngest person to sail around the globe assisted, has penned this open letter to Jessica Watson:

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 home. 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 Perham

Perham, who lives in Hertfordshire, north of London, has been in weekly contact by phone with Jessica during her journey.