Sunday, May 16, 2010

Mike Perham stakes a claim on Jess Watson

AAP From: Herald Sun May 17, 2010 12:00AM

LOVE may have blossomed on the high seas between Jessica Watson and fellow teen sailor Mike Perham.
The pair were in constant contact by satellite phone during 16-year-old Jessica's seven-month voyage and Mike was the first on her boat when she sailed into Sydney on Saturday.

Perham, from Britain, said the pair had a "special connection" and he already feels part of the family.

"When I first met Jess, there was something between us I can't describe," the 18-year-old told New Idea.

"Just this connection that felt as though we had known each other forever. I think it comes from sharing some of the same dreams and knowing that we are pretty unique teenagers. The biggest attraction is realising you have so much in common."

Perham made headlines last year when he officially became the youngest person to sail around the world at 17.

Yesterday he joked about being practically married to Jess after her mother Julie picked him up at the airport.
"Yes, my future mother-in-law!" he laughed.

"I feel like part of the family and once Jess is home, I hope to spend as much time with her as I can.

"One of my dreams would be to sail around more tropical waters with Jess, maybe the Polynesian Islands."
Jessica's manager Andrew Fraser said last night the two were just good mates and nothing more.

"They've been buddies for ages," he said. "They have a connection, like adventurers do, with each other.

"They talk and get advice from one another, that's all."

Jessica - who is too young to claim the official round-the-world record - spent yesterday pampering herself and was spotted enjoying the latest Twilight movie.

She told Channel 10 she felt "grumpy" at times before her round the world voyage, fearing she hadn't built up enough experience.

"It was driving me mad because I hadn't actually done any solo sailing.

"I knew I could do it, there was just that niggling doubt and that probably made me a bit glum and grumpy."

The grumps were farthest from her mind on Saturday as tens of thousands of wellwishers descended on Sydney Harbour to welcome the Queensland teenager home at the end of her epic 210-day epic adventure.

Jessica said she found living in constant motion much harder than the physical work of sailing. But she was rarely scared at night.

"There are a few times when it's just dead calm and your imagination can start running away from you."

Critique: Firstly, congratulation to Jessica Watson on her successful and safe return on Sydney Opera House after seven months round-the-world voyage. No doubt, her passion in life draws my attention. She does not afraid of making a big dream and is always readily to brace herself for the challenges that come along. According to the news, it is happy to know that Jessica has met her beloved because of the sharing of this very same dream as well. All these have proven us the power of dream. So, from now on, live with a dream people !

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