PM BIRD CONGRATULATES YOUNG SAILOR ON HISTORIC JOURNEY

English Harbour, Antigua, 12th January.......15-year old Britain Sebastian Clover sailed into historic English Harbour this morning to a rapturous welcome as he becomes the youngest sailor ever to cross the Atlantic solo.

Before Sebastian Clover dropped his sails to enter the harbour, he was met by his mother, Delores Clover who was in Antigua days before his arrival and his father Ian Clover who arrived a day earlier. 

An official welcome party was arranged Sunday evening for the Clovers during which they were presented with gifts and tokens of appreciation by Government and Tourism officials, for giving Antigua and Barbuda international exposure.

Among the gifts the Clovers received is an all expense paid first class trip to Antigua on Virgin Atlantic for four and a seven-day stay at one of Antigua's top resorts the Curtain Bluff Hotel.

Photos were presented of the family's historic moment along with a model boat and an assorted box of Sebastian's favourite chocolate. Delores Clover was presented with a bouquet of flowers for the courage she displayed during the entire affair.

Deputy Prime Minister Robin Yearwood who is also an avid sailor read from a congratulatory note sent by Prime Minister Lester Bird who is off island. The text of the Prime Minister's letter follows:

12th January 2003

Lester B. Bird MP
Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda
Queen Elizabeth Highway
St. John’s
Antigua

Sebastian Clover
Cowes
Isle of Wight 
United Kingdom


Dear Sebastian,

Heartiest Congratulations on accomplishing such an enormous undertaking in becoming the youngest person in history to race across the Atlantic.

Your quest to sail across the Atlantic single-handedly and making it a reality has given Antigua and Barbuda tremendous recognition in the international travel market and more so in the yachting world.

It is of special note that you chose English Harbour to culminate your historical journey as this location is one of our most historical assets since it was the place where the legendary British Admiral Horatio Nelson sailed to in 1784 and established Britain’s most important Caribbean base. This area has also transformed Antigua and Barbuda into one of the Caribbean’s premier tourist destinations.

Your achievement is of momentous significance to us, given that you have had Antigua in sight since you were twelve years old. Your determination and commitment to the task set out to accomplish is admirable and should be a model to every teenager around the world.

Please accept my heartiest congratulations and best wishes to you and your family from the Government and people of Antigua and Barbuda.

Lester B. Bird MP
Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda

<< back to press room index