across the Atlantic, with a view to reaching Bermuda by year's end.

Cameron Springthorpe, of Ardfern, Scotland set off in his home built sloop, "Howling Gael'' from the Argyll coast on Sunday, August 22.

Cameron's father, Mr. Phil Springthorpe, told The Royal Gazette on September 3 that after several failed attempts because of bad weather, Cameron was well on his way to the British port of Falmouth -- his last British port.

His aim is to reach Madeira, off the African coast and then crossover to the Caribbean.

Just four days and 100 miles into his voyage, Cameron was forced to call for help after the 25-foot sloop began leaking.

Mr. Springthorpe said when he gets to Bermuda, Cameron hopes to contact Bermudian tall ship captain Mr. Bobby Doe of the Christian Venturer Cameron, who has never been to a formal school, has been sailing since he was eight years old.

His ambition is to become involved with helping Jews leave Russia and return to Israel, which Mr. Doe, who returned to Bermuda earlier this year, was helping in rescue efforts before then.

Many critics fear for Cameron's safety, and feel that his parents are irresponsible in letting him go.

But his mother, Val, said: "These people don't know Cameron. They don't know his abilities, and how much he has worked on this trip, and all by himself.

"I mean, do you really think we would have let this project get this far if we didn't believe he could do it?'' Cameron's boat is fitted with electronic devices which will enable him to establish his position within 50 feet and to send out a homing signal to his rescuers.

He will also be keeping regular contact with people through his SSB radio.