A 15-year-old boy yesterday began his bid to become the youngest person to sail single-handed across the Atlantic.

Seb Clover, from Cowes on the Isle of Wight, was due to set off on his daring adventure last weekend but had to postpone his plans because of bad weather.

With forecasts of lighter winds and calmer seas, Seb and his father Ian set sail for their head-to-head race from Tenerife to Antigua.

Their father-son maritime battle in 32ft-long Contessa class yachts, adapted for single-handed sailing, will cover 2,700 miles.

The GCSE student of Ryde School plans to make the trip in a month - which means sailing 100 miles a day.

Seb, whose father is an instructor in sailing and ocean navigation, has been training for the race since he was 12.

Following his solo crossing of the Channel at just 11 years of age, his mum Dolores suggested the transatlantic crossing.

Seb said: "Like all mums she does worry but I'll be able to keep in touch with my dad by radio.

"I am slightly apprehensive, I would be stupid not to be. It is a dangerous sport but I'm pretty confident. I'm an only child so I don't have a problem with loneliness and I think I'll be OK on my own for a month."

His dad Ian said: "Let's face it, getting out of bed and crossing the road is dangerous."

"This is their passion in life," added Dolores. "I'm not worried because I expect to hear from them every day on their satellite phones."

She has made the father-son team packages of Christmas goodies although they will not have much time for festivities on the day.

The current record for the youngest person to sail single-handed across the Atlantic is believed to be held by an 18-year-old person.