SCHOOLBOY sailor Seb Clover received a hero's welcome when he returned to his home on the Isle of Wight yesterday (Thursday 16th Jan) - and revealed he now wants to take on the world.

Seb was mobbed by dozens of classmates from Ryde School as he set foot on the Island for the first time after his epic solo crossing of the Atlantic.

The 16-year-old looked awestruck as he was greeted by cheering classmates welcoming him home after his record-breaking voyage.

Also there to greet him were his head teacher, Dr Nicholas England from Ryde School, and the chairman of Isle of Wight Council, Councillor Heather Humby.

Seb waved from the open top of a brand new stretch limousine which had whisked him, father Ian and mother Dolores from Gatwick Airport earlier in the morning.

The yachting hero had celebrated his 16th birthday the day before taking the flight back from Antigua.

He had become the youngest person to complete a solo transatlantic crossing at 12.50 GMT on Sunday when he was still 15.

Seb completed the 2,700-mile journey from Tenerife in the Canary Islands to Nelson's dockyard in Antigua in 24 days - the record was previously held by a 16-year-old person.

Also taking part in the race was Seb's sailing and ocean navigation instructor father Ian, 46, who completed the voyage a day ahead of his son.

The pair were racing in identical 32ft Contessa class sloops - Seb in a yacht called Reflection and Ian in Xixia.

Speaking from his home in Cambridge Road, East Cowes, an exhausted Seb told the Daily Echo: "I did not expect my friends to be there. It was a surprise."

He added his next challenge may be to take part in a round-the-world race - but not before having a nice warm bath and getting a good night's sleep in his own bed.

He said: "I have to find out what I want to do. It would possibly be a round-the-world race but I need sponsors."

His proud mother Dolores, who suggested Seb try the latest challenge after he sailed the English Channel solo at the age of 11, said the reception had been "something else".

Dad Ian, who has made the voyage before, added: "It feels wonderful to be back.

"Seb had a major rigging problem which he managed to resolve. I cannot tell you how proud I am of him."

Seb is expecting to return to Ryde School on Tuesday where he will have to knuckle down to studying for his GCSE exams.

He has accepted an invitation to a meeting of Isle of Wight Council next week where he will be officially honoured for his achievement.

Cllr Humby said: "His record-breaking voyage has been an inspiration to all young people who are keen to take on new challenges and endeavours."

Seb's head, Dr England, praised his pupil's achievement. "The thing that is really impressive is his determination, courage and his very high level of skill," he added.

Celebrations had already taken place at the UK Sailing Academy, at Cowes, where director of coaching Simon Davies had been monitoring the pair's progress.