A student is helping to sail a yacht across the Atlantic Ocean from Greenland to the UK in a two-week voyage.

Samuel Underwood from Llanddewi Velfrey is onboard a 53 foot yacht along with two other crew members and is hoping to reach Scotland.

The 20-year-old, who is at medical school at Cardiff University, is spending part of his summer break sailing and has already encountered icebergs.

The 20-year-old studies at Cardiff University and has decided to spend part of his summer break sailing in the sea.The 20-year-old studies at Cardiff University and has decided to spend part of his summer break sailing in the sea. (Image: Emma Underwood)

Two crew members and Samuel are sailing from Greenland to the UK.Two crew members and Samuel are sailing from Greenland to the UK. (Image: Emma Underwood)

Samuel has seen massive icebergs on his journey.Samuel has seen massive icebergs on his journey. (Image: Emma Underwood)

Samuel and the crew's goal is to reach Scotland.Samuel and the crew's goal is to reach Scotland. (Image: Emma Underwood)

The boat Samuel is travelling on is the biggest he's ever crewed.The boat Samuel is travelling on is the biggest he's ever crewed. (Image: Emma Underwood)

The voyage will last around two weeks. The voyage will last around two weeks. (Image: Emma Underwood) Samuel’s mother, Emma Underwood said: “We are extremely proud of him. Samuel has grown up sailing. The boat belongs to the father of a fellow student at university. He’s been sending back satellite images to show us where he is on the map.

“The boat is bigger than he’s ever sailed before. When familiarizing themselves with the route, they have come across lots of icebergs. We feel a great sense of excitement every time we receive a photo. It is a once in a lifetime experience.

“He was asked by Pete Evans to join the voyage as he needed a crew of three. He will learn a very different type of sailing. But he’s got a promising career ahead of him. He’s a high achiever and we are wondering if he will complete a doctorate one day.”

Samuel was first inspired to start sailing by his dad, Paul Underwood and grandfather David Davis of Llantwit Major, Vale of Glamorgan.

David currently has poor health but was a competitive sailor many years ago and lives through his grandson.

Samuel started sailing at the age of 11 at Saundersfoot Sailing Club.Samuel started sailing at the age of 11 at Saundersfoot Sailing Club. (Image: Emma Underwood)

Samuel was inspired to start sailing by his dad and grandfather. Samuel was inspired to start sailing by his dad and grandfather. (Image: Emma Underwood)

Samuel crewing with team mate Mike at the Coppet Week 2024 Sailing Regatta Hosted by Saundersfoot Sailing Club.Samuel crewing with team mate Mike at the Coppet Week 2024 Sailing Regatta, hosted by Saundersfoot Sailing Club. (Image: Emma Underwood) Samuel attended Saundersfoot Sailing Club at the age of 11 and Paul Griffiths, a fellow sailor, was delighted to hear about Samuel’s adventure.

Paul said: “It’s a great trip, especially for a young man like Sam. I’ve known him for seven or eight years and he’s a great kid. He helps out a lot with events and is a qualified coach.

“What he’s doing on the voyage is going a much longer distance. I’ve heard they’ve had some bad weather but I’m sure he’s with experienced sailors. It’s a different kettle of fish compared to what we do at the club.

“If we fall off at the club, we can just swim back to shore. But it’s different when you’re in the middle of the ocean. We all respect the sea and even more so when it’s a bigger boat.

“I’m not surprised he’s going on a voyage like this though. Sam has always been adventurous and has previously travelled to different places around the world. He’s got the bug for it.”

Saundersfoot Sailing Club take pride in their development of youngsters by offering encouragement, positivity and inclusivity.

The club, alongside the Underwood family, are also passionate about keeping youngsters safe in the water.