Abby Sunderland... following in brother Zac's footsteps

[Bill NH]

From ABC News:

Sixteen year old sailor Abby Sunderland was escorted out to sea Saturday by an entourage of boats as she sets sail for a record.

Abby Sunderlund had a look of "resolution" on her face as she sailed out of the marina, determined to take on a voyage that she has been longing for since she was 13, spokesperson Matt Tolnick said .

"Throughout the press conference she was very confident. She knows about the risk. I think the basic message was to not give up on your dreams," Tolnick said. "There were close to a dozen boats escorting her out. The Sheriff's Department and Los Angeles County lifeguard boats were a part of the send off, beeping and sending out water."

Sunderland could become the youngest person to ever complete such a voyage.

The Thousand Oaks teenager, who had been waiting for the local weather to break, will be headed south, rounding Cape Horn and braving the Southern Ocean, which is known for having the roughest seas on the planet. She will have to take everything she needs with her, and she plans to sail unassisted and nonstop.

Full Story Here:
http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=news/local/los_angeles&id=7235692

[AdriftAtSea]

I wish her the best of luck on her voyage, but think that her Open 40 is not the best choice of boats for a single-handed circumnavigation by a teen.  The S&S 34 that Jessica Watson is in is a far more seakindly boat IMHO, and far more likely to take care of the sole crew than an Open 40.

[Godot]

I'm all for people living their dreams. But I'm beginning to get a little uncomfortable with all the young people trying to break these records, lately. It doesn't seem like a prudent way of growing up, and I worry that those who are this young are not mature enough to make sound decisions.  I also worry that their parents are living their dreams vicariously through their children (like in the very young pageant culture).  This seems too much like reality television with fame being the desired outcome more than the trip itself.  And I worry that eventually tragedy will strike.

However, I don't have to approve or feel comfortable.  And I wish her (and all the others like her) the best of luck.

[Frank]

I'm all for people living their dreams. But I'm beginning to get a little uncomfortable with all the young people trying to break these records, lately. It doesn't seem like a prudent way of growing up, and I worry that those who are this young are not mature enough to make sound decisions.  I also worry that their parents are living their dreams vicariously through their children (like in the very young pageant culture).  This seems too much like reality television with fame being the desired outcome more than the trip itself.  And I worry that eventually tragedy will strike.

However, I don't have to approve or feel comfortable.  And I wish her (and all the others like her) the best of luck

Agreed   Well said Adam

[maxiSwede]

I'm all for people living their dreams. But I'm beginning to get a little uncomfortable with all the young people trying to break these records, lately. It doesn't seem like a prudent way of growing up, and I worry that those who are this young are not mature enough to make sound decisions.  I also worry that their parents are living their dreams vicariously through their children (like in the very young pageant culture).  This seems too much like reality television with fame being the desired outcome more than the trip itself.  And I worry that eventually tragedy will strike.

However, I don't have to approve or feel comfortable.  And I wish her (and all the others like her) the best of luck

I feel the same way bout these 'adventures'. There was a dutch 13-year-old who got stopped by the authorities in Holland to go for that record as well. I feel at unease, and would definitely not encourage a child to do such a thing.

Open 40- well, she doesn't want to be out there longer than necessary  ;)


Agreed   Well said Adam

[CapnK]

I read back thru all of her blog entries, to try and have the best possible understanding. She seems to be realistic about it, seems to be something that she wants for herself, not that is being put onto her, and claims quite a bit of experience... All of which is good, IMO. I understand the reasons to choose the Open40, but - she isn't going to get much good rest for the next 6 months - those are high maintenance beasts! The attention and vigilance needed will be wearing over time. She is young, though, so she should have some resilience, and that'll come in handy. I hope that she - and all these record-pursuing  ::) youngsters make it out and back again safe.

[Mario G]

I found it strange that she was sailing a race boat but then I figure theres $$$ behind all this.  I'm still waiting for the 4 yr old that I'm told everything is easy for.