HabitableZone

Off Topic » in reply to Fingers crossed for Abby

Re: Fingers crossed for Abby
ER — (archived)

I wish her nothing but the best of luck, but I must confess I don't care at all for this kind of stunt, regardless of the age of the sailor. For a child, it is a totally unacceptable risk and her parents should be held accountable.

Crossing an ocean by oneself is one thing, as is a circumnavigation by an experienced crew. But a solo circumnavigation just to set a record is a foolhardy act for anyone, certainly for a child. It was first done over a century ago by Joshua Slocum, but he already had a lifetime of experience at sea when he began his voyage. And a teenager, Robin Lee Graham did it in the 60s, for those whom the Guinness Book of Records means that much.

Graham moved to Montana, and as far as I know, never sailed again. Slocum was lost at sea a few years after his voyage.

She's a tough, spunky kid with a lot of spirit, and there's no question as to her skill or courage, but she doesn't need to prove anything to anyone else, and she doesn't need to endanger the mariners and air crews who will now have to risk their lives to find her. I hope she's OK, but
the Southern Ocean is unforgiving.

Log in or register to post.

The whole thread (37 posts)

Related discussions