Family of teen sailor jubilant on news she is safe

[Lady's Human]

And no common sense whatsoever.

It's WINTER in the southern Indian ocean.

A 15 y/o in a spec'd race car is a far cry from a 16 y/o in a boat with no support.

It's not called crushing their dreams. There's plenty of time to sail around the world on daddy's money. Do it when you've got a few more years of experience under your belt, and plan it better.

[Bonny]

That 16 year old has True Grit.

[kokopup]

From what I have read this youngster was already a seasoned sailor. She had already sailed through some very turbulent seas ,and I have no doubt that she would have completed the around the world trip if not for the broken sail.

When my son was very young he raced Motocross and many people ask why I let my son participate in such a dangerous sport. If he was reckless and Unprepared I would agree that he should not be doing this at his young age. i much prefer his racing to what his sons do for activity. They text and video game 24/7 and have absolutely no desire to do anything else.

IMO, I think the parents did all they could have done to ensure the safety of their daughter. Having a support ship under the conditions encountered would have been next to impossible. A support ship may even make conditions more dangerous.

[Catty1]

Abby Sunderland had had to put into two ports for repairs, etc. This changed the original schedule of her trip, which was timed to AVOID the winter storms.

She could have turned back at those times...but had come so far, I guess she decided to chance it.

[Catty1]

Abby Speaks:

Entire article at:
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp...dLqUnSTlVCtwpA

"There are plenty of things people can think of to blame for my situation; my age, the time of year and many more," she wrote on soloround.blogspot.com. "The truth is, I was in a storm and you don't sail through the Indian Ocean without getting in at least one storm. It wasn't the time of year, it was just a Southern Ocean storm. Storms are part of the deal when you set out to sail around the world.

"As for age, since when does age create gigantic waves and storms?"

[Marigold2]

Silly girl for the earth is flat ya know, there are dragons and water monters in the ocean. Flight is a fantasy and the moon is made of cheese.
All great explorers where called crazy and fool hearty in their time.
Is there any one here regardless of age who would try this feat or are we all too scared and just arm chair critics?

And what about sending our children off to war, is that not a million times more fool hearty and dangerous?

[Lady's Human]

Silly girl for the earth is flat ya know, there are dragons and water monters in the ocean. Flight is a fantasy and the moon is made of cheese.
All great explorers where called crazy and fool hearty in their time.
Is there any one here regardless of age who would try this feat or are we all too scared and just arm chair critics?

And what about sending our children off to war, is that not a million times more fool hearty and dangerous?

Silly me, I was wrong, it's absolutely wonderful that the little princess is off endangering the lives of possibly hundreds of SAR personnel who are out trying to bail her ass out.

How could I possibly let that get into the way of a spoiled little girl doing whatever she wants?

The people who are risking their lives to rescue her aren't coast guardsmen, they're fishermen, following the code of the sea, which is to help out in case of an SOS.

It's great that the skipper of the fishing vessel damned near drowned trying to save her. Now he's a hero. He should have never been in that position, but a pat on the back to him.

[Karen]

Silly girl for the earth is flat ya know, there are dragons and water monters in the ocean. Flight is a fantasy and the moon is made of cheese.
All great explorers where called crazy and fool hearty in their time.
Is there any one here regardless of age who would try this feat or are we all too scared and just arm chair critics?

And what about sending our children off to war, is that not a million times more fool hearty and dangerous?

The soldiers in our military are volunteers, and serving the country. Her journey served no one but herself, and her own desires. Please do not compare the two.

She is not in the league of the great explorers like Magellan and Columbus, she was not sailing off into the unknown, and bring back news of new lands.

I know my capabilities, and sailing a boat is not one of them. It is not fear that keeps me from attempting that, but self-knowledge, and responsibilities here on land.

I am glad for her sake that she is safe, and applaud those who rescued her. They are heroes.

[pomtzu]

And what about sending our children off to war, is that not a million times more fool hearty and dangerous?

Sending our children off to war - you make it sound like parents are kicking them out. These children sign up voluntarily, and after they are in, they don't exactly have the choice where they would like to go to be of service to our country. Uncle Sam now makes all the decisions in their lives.

And I know that you are old enough to remember that little thing call "the draft" which was far from voluntary. You went where and when you were told, and if you were a protester, perhaps you headed for the border and hoped that you didn't get caught.

This girl was just a glory seeker, and her parents are the only ones to blame for letting her carry out this act of stupidity. And I agree that they should pay all expenses involved in her S&R. This stunt wasn't something this kid had to do at the time in her life. She needs to go back to school and take some courses in Common Sense 101! Just because you have the potential ability to do something, doesn't mean that you should do it!