Family of teen sailor jubilant on news she is safe

[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!

[Catty1]

One of the points Abby was making is that if you are a sailor who is 16, 26, 42 or 57 years old, you will run into storms and/or other problems, and even need to be rescued. She ALSO pointed out that no one paid attention to her trip (media et al) until things went bad. If she had completed her trip successfully - as with others that have - we wouldn't be having this discussion. So much for doing it for the "glory".

The Sunderlands are a sailing family; I think it is natural that Abby wanted to do this because her brother had a successful run.

One of the young sailors was doing his run to raise money for a charity.

Yes, they volunteered for this. They were trained, had the proper supplies on board.

Comparing it to volunteering for the military might be a bit of apples vs oranges, but I see the point. Odds of survival are much worse in Iraq and Afghanistan.

[Lady's Human]

One of the points Abby was making is that if you are a sailor who is 16, 26, 42 or 57 years old, you will run into storms and/or other problems, and even need to be rescued. She ALSO pointed out that no one paid attention to her trip (media et al) until things went bad. If she had completed her trip successfully - as with others that have - we wouldn't be having this discussion. So much for doing it for the "glory".

There was much discussion before she started off on this foolhardy trip about the attempt, and a lot of publicity. I remember several articles about her, discussing whether it was bravery or foolish. I voted the latter then.

The Sunderlands are a sailing family; I think it is natural that Abby wanted to do this because her brother had a successful run.

Fine, do the run during the annual around the world race, where there are support mechanisms already in place.

One of the young sailors was doing his run to raise money for a charity.

Yes, they volunteered for this. They were trained, had the proper supplies on board.

Thought this was a solo run?

Comparing it to volunteering for the military might be a bit of apples vs oranges, but I see the point. Odds of survival are much worse in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Not hardly. Several people have died attempting around the world voyages of the few who have tried to so it solo. To continue with the rather crass and pointless comparison, if you did the math, soldiers and marines in Afghanistan and Iraq have much better chance of survival.

[RICHARD]

There were times in my life my mom would have gladly paid for me to sail around the world.

And she would have prayed for a storm to put the shoes to me.

But, that was MY mom......

[Catty1]

Just to clarify - I said "them" to refer to the other young solo sailors.

[Daisy and Delilah]

I would never allow a 16 year old child of mine do anything like this. Her parents must be made of steel. She must be made of steel.
I have to say, I admire her for trying it but I wish she would have been a little older??
YIKES!! This just scares me!!

[RICHARD]

Statistically?


It's safer to send your 16 year old to sail around the world, than it is to sent them to school each morning.



I could be wrong?

[RICHARD]

LOL,

That dope Geraldo Rivera was on TV griping about this story and was advocating the parents being brought up on charges of child endangerment.


If that is so?

Charge Beth Holloway for putting her daughter in danger for letting her go to Aruba.

Morons.