My New Hero

**TheCableVine** · January 24th, 2010, 02:43 PM

My new hero is a 16 year old girl named Abby Sunderland. She is sailing around the world without stepping foot on land.

http://www.abbysunderland.com/

**sprayandpray** · January 25th, 2010, 07:04 AM

On the other hand, I will be the 1st person in line demanding her parents be prosecuted for Child Neglect if she dies in this attempt. I see this as pretty much a Publicity Stunt and parents caring about their '15 minutes of fame' more than their minor child , whom by law , they are required to protect from stupid , irresponsible choices. Just my opinion.

**TheCableVine** · January 25th, 2010, 01:23 PM

On the surface it seems like it might be a clear case of child neglect but history shows otherwise. I read the book "Dove" about 16 year old who sailed around the world in a 24 foot day sailor. It took him about 5 years. He met his wife out there and they now live a great life in Montana. It is a great read and the people who choose to do this are as mature and as responsible as most of us in many ways.

I've always admired people who have chosen their own path whether it is safe or not. Reading the article and finding out how well the boat is set-up I'm surprised that it could be called a solo trip. They are doing everything except for actually following her in a chase boat.

When a 16 year old, through their own irresponsibility, gets killed in a car we say "what a shame" and move on. Nobody calls for the parents heads on a platter. We just accept it as life. When a 16 year old who has been sailing all her life heads out to sea to actually live we should honor her and hope for the best. She is doing more at 16 than 99% of us will ever do... EVER!

If she dies in this attempt it will not persuade me that it was a bad idea. Personally I don't think the risk as all that high (after reading Dove) and the risk is higher for a teen driving around at night with their friends.

**yahoo** · January 25th, 2010, 05:48 PM

is that really safe???? well ,,,i say good luck hope the weather is good!!!!

**TheCableVine** · January 25th, 2010, 06:24 PM

Originally Posted by yahoo

is that really safe???? well ,,,i say good luck hope the weather is good!!!!

I didn't say it was safe. She could be out rock climbing. I suppose I could go on and on with a list of things teens do that really aren't all that safe compared to something constructive like hanging out at the mall.

The point is that the girl is doing something rather incredible. After reading her story I am convinced that she is completely qualified to carry out this attempt. Much more qualified than I am or would be if I put my heart and soul into it for the next year.

If you are looking for safe, you could sit at home and watch a movie.

**yahoo** · January 25th, 2010, 06:46 PM

that's true....well when you put in with that perspective then i would say ....yes better than wasting your time at the local hangout or mall!!! so you think she could be the next Alaska govenor type??? I can't think of her name.......so shameful?????

**TheCableVine** · January 28th, 2010, 11:46 PM

While following Abby's progress I found a link to another 16 y.o. girl who is already halfway around the world and headed for her home in Australia.

http://www.jessicawatson.com.au/

**sprayandpray** · January 29th, 2010, 06:43 AM

Hey Vine, I know we disagreed on this subject, but I'm starting to worry about you. I mean, all this obsessing about 16 yr old girls is creepy!

**Born_Annoyed** · January 29th, 2010, 08:17 AM

Originally Posted by TheCableVine

If you are looking for safe, you could sit at home and watch a movie.

Not if you live in South Central LA.!

IMO I don't think her parents would let her do this if she was not mentally and
physically ready.

**TheCableVine** · January 29th, 2010, 02:43 PM

SprayandPray - LOL... Yes, I am obsessing about 16 y.o.'s. I should see someone about that. Its creeping me out as well.

Born_Annoyed - I'm in total agreeance about the parents making good judgements. I don't believe they would allow their kids to sail around the world if they truly were worried about their ability to handle it.