Abby Sunderland to set sail next week on voyage around the world

Zac Sunderland received lots of publicity before he sailed out of Marina del Rey in June of 2008, on an around-the-world-alone odyssey that required 13 months to complete.

Now his younger sister Abby is preparing to depart early next week, possibly Tuesday, and while the hype has been lower-key (so far), her voyage appears more daunting than Zac's because much of it will take place in the frigid, turbulent and inhospitable Southern Ocean. (Here's a story I wrote on Abby for the Los Angeles Times.)

Zac was 17 when he returned and he briefly held the distinction of being the youngest person to sail around the world alone. England's Mike Perham, several months younger than Zac, stole that distinction six weeks later when he completed his trip.

Now the girls are raising the bar, amid understandable controversy.

Abby is 16, a few months younger than Australia's Jessica Watson, who is 80 days into her attempt to become the youngest person to sail around the world. Both girls plan to sail nonstop and unassisted, but that will depend on conditions and whether their vessels remain sound. (Jessica is currently sailing in near-freezing conditions as she approaches Cape Horn at South America's tip, and her heater has stopped working.)

Are these girls too young to be facing such dangers by themselves? Are their parents crazy and irresponsible for letting them go? There has been considerable debate and I agree with the viewpoint suggesting this decision is strictly up to the parents and their children.

Pat Henry, a renowned sailor who has solo-circumnavigated the planet, cites sailing experience, maturity and strength--not age--as a global sailor's most necessary attributes. "In my voyage I knew many much older sailors who were far less prepared than these two women," said Henry, author of a book on her journey, entitled "By the Grace of the Sea."

Henry's journey was about self-discovery. Jessica and Abby will likewise discover plenty about themselves and mature in ways others their age will not.

"Just trying this is awesome for her," Seattle's Karen Thorndike, who in 1998 became the first American woman to sail around the world alone, said of Abby. "Whatever she does she's going to realize amazing success from it, even if she doesn't quite complete her goal."

To be sure, these attempts ought to be perceived as inspirational, especially in an age where childhood obesity and laziness have become so prevalent. These girls have dreams and ambitions and are pursuing them despite incredible risk, and that alone is impressive.

I hope both girls succeed and look forward to their stories, and will be following both adventures on this blog, so please check back soon.

-- Pete Thomas

Photo of Zac and Abby Sunderland by Pete Thomas

Comments

[Kendal]

I have been looking at the updates of Abby's voyage. It is very interesting. I'm turning 16 next month. I kinda look up to Abby and her brother. It is interesting what they are doing.

[monty]

Yes, their parents are crazy. It's amazing that in the US, a 16 year-old has a harder time getting a driver license than sailing all over the world by themselves.

Shouldn't this girl be in school?

It's nice that her parents want to encourage her talents. But as a parent, you have to also set limits. If she was 18 and wanted to go, that's on her. But 16?

[Pete Thomas]

My apologies to Tania Aebi and her fans. As pointed out, Karen Thorndike was the first American woman to circumnavigate via the great capes. --Pete

[bychristinemyers]

"Karen Thorndike, who in 1998 became the first American woman to sail around the world alone."

Wait, what about Tania Aebi? I think you mean Karen was the first to circumnavigate via the 5 great capes. Both deserve credit for their feats.