So, on my way to sailing solo around the world.....

[FSUZeta]

my husband and i sail and have owned a few sailboats in our day, but you don't have to be a sailor to know that those parents(at least the dad) were in this for the publicity their daughter's feat would garner them. i don't believe it was the girls dream as much as it was the dad's. the son missed setting a record by just a bit for being "too old", so i suppose that the daughter was the dad's next best hope.

drolefille, you are right, the demasting of the boat could have happened to anyone-and it does during every round the world race. i hope the parents have to pay for the extraordinary measures used to rescue their daughter, but i am glad that she is alright.

[purpleparrot]

They do say how skilled of a sailor and how mature she was, but still, 16 is so young to go around the world on a small boat. I wouldn't let my kids do it, the risks are way too high. The ocean is incredibly dangerous in itself, and on stops she would be by herself in a foreign country. Wouldn't it be much safer to sail around the world with dad on board? Screw setting a record, there is so much risk in doing it solo, and I think making the journey with someone would be just as rewarding and probably even more fun. I am just glad she's safe.