Congratulations Abby Sunderland!

Unfortunately an accident at sea kept Abby Sunderland from completing her solo circumnavigation but all the same she must be congratulated for the effort to which she has dedicated at least two years. Abby is a lifelong sailor.

Congratulation also to her parents for having had the wisdom and the courage to allow Abby to make the attempt at the tender age of just 16 years. In an overprotected world it is wonderful to find people with the courage and ambition to do great and daring deeds.

Being a life long sailor myself, I have had the pleasure of watching the very self reliant sons and daughters of fellow sailors. Life at sea gives these young people a level of confidence in themselves that is seldom found in city folks of the same age, specially if they have over protecting parents and wardens.

Abby's saga is told on Abby's website so I'm not going to repeat the story here,

Abby Sunderland

Brother Zac

Abby's older brother, Zac, has already made a successful circumnavigation. Here are links to the start and finish of Zac's adventure.

June 16, 2008 Article
SoCal teen sets sail in attempt to circumnavigate globe

July 6, 2009 Article
Southland teen nears the finish of his global sea odyssey

Denny Schlesinger