Teen sailor: 'My trip didn't end because of something I did wrong'
Jun 29, 2010, 2:30 PM EDT
Abby Sunderland faced the press a few hours ago, less the 24 hours after landing at her home in southern California by commercial flight from France. That’s not quite how she expected to arrive, after having set out in February to sail around the world. In case you’re not familiar with the story, complications ensued; culminating in her being set adrift in the Indian Ocean, where she was rescued by a fishing vessel. Among other things, Abby talked about the storm that snapped the mast of her 40-foot boat, Wild Eyes. Then, of course, she addressed those who have criticized her parents for allowing a 16-year-old to attempt such a trip.
From the Los Angeles Times:
She said criticism of her parents allowing her to attempt such a feat at a young age came from people unfamiliar with her and her family. She noted that she had been sailing most of her life and had worked as a crew member on sailboats piloted by her father and older brother, Zac, before leaving on her trip. Zac made his own successful around-the-world solo trip at age 17 last year.
She noted that she had crossed two oceans, two cape horns and was only stopped by a rough wave. “My trip didn’t end because of something I did wrong,” she said.
She said she might write a book about her experience but that her family would not do a reality TV show or a documentary. She said the criticism of her parents was “extremely hurtful.”
Sunderland’s parents weren’t at the press conference, as her mother was in labor wit the couple’s eighth child. The boy will be named Paul, after the captain of the fishing vessel that rescued Abby, the Ile de la Reunion.
***
Abby Sunderland recounts storm at sea and failed attempt to circumnavigate the globe [Los Angeles Times]
Abby Sunderland finally touches land on Saturday [Out of Bounds]
-
- abbydelabbey - Jun 29, 2010 at 5:09 PM
-
Why do I have the feeling that the young people who are doing all these “adventures” have financial motives???
Who will be buying her story?
-
- Donna - Jun 29, 2010 at 5:22 PM
-
Yes it did dear! With all your bragging of your sailing skills you and your advisors (your parents) didn’t do one important thing, make sure you had the funds to completely back this trip!
You nor your parents may not want to admit that you both planned this trip during a winter season in the Indian ocean, you underestimated Mother Nature’s tolerance, you went without sponsorship for those same reasons, and oh by the way, you owe the country of Australia 300,000 grand for the air bus they sent out looking for you so they could tell a nearby ship to fetch you before you drowned! Yes I say you and your parents did lots wrong!!
-
- Donna - Jun 29, 2010 at 5:28 PM
-
“Sunderland’s parents weren’t at the press conference, as her mother was in labor wit the couple’s eighth child. The boy will be named Paul, after the captain of the fishing vessel that rescued Abby”
Well, at least the fishing boat captain will get something for his troubles. One of their brats named after him! What an honor, lets hope this one he doesn’t have to fish out the ocean in about 16 years.
“She noted that she had been sailing most of her life and had worked as a crew member on sailboats piloted by her father and older brother”
I’m assuming those practice voyages were never in the origin of the Indian Ocean!
-
- abbeyfan - Jun 29, 2010 at 5:30 PM
-
Gee, do you think that sports stars have financial motives? Do you think entertainment stars have financial motives? Come on, making a living off your talents is what capitalism is all about. It is the dream of every young person to achieve financial success using their talents be it sailing, football, basketball, baseball, computer programming, stock trading, rock music, etc., etc.
-
- Annette Bigler - Jun 29, 2010 at 5:48 PM
-
How much sailing have you done? How courageous are you from the safety of your dry land spot? You should admire the 16 year old for her sense of adventure and her parents for supporting her. In an earlier century it would be no big deal for a male 16 year old to take such a trip. And there were no air buses or modern sailing aids then. In another century, a woman would not be allowed to try to sail even down the Mississippi River. It was probably against the law.
-
- SeaWater - Jun 29, 2010 at 5:58 PM
-
Of course she and her parents did something wrong. Solo navigation around the world requires not only years of time spent on the ocean but an understanding of the risks involved in such and undertaking. There was always possibility of her ship becoming disabled by a rouge wave. Their families solution to this possibility would be to have the Navy, Coast Guard, or some one else come and resue them. A rescue that not only costs someone a ton of money, but may also put the rescuer’s life at risk. If there had been plans to have a escort ship a few miles back, then this would be a different story. Unfortunately, this was not the case. We’re all glad she’s safe, but next time perhaps come prepared. Bring an escort/safety boat.
-
- Elene - Jun 29, 2010 at 6:29 PM
-
Wow, so many negative, jealous, boring people making comments here. I applaud this young woman for her guts and braver and her family for supporting her. It’s always the unadventurous cowards who criticize the ones who are willing to risk.
-
- Robert - Jun 29, 2010 at 6:57 PM
-
I think its wonderful she tried this. However I also agree the parents should have had some kind of a rescue plan, and they should also have to pay the costs of the rescue.
-
- dillydally - Jun 29, 2010 at 8:14 PM
-
I am amazed at how many people continue to criticize Abby and her family. What “facts” do you know? Only what the media has decided to highlight. It is very easy to sit here and make a judgment about someone based on perceived truths; that takes no talent, skill, effort or guts. What Abby dreamed of doing and attempted takes all of those things. Her parents are being criticized for not only supporting her in going for her dreams but for their own personal family decisions. While I do not think that the Sunderlands did any of this with the idea of making money, I find it extremely ironic that a world that encourages people to “cash in” on your story, become “Idols”, live vicariously through reality TV, and promote yourself into stardom is singling out this family claiming they are doing just that. About paying for the rescue, give it a rest. Maybe the people who survived 9-11 should pay for their rescue; maybe the families of the victims of the Air France plane crash in the Atlantic Ocean should pay for that; maybe any person taking any risk should pre-pay for their rescue – just in case it’s needed. Those who think that it’s all about money don’t understand the willingness of mankind to help others just because it’s the right thing to do. It’s time to do the right thing and let the Sunderlands get back to their lives.
-
- dillydally - Jun 29, 2010 at 8:16 PM
-
Wow! Mom is that you?
-
- frank burns - Jun 29, 2010 at 10:10 PM
-
Lighten up people. Just a human being out on a challenge. Not hurting anyone. I congratulate her on her effort.
-
- george renaud - Jun 29, 2010 at 10:29 PM
-
I think it was very courageous of her and I admire her for that. I think her parents did her a favor by letting her take the opportunity of a lifetime. She had the skill she just didn’t have the luck. Better luck next time I hope you make it.
-
- abbydelabbey - Jun 29, 2010 at 10:39 PM
-
Agreed.
-
- Rick Chandler - Jun 29, 2010 at 11:58 PM
-
Frank Burns: “I’m a good doctor! Just ask any of my patients.”
Hawkeye: “We’re not digging up people just for that.”
-
- Jim Guida - Jun 30, 2010 at 2:23 AM
-
I have a question that I’m sure will set off a firestorm of response. In looking at the “Before (the trip) and After”, did she actually gain weight during this voyage? How could that be possible? Let’s go with the assumption that I’m an idiot – that should save about 300 responses. Is it actually possible for a teenager to sail a boat half-way around the world on her own and come back looking heavier than before she left?
Her “After” photo is above. Check out her “Before” photo at http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102×4240281.
reason career, indeed!
-
- Donna - Jun 30, 2010 at 10:36 AM
-
Yes I’ve sailed, not at this level because like most americans I work and have raised my family. I was very active in sports and my son holds the state record in track in one event so I am a person who supports a youngsters growth and goals. However, you see despite what childhood dreams I had, I had none that required my parents to go way above and beyond their duty to raise me. I wasn’t self centered enough to believe that because I wanted to accomplish something and be the first that I should put other people out or in harms way to make sure I accomplished my goal at all cost! My parents taught 5 children humility and consideration for others which these people obviously have none. See thats one thing you said “her parents supporting her” they can’t support her soley, thus the 300,000 grand they can’t cover for her rescue!
Do you know that abroad americans are perceived as “Cocky”, Selfish, Demanding, Rude, and Conceded. That we think everything should accommodate what we want and how we want things to be. Then you have this child and her idiot parents to make themselves a prime example of how the world needs to cater to us!
If this family wants to make sure their children’s names and I’m sure along with theirs are etched into history then they should have to and be willing to support these escapades fully without embarrasing the rest of the country trying to do it!
-
- Donna - Jun 30, 2010 at 11:48 AM
-
Ok the 911 comment shows your ignorance, 9/11 was unavoidable for the people killed in that tragic act of violence and you really should be ashamed of yourself for even comparing the two. But since you brought that up, would you personally consider contributing your own personal funds to her endeavors/rescue? I bet not, but if so word is she’s planning another trip, might wanna get that check book ready. As far as dreams and aspirations, there are millions of kids out here who have them and acheive them without someone else picking up the tab. Now I’ll give you just one example.
American Speed Skater: Shawny Davis, grew up poor to a single mother, who worked 2 and 3 jobs at times to support his dreams and hopefully do what she could to help him be the USA’s first black olympic speed skater and olympic medalist. He worked odd jobs to pay for training, completed his education, and although it didn’t require him to do anything death defying he still acheived the goal and the record he set out for.
I’m sure had her endeavor been one with a resemblence of common sense she would have been able to gather sponsorship to cover any cost her family may not have been able to.
-
- Kate - Jul 1, 2010 at 5:09 AM
-
Donna,
It’s impossible to try to have an intelligent “conversation” with people that think as “dillydally” and “AnnetteBigler”. I wouldn’t even try. “dillydally” comparing Abby’s rescue to 9/11 or the Air France plane crash is absolutely obscene. Anyone with any intelligence would read some of the articles on the Sailing Anarchy (the largest sailing forum in the world) website. Truly experienced sailors give valid reasons that Abby’s trip was a disaster waiting to happen from the beginning.
http://www.sailinganarchy.com/article.php?get=5783
http://www.sailinganarchy.com/article.php?get=5788
Team Abby is responsible for all of this. Laurence Sunderland has no problem having others risk their lives and funds if it will place him in the spotlight. The captain of the fishing vessel that rescued Abby fell overboard during the rescue. These men lost money by diverting their boat to rescue her. If the Sunderland family had one ounce of respect, they would offer to donate any of the money earned from photos, videos, book, etc. to the captain and crew of that vessel.
I think it’s a disgrace that this girl and family are being held up as some kind of heroes. The people on board the rescue planes and boats risked their lives so that this16 year old American girl and her family could go after her “dream” and her father could go after the money that goes comes along with that.
