I think everyone is their own Ultimate Adventurer simply because everyday people are out in the world doing the things they love. One persons ultimate adventure might not interest anyone else and that’s OK, they still do it right?.
Abby & Wild Eyes with broken rigging in the Indian Ocean. Picture taken from http://soloround.blogspot.com/
So… following Abby Sunderland’s amazing adventure and her recent troublems I felt like posting about it for those of you not familiar with her solo sailing adventure around the world. At 16 years old I believe it is amazing. Her Brother Zac did it a year ago at 17, and 16 year old Australian Jessica Watson the official record holder for the youngest sailing solo & unassisted just finished last month. Although block by the government there were plans for a 13 year old Dutch girl to make the attempt as well. (that’s a good story by the way)
My interest in sailing isn’t much, but my interest in adventures is undying, I’m always dreaming of the treks I want to do and it’s been said by many that I am most happy when planning out my next adventure. Abby has been sailing alone on the oceans of the world since January when she started her solo bid. That’s a long time to be out on a boat by yourself.
There are some that say it is child endangerment, reckless and irresponsible for her to have been doing this. I disagree! She had everything she needed in equipment and more importantly knowledge, confidence, experience and support. So right on Abby!
I agree! She and her family have “eaten, lived and breathed” sailing. She probably has more sailing knowledge at 16 than most will ever achieve in their lifetime. I think most of these naysayers have lived so insulated or been told all of their life that dreams are impossible that they want the rest of the world to conform to their own dreary and lackluster existence.
No one succeeds every time but failure is only when one stops trying.
Where would most of us be if our forefathers had not have taken that first boat trip, wagon trip or walkabout? And, I guarantee most of them were teenagers.