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uh-oh, here we go again

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John Russell
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3444 Posts

Initially Posted - 07/28/2010 : 06:19:16

[url="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-10784383"]Laura Dekker given permission to try sailing challenge[/url]

John Russell
1999 C250 SR/WK #410
Bay Village, Ohio
Sailing Lake Erie
Don't Postpone Joy!

Edited by - on

britinusa
Web Editor

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USA
5404 Posts

Response Posted - 07/28/2010 : 13:10:01

Crazy isn't it.

My current take on this type of record is subject to change.

However, I suggest that it's more of a challenge for a 40 to 70 year old to sail around the world single handed than for a 12 year old or a 90 year old.

The 12 year old has no understanding of the dangers or any fears of the undertaking.

The 90 year old doesn't give a s$%t.

But the 40/70 year old has a completely different take on it.

Paul

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bigelowp
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1804 Posts

Response Posted - 07/29/2010 : 19:25:31

For everyone who is crazed (one way or the other) by either Abby Sunderland's attempt or prior and future attempts, you might want to read a piece in Points East -- which is a "down east" publication on sailing. In the current (August 2010) edition Dodge Morgan -- a curmudgeonly former record breaking solo circumnavigator -- has in interesting spin on Abby's attempt, as well as Robin Lee Graham's successful as well as other attempts to sail around the world at a "tender" age. While not always agreeing with Dodge's view, he is very perceptive and has experience most of us wish we had.

I grew up idolizing (and still do) Robin Lee Graham's solo circumnavigation and look at some of the more recent attempts as more than problematic. After reading Dodge's piece I am rethinking some of my thoughts regarding the whole subject.

and . . . Regardless of where you live and/or sail, Point's East is a fine publication

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Tradewind
Admiral

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USA
531 Posts

Response Posted - 07/30/2010 : 06:08:37

Dodge Morgan has written an interesting perspective on Abby's attempt, good article from someone who's been there.

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Chris Z
Captain

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452 Posts

Response Posted - 07/30/2010 : 07:00:06

Here is the magizine online if anyone is interested.
http://issuu.com/pointseast/docs/pointseast_august_issuu

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John Russell
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3444 Posts

Response Posted - 07/30/2010 : 07:51:05

Interesting article. I don't think he has kids. I've never met a "16 year old woman", or, a 16 y/o that could rightly be described as "not a child" as he said. "16y/o" and "woman" is simply an oxymoron. It insults the women I've known and shortchanges the teenagers. I've met a lot of responsible kids but none that had the maturity, experience and the other intangibles that we would describe as adulthood. When you make comments based on a faulty premise, the whole thing falls apart. That's the case in this interesting article.

He's right when he said that the quest to be the youngest 'round has been "carried too far".

Edited by - John Russell on 07/30/2010 07:51:36

bigelowp
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1804 Posts

Response Posted - 07/30/2010 : 08:36:58

One of life's observations has been that behind every over achieving "kid" -- regardless of sport or activity -- is an egotistically driven and nagging parent. The "normal" parents with mature and talented kids who excel that I know seem to have far more realistic goals and aspirations.

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Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9089 Posts

Response Posted - 07/30/2010 : 08:54:18

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by bigelowp
 One of life's observations has been that behind every over achieving "kid" -- regardless of sport or activity -- is an egotistically driven and nagging parent. The "normal" parents with mature and talented kids who excel that I know seem to have far more realistic goals and aspirations.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">Amen. ...and aren't totally focused on achieving personal fame and adulation.

Peter, you know a significance to the number 53 in your town... That was what both of our girls aspired to in their teens, and achieved--with support from us, but nothing more. It was their thing.

Edited by - Stinkpotter on 07/30/2010 09:00:44

John Russell
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3444 Posts

Response Posted - 08/21/2010 : 09:33:41

[url="http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/38787037/ns/sports-othersports/"]She's on her way.[/url]

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Peregrine
Admiral

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830 Posts

Response Posted - 08/21/2010 : 12:50:47

It is glorious to see youth that expects and assumes immortality and and sad that as I age I dread my mortality.

Edited by - Peregrine on 08/21/2010 12:54:01

John Russell
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3444 Posts

Response Posted - 08/21/2010 : 13:57:14

My daughter will leave for Europe in a couple of weeks. She's a Junior in college and will be doing a semester at Oxford. My level of anxiety for my very smart, very responsible 20 year old is high enough. I asked her if she would have been ready at 14 to stop in remote foreign locations at 14. She laughed.

It's hard for me to say this but, I think it would be better if she were attempting a non-stop. A 14 y/o alone in sometimes questionable ports of call is probably more stupid and dangerous than the sailing. These are naive parents with a more naive child counting on luck to bring her through. I hope they're real lucky.

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At Ease
Admiral

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672 Posts

Response Posted - 08/22/2010 : 13:27:49

If it was my daughter I'd say "no," I think it's an absurd undertaking for a 14 year old girl. However, since her parents approved it, fine, but the over zealous government needs to stay out of it...none of their business. It's up to the parents, not the government.

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