16 yr old teen lost at sea

[grizz441]

And to be blunt Saxman, your logic is terrible.  There is no reason for a 16 year old to be traveling the world by themselves.  Why?  To set a record and establish fame at the risk of their own life?  Why not sail for 5 more years and do it at 21 if it's that important.  It's blatant neglect.  It might not be my business, but it might be the State of California's business if something happened to her.  I sure hope not. 

[68ZooM]

I guess her older brother did the same thing sailed around the world at age 17, personally is never let my son do that untill hes 18, then if he so choses to i would back him 100%

[Dadano]

I question her experience not because of my view of her perceived maturity, but because she is 16 years old and imo to safely solo around the world, you'd need 10-20 years of boating experience.  So how many years of quality experience does she actually have?  Can't be that many.  I don't consider being on a boat at ages before you even know how to read a compass as 'experience.'

As mentioned above, a 17 year old Aussie girl just completed her own circumnav and I was just reading about a 13 year old climbed Mt. Everest in May. My only question is why she would leave Cape Town for the Southern Ocean in June. Not smart.

[grizz441]

As mentioned above, a 17 year old Aussie girl just completed her own circumnav and I was just reading about a 13 year old climbed Mt. Everest in May. My only question is why she would leave Cape Town for the Southern Ocean in June. Not smart.

I don't question that it can be done.  If there's a 90% chance of success, 10% of failure and 2% chance of death, does that mean it's worth attempting for a 16 year old?  I'd say hell no.  More experience would have yielded better decisions.

[Dadano]

I don't question that it can be done.  If there's a 90% chance of success, 10% of failure and 2% chance of death, does that mean it's worth attempting for a 16 year old?  I'd say hell no.  More experience would have yielded better decisions.

But she isn't your daughter. Who are you to say?

[grizz441]

But she isn't your daughter. Who are you to say?

Well this is a forum, I am only expressing my opinion, as everyone else is, and is free to do so.  The State of California however, might have something to say about it though.

[Babalonian]

Don't make have to break out the cold blankets you two.   


My bet is based on the information available, she has probabley lost her mast in the storm and is floating adrift in said storm.  Probabley getting rolled around and tossed violently if the weather was bad enough to snap the mast.  She seems to of unfortunatley made a grave mistake by launching into the South Oceans in a craft of that size and make all by herself.  It's a feat that even the most experienced and prepared sailors wouldn't dare to tackle solo in a boat that size during this time of year.

[uptown]

The parents should be brought up on charges for allowing this CHILD to sail the high seas alone around the world. WTF are these wack jobs thinking?!


I pray to God she's alright 

[bravoa8]

Hope she's okay.

[FiLtH]

  Probably all a stunt. Dumb anyways. Shame on the parents.

[fudgums]

Its winter in the southern hemisphere correct?

[Dadano]

Its winter in the southern hemisphere correct?

In 10 days, yes. Really nasty down there.

[Maverick]

Exactly what was the purpose of this stunt?

[grizz441]

Exactly what was the purpose of this stunt?

Vanity.

[Delirium]

Looking at my daughter (even tho she is 7), I wouldn't let her go into the city alone at 16, much less travel the globe alone in a small boat. That is, unless I had a nice life insurance policy. 

Jokes aside, I don't think the State of Connecticut Dept of Children and Families would be as forgiving as some of you. I guarantee they would take away any other kids I had.