Every kid is different, but like these boards, it is often the loudest that can shape the communities opionion on a subject. I don't know the girl and I can't make a judgment on her or her parents decision. However, in this situation, it sounds like there was only so much this girl had control over and has done everything she is suppose to do when this happens.
Either way, I highly doubt this incident will scare her away from sailing and I bet we'll be hearing about her completed journey in the months or years ahead. She knows the risk, especially after this incident, and she's got an interesting life ahead of her.