I've been following Jessica Watson's attempt to become the youngest person to solo circumnavigate the earth. Jessica has company, younger company, as Abby Sunderlund sets sail to beat Jessica's record before she has a chance to finish her course.If the name Sunderlund sounds familiar it should. Her brother Zac is credited with being the one who started this record setting frenzy which continues to attract younger and younger sailors pining for immortality in the annals of sailing history.
Abby, 16, set sail from Marina Del Rey on January 23rd 2010 in her Open 40 sailboat named Wild Eyes. The Open 40 is specifically designed for single-handed sailing in the Southern Ocean. It's designed for not just safety but also speed.Join me in following Abby's progress on her blog click here. To see where Abby's currently at click here.
Watch an ABC report of Abby's Attempt: Teen Hopes to Sail Into Record Books
3 comments:
That boat is far more aggresive then Jessica Watson's. I wonder how much time that will save her.
From reading her Blog she doesn't seem as tough or as experianced as jessica. Well have to see how she's doing after 100 day's or so.
a couple of things about her boat. today she posted that she's traveling at 3 knots which may not seem fast until you consider she's only in 4 knots of wind!
also, i found this boat on yatchworld which sold for $134,500.
http://www.yachtworld.com/boats/2001/Scot-Jutson-Open-40-2013515/Newport/RI/United-States
i've done some research and this is the boat of choice for solo offshore racing. hopefully that makes it equally strong and not just fast!
All these youngsters going out on open ocean is scary. My guess is it wont be long before there are restrictions placed on these sort of activities.
Aye Matey, speak yer mind!