would you let 16 yrs old sail round world

[Maybelline]

would you?
she is a 16 year old GIRL..sail around world...hmmm what could/will go wrong

I dont think it is a question of what might go wrong..its more will go wrong and when..

Pirates perhaps..
semi submerged containers..
navigation...satelite fails
diesel engine fails
how long ..until she needs to be assisted in some way?

[TripleTime]

Would depend. Sailing or on a cruise ship? On her own or with a group? Do they have the maturity about them that they would need?

I flew to London on my own when i was 16. My maturity is far beyond my years.

[Lastcenturymum]

Why did you type girl in captials? Is she any less capable because she is female?

It's easy to see all the negatives, but I don't think it's an easy question to answer unless you know the person involved and what they are capable of. There are 16 years olds who are very strong and mature and there are some who are very insecure and immature.

And any 16 year old could get hit by a bus crossing the road, or held up working in Maccas.....

[SorenLorensen]

Why did you type girl in captials? Is she any less capable because she is female?


was wondering the same thing :detective:

as to the question...
honestly i don't know, i don't know enough about sailing to make that call.
sailing is obviously big part of her life and 16 or not she feels she is capable so good luck to her.

[Maybelline]

This is solo sailing around the world (her name is Jessica Watson she is leaving today)
I wrote girl in caps because ..i feel far more dangerous for a girl...girls are not as strong as boys..and are more vulnerable ... alone at sea...

[delirium]

I'm not sure I'd let my children do that at 16, but I'm a helicopter parent (and proud of it :p). Maybe at 18? As for her being a girl -I don't see the issue. Yes, females are often smaller and less strong, but they also possess lots of important traits that boys sometimes don't. I would be just as scared if was my son.

i have to say though, good on her :yelclap:

[Pippi Longstocking]

This is solo sailing around the world (her name is Jessica Watson she is leaving today)
I wrote girl in caps because ..i feel far more dangerous for a girl...girls are not as strong as boys..and are more vulnerable ... alone at sea...

Oh bollocks. Girls are just as capable as boys. I would be nervous if any of my children wanted to sail around the world, regardless of their gender. However, if they had been raised around yachts, knew how to sail and navigate then I would support my daughters just as much as I would support my sons.

ETA: As a young teenager, I used to race sabots and a 12ft racing gwen. I frequently competed against and beat my older brother. Just sayin'....

[~Bec~]

I would not like any 16 year old child of mine attempt to sail solo around the world, BOY or GIRL. I come from a sailing family so I have a small inkling of the dangers any sailor would face and I don't think a 16 yo would, or more importantly, should have to face.

[c38]

This is solo sailing around the world (her name is Jessica Watson she is leaving today)
I wrote girl in caps because ..i feel far more dangerous for a girl...girls are not as strong as boys..and are more vulnerable ... alone at sea...


If she's been sailing most of her life shes probablytwice as strong as many 16yr old boys who sit on their butts all day playing compuer games. Girls mature much earlier then boys so she is more mature then many boys her age.
Any sailor male or female is at equal risk from pirates or similar attack in this day and age.

As for whether I would let my 16year old child sail around the world. I don't know, it would depend on lots of factors. Maturity, expereince, knowledge, recilience, etc My restless toddler wont let me detai too muchl
I do know I would worry and miss them like crazy until they were safely on solid ground again. But I don't think maternsl anxiety is a justifiable reason to prevent a young well prepared individual, with what experts in the field are saying is good support (communication networks etc) from following a dream..

I really don't know

Am encouraging my boy to stay safe and play wii instead:rolleyes:

[Maybelline]

what about letting your daughter travel to say South America alone at 16..or other countries ..they warn about girls travelling alone to...

i am all for women being capable..but realistic i FEEl that for a girl there is more risk then a boy..what about pirates...do you think maybe a girl would be more at risk with pirates..or just as capable to get out of the situation?

I am a yachty have grown up with many yachts...no way would my family let me sail solo at 16...

i wish her luck and hope for a safe trip...

[delirium]

what about letting your daughter travel to say South America alone at 16..or other countries ..they warn about girls travelling alone to...

i am all for women being capable..but realistic i FEEl that for a girl there is more risk then a boy..what about pirates...do you think maybe a girl would be more at risk with pirates..or just as capable to get out of the situation?



i can't say i agree. I would be terrified about ds going to south america or sailing around the world, just as much as my DD.

[Pippi Longstocking]

what about letting your daughter travel to say South America alone at 16..or other countries ..they warn about girls travelling alone to...
.

The risk of letting a young woman travel to Sth America alone is entirely different to sailing around the world. In Sth America, there is a human element to consider. On the ocean, the risk of being accosted by pirates is very remote, and if it were to occur, a boy wouldn't be any safer than a young woman.

I also speak from experience, btw. I lived on a yacht for 8 years. :cool:

[Maybelline]

well i guess we will wait and see.....my fingers are crossed for her..

[TripleTime]

what about letting your daughter travel to say South America alone at 16..or other countries ..they warn about girls travelling alone to...

I did. My parents had no issues with me going to London via Singapore on my own.

[Maybelline]

you went to south america alone at 16 ..Tripletime?..
one of my friends went to S.A last year ..a girl..but she went with conti tour...
would love to go there..
I went to the USA at 15 alone ...to see family..and then Europe alone at 17..moved to the states at 21...had many creepy moments ..and wished i was a guy sometimes...lol
I guess her parents will enjoy the break...lol

[TripleTime]

you went to south america alone at 16 ..Tripletime?..
one of my friends went to S.A last year ..a girl..but she went with conti tour...
would love to go there..
I went to the USA at 15 alone ...to see family..and then Europe alone at 17..moved to the states at 21...had many creepy moments ..and wished i was a guy sometimes...lol
I guess her parents will enjoy the break...lol

No, i went to London via Singapore on my own & back again to see friends. My sister & cousin are going to the US in January at the age 15 & 16.

[~Bec~]

I travelled to the US/Mexico when I was 17 as an exchange student and I know plenty of other exchange students who went to virtually every corner of the earth at ages 16 and 17 but that's sooooo much safer than being at sea on your own, at the mercy of the elements.

My father and some of his friends used to sail boats up from Sydney to the Gold Coast (if someone had bought a yacht in Sydney and they weren't experienced enough to sail it up to the GC he would sail it up for them with some of his sailing friends). On one occasion there was a very bad storm out at sea at the same place they would have been and I cannot begin to tell you how sick my Mum looked. (For some bizarre reason I just knew he was going to be okay, he was my Daddy, he was my superhero.:bee:)

Turns out it was a very dangerous situation for them as they ALL got seasick (even the most experienced sailor can get seasick) but they managed to sail further out to sea away from the storm. They then contacted the air-sea rescue to get a message to Mum that they were ok. There were 6 grown men on board that yacht, probably no more than 100km or so off shore and they came close to tragedy. That was the last time Dad ever sailed a boat up from Sydney.

[JuzP]

To be honest - who cares.

I can't believe this story is getting so much media saturation coverage especially with all the REAL problems in the world.

Well done to all those that traveled at age 16 but I bet your trip didn't attract national media attention!!!!

[Maybelline]

my partners father was a ships captain (cargo) and he wouldnt sail in a small vessel ..becouse of what he experienced on giant cargo ships....the big probs is the half sunken containers that float for about a week ....just under water level and would easily sin k a boat..they fall off ships all the time

also i was sailing with my mum, dad and sis (38foot yacht)..we got stuck in 50 foot waves 100 knots winds..it was the scariest moment of mine and theres life (i havent been on yacht since)..boats had capsized ..we were just off the shore (fremantle to mandurah)..so we luckily could get quick easy help if needed...
my fear for her is when she is say 2000km off the coats of Argentinia ..and needs helpp..well they rescue her?

[SorenLorensen]

To be honest - who cares.

I can't believe this story is getting so much media saturation coverage especially with all the REAL problems in the world.

Well done to all those that traveled at age 16 but I bet your trip didn't attract national media attention!!!!
yes because its everyday a person sets off to sail around the world at such a young age. while yes i think my trip to japan at 14 was pretty damn fantastic its not exactly the same thing now is it ?!?! not even close.

some of us are interested in these kind of stories, hence why the media are covering it.
personally i dont like to be shown ONLY REAL 'problems' on the news and in the papers.....nice stories and human challenges such as these are great (for someone like).

though, you must care enough to open a thread that so obviously relates to this and comment :)

[sockstealingpoltergeist]

what about letting your daughter travel to say South America alone at 16..or other countries ..they warn about girls travelling alone to...

i am all for women being capable..but realistic i FEEl that for a girl there is more risk then a boy..what about pirates...do you think maybe a girl would be more at risk with pirates..or just as capable to get out of the situation?

I am a yachty have grown up with many yachts...no way would my family let me sail solo at 16...

i wish her luck and hope for a safe trip...
If it was her passion and she wanted to set a world record, then yes.:yes:

My DD talks of moving to New york when she has finished school. (Which isn't far away). It scares the hell out of me, that she will be so far away, but not beccause she is a girl. Just becuse she is my child and I want to protect her. I'm still not going to stand in the way of her dreams.

[~BEXTER~]

No I would not.

She has already crashed into a freight boat and she has not even left yet.

I think the parents are stupid and I think so much can go wrong and she may end up dead. Oh but then she would have died doing something she loved, so it will be ok :rolleyes:

Watching her on the news last night she does not look like a confident 16 year old she look nervous and scared

I would not support my child if she wanted to do this your job as a parent is to keep them safe not let them sail solo around the world for a record!

I think the parents need to take a long hard look at them self.

What about the 7 year old Jessica who wanted to fly a plane on her own in America it crashed and she died, but she had been doing it for years.

[~BEXTER~]

I flew to London on my own when i was 16. My maturity is far beyond my years.


That my be so but you didn't fly the plane did you? you were not all alone on the plane, no doubt you were dropped off at the air port, had people checking up on you during the flight and were met by someone at the other end.

[Yumster]

The first round the world trip was done in 1968, 41 years ago. Think of the navigation equipment they had then, compared to what we have now. If she is a good sailor, is mature, has a good boat and good equipment then go for it. If there are any doubts with her sailing ability or equipment then definitely no.

[Miss_N]

I haven't read all the replies but in response to the OP...

NO I would not let my 16 year old sail solo around the world! :no:

ESPECIALLY if she had fallen asleep and crashed into a tanker while sailing from Brisbane to Sydney! :no:

Seriously! Do these parents have rocks in their heads!!! :rolleyes:

[SorenLorensen]

ESPECIALLY if she had fallen asleep and crashed into a tanker while sailing from Brisbane to Sydney! :no:


i think it was on the weather with tim baily the other day (though could have been a TOTALLY different show knowing me :laughing:) she was talking about her sleep routine.....no wonder she fell asleep, i would be down and out with in the hour :sleeping:.

respect to anyone who can cope with that (and this coming from a mother of 2). this is a very hard journey she is embarking on, physically, emotionally and mentally.

[Gruffalo]

No I would never let a 16 year old do this. At that age you are still a child. Boy of girl, mature or not mature, passion whatever. I would not allow it. At that age I believe children do not have the ability to create decisions compared to an adult like us, especially in dangerous and hairy situations.

And yes I think there is a huge difference between male strength and female strength especially when it comes to having to protect yourself from things such as pirates. Absolutely. I dont know how that could be questioned.

[Aquamarine]

Heck No!

[~Bec~]

On average, males are physically stronger than females, that's a given. However, when it comes to tackling ferocious waves on your own, the small difference between male and female strength is going to be trivial compared to the forces of the ocean, same goes with overpowering pirates, it's not like they'll be travelling alone either. Boy or girl, a 16 year old with (what I understand) no experience of sailing long distances solo should not be embarking on such a journey.

There is every chance that at some point she will need to be rescued. At that point a number of people will be putting their own lives in danger to rescue her. There will be husbands, fathers, mothers, etc involved in the rescue. Are you ok with your partner putting his life in danger to rescue hers? I just think it's really irresponsible and selfish to embark on a journey were there is a very high chance you will need to be rescued which will mean others will put their life in danger to rescue you.

[studyingECS]

No I wouldn't.

I understand it's her passion and I think it's something she should definitely do in the future..but why does she want to do it now?..why not wait until she's a little older?, common sense would be to wait a while.

[sandy cheeks]

I dont know it would depened on how long she/he had been sailing, how mature they were and how prepared they were.
There are worse things she could be doing I see a whole heap of kids her age doing nothing and at 16 I was drinking, going to parties and not trying as hard as I could have at school but I did have a part-time job.

I dont know if this girl is ready for this as someone else said she has crashed the boat and that was in australia a few hours after her first attempt.
I hope for her and her parents all turns out well but if that had happened to my child I dont think I would want them to try again iykwim.

[Jakois]

The first round the world trip was done in 1968, 41 years ago. Think of the navigation equipment they had then, compared to what we have now. If she is a good sailor, is mature, has a good boat and good equipment then go for it. If there are any doubts with her sailing ability or equipment then definitely no.

:iagree: ( I know :eek: SHOCK HORROR:laughing:).

[~Bec~]

The most sophisticated navigation equipment can't keep a boat upright in a fierce storm. The ocean is not a thing to be tested. :no: Satellite navigation systems are reliant upon power and can go wrong. They ahve also been around for years. My Dad had one on his boat 20 years ago. It was really cool, you could press a couple of buttons and would tell you your exact latitude and longitude. It couldn't keep you from being tossed overboard, the board upright, stop you from being dehydrated, knocked in the head by the boom, keep the storms away, keep you sane etc.

[sandy cheeks]

With this new equipment comes new faster and bigger shipping tanks as well I think there would be alot more faster boats/ships out on the ocean now days as well.

[pinkprincess_84]

This is this girls life, some teenagers play netball, some study. This girls sails and has for her entire life, she is trained for this for so long, she is aware of the dangers involved and so is her family. I say good on her for attempting it, she is doing more than in her 16 years than any of us would ever do in our entire life so who are we to judge?

Good Luck!

[Miss_N]

This is this girls life, some teenagers play netball, some study. This girls sails and has for her entire life, she is trained for this for so long, she is aware of the dangers involved and so is her family. I say good on her for attempting it, she is doing more than in her 16 years than any of us would ever do in our entire life so who are we to judge?

Good Luck!


So would you let your DD do it? That was the OP's Q. Its one thing to support her but I believe its another thing to agree with it in terms of what you would allow your child do do later in life. :)

[~BEXTER~]

but why does she want to do it now?..why not wait until she's a little older?

Because she wants to break a stupid world record.
With the way the weather has been lately, I think Jessica and the parents are mad for going ahead with this.

She already crashed her boat and needed repairs and she had not even started yet, that should have been a wake up call for the parents. Who cares if you had already told the news, better to pull her out of it then risk her life.

[studyingECS]

That world record will still be there in a few years..correct?.

Even if someone else beats it..she can still aim to break it?

I don't see why it's a big rush honestly.

[Miss_N]

Because she wants to break a stupid world record.
With the way the weather has been lately, I think Jessica and the parents are mad for going ahead with this.

She already crashed her boat and needed repairs and she had not even started yet, that should have been a wake up call for the parents. Who cares if you had already told the news, better to pull her out of it then risk her life.

:iagree::iagree::iagree:

[BabelFish]

I'm in two minds about this one.

If it can be entirely self-funded, and if she needs rescuing then she can pay for it or her parents can, then she can go for it. If she's been sailing all her life and is confident that she can do it, then go for it. If she has maturity beyond anything ever seen in a teenager, then go for it.

On the other hand, it's a MASSIVE risk (not just for her, but for anyone doing it), has the potential to cost other people thousands and thousands and thousands of dollars in rescue missions, she is very, VERY young, and honestly, I really feel that there are more important things in life than breaking a world record.

But not everyone feels that way. It would be a HUGE achievement and one she could understandably be very proud of for the rest of her life. It could be a huge inspiration for a lot of teenagers (who, to be honest, are not always as adventurous and self-reliant as they could be).

As her mother, I would be ridiculously proud of her. But as her mother, I would be terrified that she could (and may very well) die in the attempt. So, selfishness and mothering instincts winning out, at this point in time (with only a baby girl) I'd be inclined to say no. But in 15 years when my daughter is her age? I have no idea.

[sandy cheeks]

The record she wants to set I think needs her to be under 17 or 18 it would make her the youngest girl going solo around the world by herself.

[Teegzie]

That world record will still be there in a few years..correct?.

Even if someone else beats it..she can still aim to break it?

I don't see why it's a big rush honestly.

Yep as Sandy said she is aiming to break the record for youngest solo unassisted circumnavigation.

Personally I wouldn't be letting my 16yr old attempt it. :no: Even if my child had a lifetime (lifetime? 1/4 of a lifetime maybe?) of experience, the realities of a solo unassisted circumnavigation are really hard to fathom (no pun intended :p) unless you have made smaller trips to get a feel for it.

[~BEXTER~]

That world record will still be there in a few years..correct?.

.


As far as I know the record is for the youngest person sailing solo around the world. I think I repeat I think a guy did it when he was 17??

But I also think other kids have tried and died in the process.

[~BEXTER~]

Well she is away, lets see how long it takes for her to be rescued or killed.

[IndigoJ]

No i most certainly would NOT let my child sail around the world in a teeny boat.
I liked how they said on the news last night that she is all ready for the year long trip with enough fuel, water and food for 8mths. :laughing: last time i checked a year was 12mths long.

Good luck to her, but i think its silly idea.

[spoon]

No I wouldn't.

Can't say I am fond of her parents either. They seem like they are living their boring old lives through their daughter.

[Bellini]

To be honest - who cares.

I can't believe this story is getting so much media saturation coverage especially with all the REAL problems in the world.

Well done to all those that traveled at age 16 but I bet your trip didn't attract national media attention!!!!

I think it's a popular story because she is attempting to break a world record. Also, because she is attempting to circumnagivate the globe singlehandedly, I don't think it's the same as catching a plane somewhere ;)


That world record will still be there in a few years..correct?.

Even if someone else beats it..she can still aim to break it?

I don't see why it's a big rush honestly.

She has to be 16 to beat the world record (the old record was 17), so it's basically now or never.


In response to the question, I can't say how I would feel about this, as I don't have a 16 y.o. daughter. But can I just point out that Jesse Martin successfully did it at age 17, so I don't see how being 16 is HUGELY different. And I really don't think that her gender comes into it!

However upon saying that, the QLD government urged her to cancel the trip after she collided with a ship off of Brissie and consequently received a pretty bad report from maritime safety...so based on this info, I don't think she's ready. And after recieving the report, if I was her parent I would definitely be wondering if she was able to accomplish this feat and live to tell the tale.

Oh and regarding the pirates, the route she has chosen is not one which pirates favour (not ruling them out completely, but they're mostly renowned in west africa, not south africa). But pirates honestly are not the least of her concern. Shipping containers, fatigue (she can't call on someone to help her!), whales, massive waves, crazy storms in the middle of nowhere - cyclones?? And what if something breaks - is she a good handyman?

I just hope she's as prepared as she thinks she is.

[Teegzie]

t.
I liked how they said on the news last night that she is all ready for the year long trip with enough fuel, water and food for 8mths. :laughing: last time i checked a year was 12mths long.


:laughing::laughing: Well if she can avoid all the natural dangers then at least she will be covered for the first 8 months. :p

[StrawberryTheMilkshake]

Im all for women/ girls believing that they can do anything they set their minds too, i really do.

However, the seas are not a friendly, predictable place. I would be worried for any person being alone out there on a reasonably small boat..... no matter what their age, experience level, etc.

As a parent, i wouldnt be allowing my 16 year old to do it on her own. I just would be awfully worried. No matter how good i believed she was, or how capable, i believe her own safety would be at risk and dont think it was a good idea.

That said, I wish Jessica all the best for her trip and pray she makes it safe and sound. If she isnt able to complete the trip, i hope all her dreams come true and she doesnt give up on herself.

I thought the media frenzy was a bit stupid this morning though.... jeez.

[BabelFish]

To be honest - who cares.

I can't believe this story is getting so much media saturation coverage especially with all the REAL problems in the world.

Well done to all those that traveled at age 16 but I bet your trip didn't attract national media attention!!!!
I guess people care because a) it's inspiring to watch other people really strive to do something extremely challenging, and b) if she needs rescuing it will cost several tens of thousands of dollars and that money won't be coming from her family. It'll be coming from our government, so I suppose you could say it would be costing us all if she fails.

[biscotti]

For me, my family and my child, it's a 'no".

[iMischa]

nope no way.

that super mega experienced yachtsman and one of his crew members died recently and he was in a BIG boat... i dont care how experienced she is, the ocean and the weather are unpredictable... she isnt old enough to drive a car on her own but she's allowed to take her dingy out into the big cold ocean..makes no sense to me.

taxpayers have a right to care about this when their hard earned dollars will go towards the millions it'll cost to rescue her when she's stuck in the middle of nowhere and a shark has eaten her navigation system.

[Maybelline]

Her parents are stupid..when it goes wrong its on there heads!!..they should pay for the rescue...
After watching the interview last night with her parents....wow.. they are not the smartest people in the world!!!!
I cant believe a girl who doesnt have a drivers licence..cant vote..drink...is able to sail around the world alone...to me strange

[Ana Gram]

Hard to say. It would depend on what DD is like as a 16 year old. But if she was mature enough and had been on boats all her life, then I would support her in her dream.

[Jamaica]

At 16 my kids would be lucky to be allowed to go to a movie alone :laughing:

[kuddles]

My simple reply is NO I would not let a child of mine (boy or girl) travel alone especially if in her first attempt she could not miss crashing into a huge ship.
She is 16 as far as I'm concerned there are many dangers in life. It is one thing to face them as an adult but another to face them as a young adult (teen). If she was my child I would be beside myself with worry about her facing the wide seas. There is so much risk from nature without adding the risk of horrible people who might hurt her. That is just my 2 cents worth....

[Bellini]

Oh my gosh, I just read a news article on the courier website stating that the girls father says it would be worst to not allow her to do the trip, then for her to die :eek::eek::eek:

I know I would rather have an alive child with no world record, then a dead child with no world record!!!

I think good on her for following her dreams but it makes you wonder who's idea this really was....

[~BEXTER~]

My thoughts are..
the record started at 17
IF and that's a big IF Jessica makes it back it will be 16
Then in a few years there will be a 15 year old wanting to do it
Then a 14 year old.

Whey are people going to grow up and tell their child that NO you are not aloud to do this while you are under 18 and living under my roof.
Or that's what my Dad would have done anyway:D

[Maybelline]

the mother also said that if she was to die.."that she has lived a great life".
16..life to me hasn't really got started...still a child
still fingers crossed for her

[aprileviesmum]

No way would i let my son or daughter sail around the world at 16.
I wouldn't want them to do it and I'd miss them dearly.:hugs::kiss:

[chickpea]

That world record will still be there in a few years..correct?.

Even if someone else beats it..she can still aim to break it?

I don't see why it's a big rush honestly.

No it wont, she is aiming to be the youngest person to sail solo around the world.

The record is currently held by Jesse Martin who did it when he was 17.

BTW I dont remember there being anywhere near as much stink when Jesse did his attempt, and I am quite certain it had a lot to do with the fact that he is a boy (I dont see 17 and 16 as being such a huge difference in age).

I admire this girls courage and drive, she certainly does not appear to have had a `standard' upbringing and has lived in a sail boat with her family for a lot of her life.

[kuddles]

No it wont, she is aiming to be the youngest person to sail solo around the world.

The record is currently held by Jesse Martin who did it when he was 17.

BTW I dont remember there being anywhere near as much stink when Jesse did his attempt, and I am quite certain it had a lot to do with the fact that he is a boy (I dont see 17 and 16 as being such a huge difference in age).

I admire this girls courage and drive, she certainly does not appear to have had a `standard' upbringing and has lived in a sail boat with her family for a lot of her life.

Could it have been because he didn't crash his boat on his first test run??? I'd like to think that was why not because he was a boy. I can remember back then thinking it was a bit scary a 17 year old traveling solo and he didn't crash his boat. I'm more worried about her because she crashed her boat.

[iMischa]

im disgusted by what her parents have said regarding her life... *shakes head*

it is extremely offensive to anyone who has ever lost a child who would do absolutely anything they could to get them back...all so in the boating world (coz lets face it, who gives a rats bum what a stupid boating record is?) her name is written on some page? *shakes head*

[HollyHotLips]

In answer to the Op's question no, I wouldnt be happy if my daughter told me she wanted to do this.

Secondly, I dont understand why anyone does these sorts of things anymore - it's been done, move on. How many times do we hear about them getting into trouble and it's usually the taxpayers of the nearest country that foot the huge rescue bills.

[pinkprincess_84]

So would you let your DD do it? That was the OP's Q. Its one thing to support her but I believe its another thing to agree with it in terms of what you would allow your child do do later in life. :)


Yes Miss N, i would let my DD do it. As a mother it would be hard to sit back and let her do it, but i would trust my DD to do it, i would like to think she would know her limitations and make the right judgements.

[~Candy~]

Sail around the WORLD....No way!

And a massive NEVER if they got into trouble while not long leaving the coast and running into a great big ship!!!!

[Myztik]

I dont see how it is any different to parents who allow their 16yr olds to do motocross or similar stuff like that. It's a huge risk, they can get seriously hurt or killed too. Pretty sure their youngest rider is 15yrs old.

[MummaBear03]

On average, males are physically stronger than females, that's a given. However, when it comes to tackling ferocious waves on your own, the small difference between male and female strength is going to be trivial compared to the forces of the ocean, same goes with overpowering pirates, it's not like they'll be travelling alone either. Boy or girl, a 16 year old with (what I understand) no experience of sailing long distances solo should not be embarking on such a journey.

There is every chance that at some point she will need to be rescued. At that point a number of people will be putting their own lives in danger to rescue her. There will be husbands, fathers, mothers, etc involved in the rescue. Are you ok with your partner putting his life in danger to rescue hers? I just think it's really irresponsible and selfish to embark on a journey were there is a very high chance you will need to be rescued which will mean others will put their life in danger to rescue you.

She is very inexperienced when it comes to the open water. Around the bays in Australia is quite different to around the world tackling 30m waves, 100 knott winds, pirates, for crying out loud even the titanic hit an iceberg!

She got into trouble with the freighter before she even began her journey. Passion or not, her life is in danger this very moment. Even experienced people get into trouble out there. The NAVY had to go out and rescue a 48 year old who had been sailing his entire adult life, he was stranded with no food or water for 5 days, in a leaky boat, and he nearly died.

No I would not allow it to happen and I'm disgusted that child safety have let it happen.

[chickpea]

Could it have been because he didn't crash his boat on his first test run??? I'd like to think that was why not because he was a boy. I can remember back then thinking it was a bit scary a 17 year old traveling solo and he didn't crash his boat. I'm more worried about her because she crashed her boat.

There has been a huge amount of press on this prior to her having the accident, and it was all negative.

[MummaBear03]

There has been a huge amount of press on this prior to her having the accident, and it was all negative.

There wer negative comments about Jesse too, he was more experienced than what this girl is, but there was still a huge uproar over it. I guess the reason it's so big on the news now is because she's doing it at a time when the media is all over the "child welfare" news articles.

[~Candy~]

I dont see how it is any different to parents who allow their 16yr olds to do motocross or similar stuff like that. It's a huge risk, they can get seriously hurt or killed too. Pretty sure their youngest rider is 15yrs old.

Would I let my 16 y/o do motocross etc in a club...yes.
Would I let my 16 y/o do motocross across the country, over iscolated desert alone...no

Would I let my 16 y/o sail around the bay in a club...yes. But certainly not around the world alone over unpredicted sea's.

[MummaBear03]

Would I let my 16 y/o do motocross etc in a club...yes.
Would I let my 16 y/o do motocross across the country, over iscolated desert alone...no

Would I let my 16 y/o sail around the bay in a club...yes. But certainly not around the world alone over unpredicted sea's.

That's the difference isn't it. There are dangers in many things, we recently buried an 18 year old from DD's gymnastics club after a freak accident that could have happened to even my 6 year old, but to send them out, alone, into the unknown like that, when experienced sailors don't get out of it alive, is downright stupid.

[bnbng]

I value my DD's life far more than a world record...

[MummaBear03]

I value my DD's life far more than a world record...

My thoughts exactly. I wish her all the best, and hope she stays alive, whether she finishes this or not.