View Full Version : 15 Yr old Lass solo rd/world sail
I'm still doing the math on the fortitude of this young girl, and the many challenges she must have faced head on, alone.
http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2010/05/15/teen-sail-australian.html
"The route took Watson through some of the world's most treacherous waters, and the teen battled through monstrous storms and suffered seven knockdowns.
Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2010/05/15/teen-sail-australian.html#ixzz0o3pP6KQI
Another one right behind her...
http://www.dailynews.com/news/ci_14257254?source=pkg
Though a boat repair ended the bid for a non-stop record.
http://www.dailynews.com/news/ci_15003870?source=pkg
Good on 'em both. It was all I could do to get my 15 y/o to clean her room alone or my 17 y/o son to circumnavigate the yard on a rider mower wearing a walkman.
armymom1228 ... these gals your teammates?
I am happy she made it but.........
The strive to be the youngest will end badly for some.
Why 15 and not 17/18 in the year between high school and college?
17/18 - Oh, just another one.
15 - Book deals and movie.
Like I said, happy she made it but......
Who was the young sailor in the Dove? He had a story years back in National Geographic mag when he did it and he was what? 17ish?
Found this, Pete. Kid's name was Robin Lee Graham and he spent five years doing it ('65-'70). An interesting read.
http://www.bluemoment.com/dove.html
Found this update:
From Amazon:
Some web sites on the internet have provided incorrect information about Patti and Robin Lee Graham who documented his circumnavigation at age 16 (1965-1970)in this book "Dove," as well as in three National Georgraphic issues, and a movie by Gregory Peck. Patti and Robin still live in Montana (documented in his second book, "Home is the Sailor") and are grandparents of two grand sons of Quimby and her husband. Their son Benjamin is recently married. The Grahams are in the construction business and continue to serve as a positive influence in the lives of young people through their writings and religious service to others. They are remarkable people and provide us all a remarkable story of courage, perserverance, hope and friendship.
So there you are: they're well and Jesus freaks.
15536
Pete, I agree, and yes the outcome could have been tragic, but in this case money was not the issue, her background and affluent family provided everything needed for the sail.
There was considerable press addressing the parents willingness to allow a 15yo to circumnavigate the world, most of it suggested they were not responsible parents and should be prepared for the worst. I'm on the fence, if you have a capable, intelligent, and resourceful daughter or son for that matter, then why not, except for fear of loss?
....... I'm on the fence, if you have a capable, intelligent, and resourceful daughter or son for that matter, then why not, except for fear of loss?
That covers a lot of ground and ages. At any age if someone does that you would have the fear (maybe) of loss.
The point being at 17 or 18 it would be the informed decision of the person undertaking the quest - like joining the Army. The parent might not agree but thats life.
In this case the parents encouraged and supported the child.
I'm sure the next parents of the 13 year old ( you know there will be one some day) will support and encourage their child as well. I just hope it turns out as well for them
LongWire
05-16-2010, 08:13
Good on 'em both. It was all I could do to get my 15 y/o to clean her room alone or my 17 y/o son to circumnavigate the yard on a rider mower wearing a walkman.
armymom1228 ... these gals your teammates?
Too Funny!!!!! But True!!!! :D
Jessica Watson thoughts of her accomplishment ...last 45 seconds of this video.
Scroll down to view. Lower Left
http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/asiapcf/05/14/jessica.watson.sailing/?hpt=C2
These solo sailors risk more than thier own lives on these jaunts. If she had indeed de-masted, every vessel within 500 NM would have diverted for weeks looking for her. If she were close enough to shore throw in a few aircraft too.
If you want to go set a few records, fine, just leave the SAT phone and EPIRB on the dock. I sure as hell don't want a bunch of fine men & women risking their lives looking for me because I was an idiot.
The sea has neither meaning nor pity.
Checkov