He's cheating :)

Brian D · Jan 3, 2007

I still think this...

Violates Child Protection Laws, but then who am I to judge. However, I think this quote (modified) explains allot..."I think one of the interesting things about poker [sailing in this case] is that once you let your ego in, you're done for." Al AlvarezBy the way, I congratulate him on a worthy accomplishment, but I would have never allowed my kid(s) to do this. Record books are not that important to put one's life at risk.

higgs · Jan 3, 2007

Franklin

Usually when someone says "end of discussion", it means that the individual making the statement is done discussing the topic. Certainly others may continue as long as they wish as. I hope this explanation clarifies this for you. If you have other rules you expect others to follow when you post a topic, please post them as we wouldn't want to offend you in any way.

Bob7291 · Jan 3, 2007

What if...

If the father had kept his chase boat 200 ft away from his son's boat, would it still qualify as a record? 100 ft away? At what point do we admit that having the chase boat there contributes materially to "outside support" and detracts from the independence and isolation of the singlehander? Perhaps the whole problem is trying to mesh long distance pleasure sailing and record-setting. Rock climbers can create almost bullet-proof safety by "top-roping," ie., having a somewhat slack rope tied off at the summit which would quickly catch them if they fell, but which gives them no physical aid. However that is not in the same league as climbing without one, and anyone who claimed to do a first ascent of a route with a top-rope would be laughed off the mountain. I wonder what J. Slocum would say...

NautiDuck · Jan 3, 2007

Mom said it all

"Mother Heather at the family home north of London said she was proud but also relieved the pair had completed the trip."Right, the pair completed the trip. An ego trip I would say.

cat38skip · Jan 3, 2007

Singlehanding NOT Solo

The kid singlehanded his boat but he did NOT do a solo crossing. There is a HUGE difference between the 2 terms. I give him credit for the accomplishment of sailing his boat without a crew on board. But he did NOT do a solo crossing. He was NOT alone.

Ross · Jan 3, 2007

That is the consensus on the wooden boat forum

Most especially by a member of the Slocum society.

Ctskip · Jan 3, 2007

Pandora's box

is what we have here. Solo and alone. Hmmmmmmmmmm I'm wrestling with the terms and their definitions. Are we ever truly alone? If not, are we, or is anybody doing anything alone? I'm putting power steering in my old truck ,nobody is there helping me, but I am getting lots of advise from friends off the internet.So... Solo or alone? How am I doing it? The kid went where few have gone before and he did it alone and solo by my definition. Look at Amelia Earhart flying around the world both solo and alone yet in radio contact with others. Did she have help? you bet. Did she do it alone? you bet. did she solo? you bet. And she's in the books. And she had help. Just my spin on it. Keep it up, Ctskip

sailgirl · Jan 3, 2007

You guys are pathetic

Are you really that jealous that you have to rip up a young kid for accomplishing a pretty impressive feat? Did he have communications? Yes. How many solo sailors don't these days? Did his parents think it prudent to have backup support in the event of emergency? Yes. Had they not done that and the kid was lost at sea you all would be pointing out how irresponsible and unprepared they were. Why not just give the kid the credit he is due and admit that he is probably a more skilled sailor than many folks on this forum?

Jim · Jan 3, 2007

the rules are he rules

and if the article from Yahoo is correct he did a SOLO as stated in the rules !GOOD FOR HIM ! The rules having be lived up to is all that matters. The rest of this is SOUR GRAPES ! The "KID" earned it !

Ctskip · Jan 4, 2007

I'm all for the kid

With all the information and epirb and life suits and satellite communications nowadays. I find it hard to be truly alone. If you are alone and scared, change your situation. You have to ask yourself, WHY am I doing this anyway? Hopefully you have no regrets and have covered all your bases, Insurance for your burial. Ditch kits and a good life raft and provisions to last several days in what ever mother nature throws at you. It can get nasty real quick. I know what its like to alone and counting on nobody but your self. One gets in touch with oneself real quick. And what preparations you have had the forsite to provide yourself. When you go outside and the wind is blowing and it's cold. Best to take a coat and gloves. Being prepared is what its all about. Do your homework. There will be a test! This is no video game here. Its life and death. At 14, I really don't think this factor was given much weight. What does a 14 yo know about life and death? And be willing to face it head on. I'm not taking anything away from the kid. If the powers that be put him in the record book, so be it. If they don't, it no big deal. Does he get cash or check? He's had his 15 minutes of fame. He tried and failed like so many others before him. Better luck next time. I feel bad that his boat got broken up. Now I have to ask why did his boat got broken up? Human error? Overstressed? Poor equipment? The officials will get to the bottom of his demasting and we'll all know. Or will we? Just my spin on it Keep it up, Ctskip

Arturo · Jan 4, 2007

Youngest crosser

CTskip, the kid made it. Why are you saying he tried and failed? Are you confusing this kid witht the circumnavigation attempt off of Chile?Regards,Arturo.

He's cheating :)

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sailgirl

Jim

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Arturo