It was great to learn that the Qantas crew spoke with her by VHF and that she is OK. Regardless of age, she is quite the sailor and one tough cookie.
Here's where I'm sure I'll ruffle some feathers, I seem to have a knack for it.
Am I the only one?
Whew, I really have some problems with all this.
1. Solo voyaging is basically unseamanlike. A vessel underway is supposed to maintain a watch at all times. This cannot be done sailing solo for prolonged voyages. The argument that she had sufficient electronic warning systems onboard is empty. We've learned of her various electronic failures along the way.
2. The entire purpose of this quest was to set a record. I don't criticize Abby, but my knee jerk reaction is I'd like to go a few rounds with her dad. Lucky for him he doesn't live in Holland, he'd be in jail (similar quest by a 13 year old there was shut down by the government).
3. This type of sailing is purely discretionary, not professional or essential. Basically, those that do this are engaging in adventure travel, a sort of high thrill vacation. When things go wrong they're on the radio calling for help, putting rescue crews at risk. So far in Abby's case, the Qantas Airbus was at the limit of its navigational range just to reach her. Rescue boats are weathering extreme conditions to get to her at best possible speed. All of these entities are put at risk to rescue someone who chooses to travel in this way.
To repeat, I don't fault Abby, thankful she's OK, but as far as her parents, what are you thinking? Is a record worth it? Assuming this episode concludes favorably tomorrow, Abby dodged a bullet. I hope her dad is taken to task publicly so this sort of shinola isn't repeated.
Here's where I'm sure I'll ruffle some feathers, I seem to have a knack for it.
Am I the only one?
Whew, I really have some problems with all this.
1. Solo voyaging is basically unseamanlike. A vessel underway is supposed to maintain a watch at all times. This cannot be done sailing solo for prolonged voyages. The argument that she had sufficient electronic warning systems onboard is empty. We've learned of her various electronic failures along the way.
2. The entire purpose of this quest was to set a record. I don't criticize Abby, but my knee jerk reaction is I'd like to go a few rounds with her dad. Lucky for him he doesn't live in Holland, he'd be in jail (similar quest by a 13 year old there was shut down by the government).
3. This type of sailing is purely discretionary, not professional or essential. Basically, those that do this are engaging in adventure travel, a sort of high thrill vacation. When things go wrong they're on the radio calling for help, putting rescue crews at risk. So far in Abby's case, the Qantas Airbus was at the limit of its navigational range just to reach her. Rescue boats are weathering extreme conditions to get to her at best possible speed. All of these entities are put at risk to rescue someone who chooses to travel in this way.
To repeat, I don't fault Abby, thankful she's OK, but as far as her parents, what are you thinking? Is a record worth it? Assuming this episode concludes favorably tomorrow, Abby dodged a bullet. I hope her dad is taken to task publicly so this sort of shinola isn't repeated.