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Teenage 'round the world' sailor heads for shore

16-year-old Abby Sunderland is heading into Mexico for repairs, a week after departing the US

Abby Sunderland

Just a week after departing California to sail unassisted and non-stop around the world, 16-year-old Abby Sunderland is heading for Cabo san Lucas, Mexico, for repairs.

The power generation on Wild Eyes - the solar panels and wind generators - cannot keep up with her energy needs. She also has a problem with her wind speed indicator.

As a result, her shore team will be meeting her in Cabo san Lucas to remedy the problems. They will try to repair the windspeed indicators, put more fuel onboard (to run the alternators for power generation) and add some more battery power.

Meanwhile, Australian Jessica Watson is crossing the southern Atlantic and heading for the Cape of Good Hope. Since the 70 knot storm which damaged her boat, she has had an uneventful time repairing the damage.

For more, visit www.abbysunderland.com.

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Peter,
February 02 15:57

How come she needs so much power? It must be because she is not strong enough to manage the boat without electrical assistance, and has no wind vane steering. Poor plaaning, too young, inexperienced, too dependant. She should have been prevented from the start.

Tim Thornton,
February 02 16:51

Couldn't agree more. All these children trying to sail around the world solo are accidents waiting to happen - whatever happened to parental responsibility?

Stewart,
February 02 17:41

I disagree regarding the strength issue, the only help my partner needs on the boat is opening jars!I also do not think age is relevent but totally agree with the poor planning and experience statement. Surely she must be able to manage her energy budget better, it is a skill that must be learnt before heading off shore. Abby should also be able to assess which systems she can safely turn off, perhaps the fridge and stereo would be a good start!

Alejandro Alcerreca,
February 02 20:42

Peter you're right man but don't be rude, she's 16, let her try it !

Richard,
February 03 11:22

Not enough power? she should have left her i-pod, PS3, hair dryer/straighteners etc at home.

Simon B,
February 04 11:21

Harsh Gentlemen,how many off you have the b*lls to attempt such a voyage. With so many other bone idle teenagers littering our street corners people such as Amy should be encouraged.

Peter D,
April 19 11:21

While people are free to have and express their own opinions about this news story, I am sad to see how puerile the comments are.

For my part, I share the view that someone who is setting off on a round the world trip without a full appreciation of how the electrical systems work and what it takes to manage them is not good, no matter what age the person is.

On the other hand, making snide comments about possible reasons for the shortfall isn't the best way to help.

The more general point is that it sounds like yacht preparation was not adequate for a voyage of this kind. And for this I do blame her advisors and mentors. A supposed nonstop voyage that requires more fuel to be taken on board for generators indicates very poor planning.

Also, why was there not a spare windspeed instrument available to our solo sailor onboard from which she could make her own repairs. Surely she has mast climbing capability of some kind. Otherwise how could she contemplate a single handed round the world voyage?

All in all, not a good situation, and will likely lead to more negative publicity.

Rule 5 applies to all,
April 25 17:08

When are we going to see prosecutions of these egomaniacal single-handers for breach of Rule 5?
Sailing is the only sport where conscious breach of the law results in honours and plaudits!

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