I am sure that, statistically, driving a car is far safer than solo piloting a sail boat in the Indian Ocean in the southern hemisphere’s winter.
It’s not as though we have two choices:
1. keep our children bubble wrapped in front of a computer;
2. send them out solo on the high seas.
There is a middle ground!
I do not wish to see these parent prosecuted, but I don’t approve of their decision. I’d let my kid sail, take sailing lessons, race - but I wouldn’t let them solo camp, solo hike, solo fly, solo deep ocean sail - and I don’t think that makes me overprotective. I further believe my kids could live perfectly happy and adventurous lives without extreme solo stuff.
well put.
True but if Abbey grew up in a nautical family and had a love for sailing and the sea, she could reasonably be expected to be a competent sailor by age 16.
Sixteen year olds used to be expected to function as adults. So, as long as she is mature for her age, skilled at what she does and has the best equipment available, I respect what she has done. I wouldn't want it for my family be we are a landlubbing family.
Abby's handling of the boat in monstrous seas is a testament to her skill and mental presence.
Furthermore, it's not as if she set sail and disappeared over the horizon not to be heard from again until her next scheduled port of call. That she was able to remain in communication with shore the entire time directly or indirectly via emergency beacons is testament to the vastly improved state of communications which further reduces risks she was exposed to.