[ccmay]

The southern Indian ocean in wintertime (that hemisphere) is NOT the same as a teenager driving a car within 20 miles of home.

I will grant you that. I wouldn't take an ocean liner to the Roaring 40s in winter, much less a solo sailboat.

But in general, those criticizing this girl and her parents are out of line in my opinion. We are all going to die anyway; best to suck the marrow out of life while we've got the chance.

[John S Mosby]

I think the basis of the criticism needs to be considered. In general I agree- criticism is out of line. But criticism becomes specific and on target, when one considers that parents are in fact, the responsible party.. and as such there should have been a heck of a lot more planning if one is going to put a teenager in open ocean, alone with or without GPS, beacon, satcom phone, whatever. And with or without commercial sponsorship (Shoe City?) The sea takes it’s share and is not to be dallied with.