Conflicted. That probably best describes my feelings about the Abby Sunderland story.
Sunderland is a 16-year-old girl and accomplished American sailor who this year attempted to become the youngest person to sail solo around the world. Sunderland was hoping to follow in the footsteps of her older brother, Zac, who last year became the second youngest person to accomplish this feat.
Abby Sunderland initially set sail from Marina del Rey, California in her 40-foot boat Wild Eyes on January 23, 2010. Despite some setbacks, she continued her solo vogage for 4 1/2 months until June 10, 2010. On that day, sailing in heavy seas in an isolated part of the Indian Ocean, her sailboat was dismasted and she was forced to activate her emergency distress beacons. For a short period of time, there was concern that she was lost a sea, but rescuers located her a couple of days later and she was brought aboard a French commercial fishing vessel.
Reaction from the public was swift and generally harsh. Abby’s parents came in for most of the criticism for allowing their minor daughter to attempt such a trip in the first place.They were painted in an even a worse light when information surfaced that a reality TV deal might be in the works. Others, particularly Austrialian taxpayers who partially financed the rescue, were incensed that the Sunderland family did not have to pay back the expense of her rescue.
There is no doubt that we might be having a very different conversation had Abby not survived her adventure. Thankfully, she did. The issues that have been brought forward are worth discussing — particularly how much risk we as a society are willing to tolerate when it comes to allowing children to pursue their dreams.
A few points worth keeping in mind:
-Abby is a very experienced sailor who has been training for her solo adventure for a number of years. In other words, this was not a case of a little sister trying to one up her big brother.
-Abby comes from a sailing family and she has lived on sailboats for much of her life. The information that is available on the Sunderland family indicates that they are a very religious, close knit family who did not take lightly the decision to permit either of their children to attempt their quests.
-A reality TV deal apparently was contemplated, but never finalized. It appears Abby’s trip was financed through other sources.
-In reading through many of Abby’s blog entries she comes across as an exceptionally intelligent, articulate and level-headed 16 year-old. It is almost hard to believe she is only 16 actually.
There is part of me who thinks the world needs young people like Abby Sunderland. Many of her fellow teenagers could perhaps learn something from Abby about perseverance, dedication, sacrifice and dedicating oneself to a dream. Another part of me (the mom part) thinks what is heck where they thinking? How could anyone allow such a bright, beautiful girl to possibly risk what promises to be a promising future? Is a world record that important? I would think the experience of the trip itself would be the real reward and couldn’t that have been done when Abby was 19, 21 or 25?
I am not a sailor and I am naturally risk adverse. I still think Abby Sunderland appears to be a pretty remarkable young lady. I am just glad this story had a happy ending.
What do you think?
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Comments
8 Responses to The Abby Sunderland Controversy
This morning, I read Abby’s blog were they had a message from the Australia sea rescue. I thought that FESA would never write something like that at all,knowing a little about FESA, I decided to write to FESA myself and I was right, the message is gone tonight and no longer visible, instead there is a comment from the parents.
If the parents can put up comments on the blog that is not accurate what else can they do?. We know now that they have PR after saying that they were totally broke and would use the publicity created by ABBY.
I think it is appalling that parent use children for they own gain. Abby might be highly capable, but she is also very immature, her parent should have known that, before attempting such a difficult passage in that ocean.
The is the email I sent this morning to FESA with the blog article
Dear FESA
The following paragraph was put by you on ABBY Sunderland website. http://soloround.blogspot.com/” href=”http://soloround.blogspot.com/” rel=”nofollow”>http://soloround.blogspot.com, you can access this via their website
I think that it is unfortunate that the tone of this message appear to have been written by one of your team and does not show a great deal of professionalism.Australian are aware that Australia will take the bill for this young lady, and it is also well stated in the American newspapers. Personally I am rather disappointed with this comment and how it is phrased, the choice of language is appalling.
COPYCan you put a message on your blog informing your readers that the Australian government has not requested any recovery cost for Abby’s search and recovery. In fact the Govt here has been in the media and stated that fact several times. I doubt this got coverage in the US.
Australia like the US have always responded to requests for help and have provided whatever resources are required. At no stage have we asked for cost recovery. Likewise domestic search and rescue have never requested payment for services. If a person wishes to make a contribution to the costs then that is their call. It is not expected or asked for.
The cost recovery stuff is a beat up by the media. They do it every time. Don’t get sucked in by it. Unfortunately some of the comments I have read on some blogs seems to paint Australians as a bunch of tight arses who will only rescue people if they have a cheque book. This has never been the case as you have found out.
Let’s not let the media hijack a good story. Likewise don’t become a victim of it by playing into their hands.
Bottom line is, don’t get sucked in by the media. I would like a clarification on your blog just letting your readers know that the Australian Government has not requested payment nor would they. Let’s not let the media portray the many groups that were involved in Abby’s rescue as a bunch of people motivated and driven by money. This is not the case.
-Search and Rescue Volunteer Perth
Viviane, I appreciate your input.
I have to admit I did take a look at the blog and even read that comment, but it didn’t really register. You are right – it doesn’t make any sense that FESA or any govermental agency would write such an unpolished and unprofessional note.
I am not sure what to think about the parents motives. I would probably need more information. Some things do appear concerning, however.
Anya I agree with you on both points of views and how it is a tough call . There are many gifted children that are blessed into the world. For some reason Anne Frank came to my mind. Not that is has anything to do with the current discussion but a example of how incredibly intelligent and wise a child can be in the teenager years. I am sure their are many more teenagers that have made remarkable records and contributions to society but my brain is tired tonite:)
I think it’s one of those stories where your opinion on the “facts” may be colored by (or may color) your perspective. I was concerned about reports that the trip was rushed to beat another contender for the title of youngest solo sailor to circumnavigate the globe – those reports indicate that this was undertaken at a time when the seas she would be navigating would be particularly rough. In general, I’m not a big supporter of risking one’s life to break a record – I think it’s worthwhile to attempt such an endeavor if one feels that it’s worthwhile, but the idea of doing it just to break a record doesn’t hold much resonance for me. Finally, I do have a concern about a 16-year-old being qualified to really make such a decision – evidence shows that children’s brains are still developing at that age and that their functions related to decision-making and impulse control are not fully matured.
That said, I don’t care that much about a potential reality show related to the endeavor. It’s typical for someone in Abby’s position to need sponsorship. I also can’t get too worked up about the cost of the rescue – money gets spent on less worthwhile things every day. I think a lot of the outrage is way over the top – I’ve seen suggestions that Sunderland’s parents “should be shot” in more than one place. That sort of hyperbole is not helpful or fair, IMO.
I guess my opinion boils down to this: in general I disapprove of what Sunderland and her parents attempted, but I don’t have a whole lot of personal judgment towards them. I’m just glad Abby is safe.
I know nothing about sailing. The venture seems foolhardy w/high odds that something awful is going to happen. I don’t think someone should attempt this until they’re a legal adult and can’t be stopped.
I think it was a slow news week when they wrote about her. She had permission, she’s good at what she does and most likely would have completed her mission had her mast not given up!
I would not have braved the danger of international waters at 16, but I probably wouldn’t have sailed a boat alone in a pond across town either.
Yes, there were risks and all kinds of things could have happened, but they didn’t. And while I don’t think her Parents HAVE to reimburse the Australian gov. it would be cool if they did give a donation.
I too am happy for a good outcome in this story. She does appear to be a mature 16 year old and physically capable but I can’t really be onboard ( pun intended) with 16 years old doing this type of possibly dangerous activity.
Something in me says that this is just wrong. I am not sure about this. We don’t allow teens to drink, smoke and is some states drive at that age. However, a part of me thinks that we should stay out of this and let Abby and her parents make decisions for what is best for their family.
Just because someone is accomplished at their hobby does not mean that people [in this case taxpayers of Australia and France] should pay for the search of this brave young woman. Unless her parents are prepared to pay for the search of their daughter I feel as though they [and anyone else that tries something as dangerous as this] should pay for the rescue costs.
How can we draw the line? A man and his buddies climb Mt. Hood and become disoriented and need help, the state of Oregon sends out their rescue team to find the men. These men, knowing the risks, should be billed for this rescue…plain and simple. This may slow down the attempts that people are getting involved in just to become famous!
Good luck Abby you are very courageous but make sure you bring your Dad’s gold card the next time you head out.