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comitan
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4177
Registered: 3-27-2004
Location: La Paz
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Mood: mellow
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e 12, 2010
A Note from Abby
Hey everyone,
Sorry I haven't written in so long as you probably already know I had a pretty rough couple of days. I can't write much now as I am typing on a french
key pad as well as trying to stay seated in a bouncy fishing boat.
The long and the short of it is, well, one long wave, and one short mast (short meaning two inch stub.) I'll write a more detailed blog later, just
wanted to let every one know I am safe and sound on a great big fishing boat headed I am not exactly sure where.
Crazy is the word that really describes everything that has happened best.
Within a few minutes of being on board the fishing boat, I was already getting calls from the press. I don't know how they got the number but it seems
everybody is eager to pounce on my story now that something bad has happened.
There are plenty of things people can think of to blame for my situation; my age, the time of year and many more. The truth is, I was in a storm and
you don't sail through the Indian Ocean without getting in at least one storm. It wasn't the time of year it was just a Southern Ocean storm. Storms
are part of the deal when you set out to sail around the world.
As for age, since when does age create gigantic waves and storms?
I keep hitting the wrong keys and am still trying to get over the fact that I will never see my Wild Eyes again. So Ill write more later.
Abby
Strive For The Ideal, But Deal With What\'s Real.
Every day is a new day, better than the day before.(from some song)
Lord, Keep your arm around my shoulder and your hand over my mouth.
“The sincere pursuit of truth requires you to entertain the possibility that everything you believe to be true may in fact be false”
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Dave
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Kids say the darndest things
| Quote: | Originally posted by comitan
am still trying to get over the fact that I will never see my Wild Eyes again.
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Thousands were concerned for her safety and she's mourning her boat.
Profound. 
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Barry A.
Select Nomad
Posts: 10007
Registered: 11-30-2003
Location: Redding, Northern CA
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Mood: optimistic
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Dave
| Quote: | Originally posted by comitan
am still trying to get over the fact that I will never see my Wild Eyes again.
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Thousands were concerned for her safety and she's mourning her boat.
Profound. |
I don't think she is responsible for the fact that, "thousands are concerned for her safety"--------and of course she is mourning the loss of her
"home" (which her boat has been for months). I understand completely, and I too am relieved that she is ok, but I don't have any inclination to play
the "blame game" for any of this mishap.
She is a scrappy kid, and I like that.
But, like I said before, I believe folks like this should be required by international law (whatever that is) to post a bond before trying something
like this.
Barry
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bajalou
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Barry A.
But, like I said before, I believe folks like this should be required by international law (whatever that is) to post a bond before trying something
like this.
Barry |
And EVERY sailor leaving a port should have to post the same bond. Many times more money is spent rescuing drunks and fools with boats than this
incident.
The Coast Guard reports that 95 percent of all sea rescue missions occur less than 20 miles from the shoreline.
I rest my case----
No Bad Days
\"Never argue with an idiot. People watching may not be able to tell the difference\"
\"The trouble with doing nothing is - how do I know when I\'m done?\"
Nomad Baja Interactive map
And in the San Felipe area - check out Valle Chico area |
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The Sculpin
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Registered: 9-3-2002
Location: Back in the Saddle
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Mood: Riding into the Sunset, looking for a sunrise.
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A bond?
What a crock!
You guys should be ashamed of yourselves!
Hey, we're all baja travelers, we prepare for the worst, we carry all sorts of gear and double and triple replacement parts in case we mess up. We
pride ourselves on our ingenuity, our toughness, our McGyver-ness. How many of us "posted a bond"! Flip side - we had a great trip, but we encounter a
fellow traveler who might not have been as prepared as us, or just had bad luck. We go out of our way to help them and make sure they can go on their
way safe. Do we ask them how to collect on their bond?!? How many of our friends tell us we are foolish, crazy, or have a death wish for wishing to
venture to baja, or the mainland, or wherever we're going? We go anyway, because we are confident in our abilities, we've done our homework. How is
Abby any different?!?! After all we have been through, and all we've been warned about, how can we possibly question Abby's or her parents motive?
It's the same as ours!!!! I have had 3 16 year olds, and I have to say I would much rather have had one or two try singlehanding around the world
instead of what they ended up doing! I am totally, solidly with DavidK on this one. If your kid is capable, has the desire and she (or you) has the
resources, how can you say no?!?! Different time, different place, but at what age do you think Columbus, or Drake, of Cook learned to sail the open
ocean? Look it up!
Whoa there, Cowboy - pull back on those reins!
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MrBillM
Platinum Nomad
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Registered: 8-20-2003
Location: Out and About
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Mood: It's a Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah Day
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Sin Tax ?
While I agree with Barry more often than not, it's probably not a coincidence that he was in law enforcement and embraces the idea of
Control over civilian activity.
I completely disagree with the idea of a Bond or Insurance, BUT They "could" impose a HUGE tax on registering the EPIRB.
While it "might" discourage their purchase and use, that's OK, too. If you don't know they're in trouble, you don't need to worry about rescuing
them.
Perhaps the Government could require Every Boater to be licensed and they could put restrictions on Minors as they are doing more and more often now
with Driver's Licenses. No sailing beyond territorial waters without a licensed Adult on Board ? GPS Bracelets to catch cheaters ?
Fashion-coordinated for females, of course.
Personal Liberties are so passe anyway. It's really the Government's job to take care of us. The sooner we accept that, the happier we'll be with
the Nanny-State.
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Barry A.
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Location: Redding, Northern CA
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I don't want "control" over the populace, I just don't want my budget busted because I have to spend umteen thousands on rescuing somebody that got
themselves in trouble by taking pretty outrageous risks, or being stupid. Believe me it has happened more than once, and I just think it is
irresponsible for folks expecting to be rescued at public expense when they get in trouble for doing dumb things. All the rest of us have to suffer
when this happens.
I realize the "bond" idea will never fly, but I still think it is a good idea. As you may, or may not, know public agencies involved in these types of
rescues are more and more going after the victims for financial reimbursement--------it is just a necessary fact of life.
This particular "rescue" effort compared to helping somebody in Baja is like comparing apples and oranges, to me-------totally different.
Barry
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Jack Swords
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Some of the sailing community's point of view:
http://www.latitude38.com/lectronic/lectronicday.lasso?date=...
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DENNIS
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When anyone of any age confronts the ravages of nature and pulls it off, they're called Intrepid Adventurers.
When nature wins the confrontation, they're called fools.
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capt. mike
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AZ has the "stupid motorists law"
if you deliberately cross a blocked wash during a storm with our notorious flash floods, and you and your car gets swept away - you get a huge fine
for rescue and you have to PAY the rescue bill, which is thousands usually.
every year it happens and a few die.
guess they go to Darwin's heaven..... 
what happened to her boat? isn't it fixable? isn't it worth $$??
why is it not getting towed?
formerly Ordained in Rev. Ewing\'s Church by Mail - busted on tax fraud.......
Now joined L. Ron Hoover\'s church of Appliantology
\"Remember there is a big difference between kneeling down and bending over....\"
www.facebook.com/michael.l.goering |
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jorgie
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Interesting to know her latitude , she refers to the 'Southern Ocean ' .....meaning the roaring forties in nowwhere . Hopefully the rescue crew sunk
the sailboat having managed to collect her personal things like log and photos etc .
She sounds in good spirits , a good thing .
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MrBillM
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Busting The Budget ?
I'd like to see some statistical confirmation of THAT. While this type of rescue comes about Once in Awhile, I'm skeptical that the frequency and
amounts involved have placed or are placing a burden greater on the taxpayer than buying a newspaper now and then.
If, after the fact, the responding parties want to seek restitution, Fine. That's up to them and the courts. As pointed out, they do it now.
As far as her boat goes, if past practice is any indication, it's floating around on its own somewhere. Under the conditions that exist when these
rescues are required, it would be a foolish captain that attempted to take a damaged vessel in tow. I've towed in open ocean during moderate seas,
mild in comparison to those, and it can be a challenge.
I have read on numerous occasions where Salvers searched out the vessels when they thought the value was worthwhile once the weather abated.
Otherwise, they generally just float along until they sink, someone stumbles across them or they make landfall on their own.
As far as the definition of WHERE the Southern Ocean's NORTHERN Boundary lies, there is NO universal agreement, but since it is generally South of
Australia and her location line when distress was indicated appears to be South of Australia, it could be claimed that it was in the Southern Ocean or
the Southern Indian Ocean, which has also been noted.
Not that it matters. Sea conditions like she encountered (and worse) have been found off the California Coast time and again.
From an Australian News Site:
"Abby's location was pinned at 42 degrees south, 2033 nautical miles south-west of Perth, in the nautical zone of French protectorate
La Reunion. But her yacht drifted into Australian waters after noon on Friday, when Australian maritime authorities took charge of the rescue".
[Edited on 6-13-2010 by MrBillM]
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comitan
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4177
Registered: 3-27-2004
Location: La Paz
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2010
Aboard the Ile de la Reunion
Everything is going well out here. I'm still getting used to walking around on board and it takes both hands to keep myself from falling up and down
the narrow halls. I'm still having trouble typing on this key pad but I've got a few more days to get the hang of it.
Everyone on board has been really friendly. They have come a long way out of their way to help me and I am so thankful that they did. My mom has told
me about all that the different rescue groups did to help find me. So thank you to all of you. I had only hoped that a ship would pass by me within a
few weeks. I am really in awe. Thank you to everyone involved.
The captain is a big, friendly, bald guy with a big beard. He speaks English pretty well and he says, "Is no good to worry about the boat. Is just a
boat, you is safe. You should not think about the past." Which is true, but its hard to keep my mind off everything that's happened.
Everyone in the bridge has been fending off the press and I'm very grateful for that. I really don't want to start doing interviews quite yet.
I have started writing. At first I decided that I wasn't going to write a book. But then I started to think about all the good times Wild Eyes and I
have had together. All that's left of the voyage of Wild Eyes are my memories, eventually they will get fuzzy and I won't remember all the details. I
don't want that to happen. Wild Eyes and my trip have been the best thing I have ever done or been through and I don't ever want to forget all the
great times we have had together, or the bad ones for that matter.
The story of Wild Eyes is over, but my story is still going. I'm still out on the ocean headed to a little island called Kerguelen and then will be on
another boat for ten days up to an island near Madagascar. From there I will eventually make it home.
So, on goes my adventu
A note from our blog moderator: Please be patient with as we go through over 12,000 comments that have come in during the last 3 days. We are getting
through them as quickly as we can.
[Edited on 6-14-2010 by comitan]
[Edited on 6-14-2010 by comitan]
Strive For The Ideal, But Deal With What\'s Real.
Every day is a new day, better than the day before.(from some song)
Lord, Keep your arm around my shoulder and your hand over my mouth.
“The sincere pursuit of truth requires you to entertain the possibility that everything you believe to be true may in fact be false”
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Bajahowodd
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9274
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Location: Disneyland Adjacent and anywhere in Baja
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I said it before. This is a quote from the website link that Jack Swords posted.
"From the ghetto, Fiddy Cent rapped that he was going to "Get rich or die tryin'." We suppose this is the Thousand-oh-so-close-to-Hollywood-Oaks'
version, which might be titled 'Get famous or die tryin'. We're sure glad Abby didn't die. As for becoming famous, she's gotten even more of it than
she could have dreamed of. In fact, you have to feel sorry for Watson who, despite being the one who actually accomplished her goal, has now been
upstaged by Abby's failure. In the minds of experienced sailors, however, we think Abby Sunderland is going to be famous, not for her sailing, but for
having been played for the fool by her irresponsible parents."
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comitan
Ultra Nomad
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I edited Abby's to reflect moderators comment, that they where behind because of 12,000 comments in the last 3 days I guess she has gotten a lot of
attention and a book is forthcoming.
Strive For The Ideal, But Deal With What\'s Real.
Every day is a new day, better than the day before.(from some song)
Lord, Keep your arm around my shoulder and your hand over my mouth.
“The sincere pursuit of truth requires you to entertain the possibility that everything you believe to be true may in fact be false”
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The Sculpin
Nomad
Posts: 401
Registered: 9-3-2002
Location: Back in the Saddle
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Mood: Riding into the Sunset, looking for a sunrise.
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Sorry jack - but "irresponsible parents"? Oh please! If this was the work of "irresponsible parents", Abby would have turned back a loooooong time
ago! Sorry, but this girl has guts, and I hope she continues pushing the envelope in any damn way she pleases. What is the matter with you people! Someone demonstrates adventurism, and you call it opportunism. Quit being so cynical
and enjoy the adventures she has experienced, and the adventures she will experience. Honestly, have any of you read Fatu-Hiva!?!?!?!
[Edited on 6-14-2010 by The Sculpin]
Whoa there, Cowboy - pull back on those reins!
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capt. mike
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Location: Outer Space
well that explains it!
hahahahaha....
formerly Ordained in Rev. Ewing\'s Church by Mail - busted on tax fraud.......
Now joined L. Ron Hoover\'s church of Appliantology
\"Remember there is a big difference between kneeling down and bending over....\"
www.facebook.com/michael.l.goering |
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Jack Swords
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Location: Nipomo, CA/La Paz, BCS
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Sculpin: "Sorry Jack"? I simply posted material from a respected cruising site. I also used the word "some". Posting such material does not make me
an advocate either way, but adds information to the topic being discussed. I never take a stand on this board as it soon deteriorates into
name-calling and political arguments. In fact, like many seasoned Baja folks I rarely post now. I just is not worth the effort to participate
anymore.
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LancairDriver
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Jack Swords
Sculpin: "Sorry Jack"? I simply posted material from a respected cruising site. I also used the word "some". Posting such material does not make me
an advocate either way, but adds information to the topic being discussed. I never take a stand on this board as it soon deteriorates into
name-calling and political arguments. In fact, like many seasoned Baja folks I rarely post now. I just is not worth the effort to participate
anymore. |
Jack- Thanks for the link to a site that has some input from people who actually have "been there, done that" and know what impossible conditions this
ill fated voyage was up against.
Maybe in the days it takes the fishing boat to haul her to civilization some of the hype and glamor will have worn off and it will just be remembered
for the failure with a lucky ending that it was.
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capt. mike
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aren't her parents wealthy experienced RTW yachties?
didn't they know of the dangers in Indian Ocean this time of year?
a trawler i could see like a Nordhaven 54' running twin diesels....
but a racing sailboat?
they are way too lax with their parental responsibility. She is a minor.
are no licenses required to set out into int'l waters?
formerly Ordained in Rev. Ewing\'s Church by Mail - busted on tax fraud.......
Now joined L. Ron Hoover\'s church of Appliantology
\"Remember there is a big difference between kneeling down and bending over....\"
www.facebook.com/michael.l.goering |
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