[pct-l] Sorta OT - Abby Sunderland's reality TV show

[David Ellzey]

Ken, et al,

I should clarify the question I was asking as I do not think I was all that clear. The question I was trying to ask was: do the people on this list believe that the Sunderland's were reckless in letting Abby attempt the excursion because of her age?

I know little of sailing beyond the basic theory so I cannot even begin to judge if she was competent enough or whether her boat was up to the task. I also do not know enough to judge to timing of her trip. All of these would certainly be valid criticisms from people who know such things. The thing that sparked my original post was that 90% of the comments on the news article were deriding her and the parents solely due to her age. Since I am doing more than a little research on the subject of "Nature Deficit Disorder" those comments really struck a chord with me.

Oh, on the other hand it just so happens I know a lot about the world of reality television. You should definitely NOT use sensationalist journalism for good information on this particular subject. The "reality" of the situation is that a no-name and likely shady production company approached the Sunderland's well into their preparations for her trip. Apparently the family isn't what most people would consider normal. Anyhow, there was no "pre-planned" show. Furthermore this production company (one I've never heard of) did not have a network deal, they were essentially hoping they could sell the concept. As I understand it, none of the networks even gave it consideration and the deal with the family has been more or less dead for a while now.

So again, setting aside that you (and likely many others with experience) believe she was not competent, the boat setup was not sufficient and the timing was all wrong. Do you also believe that her young age _alone_ should have kept her parents from letting her make the attempt?

BigToe


-----Original Message-----
From: pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net [mailto:pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net] On Behalf Of Edward Anderson
Sent: Monday, June 14, 2010 9:10 PM
To: Ken Murray
Cc: pct-l at backcountry.net
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Sorta OT - Abby Sunderland's reality TV show

Ken, 
After reading your two informative posts on the subject and the attached article, I have changed my opinion regarding Abby's sailing adventure. I had no idea that the boat was less than sea-ready or that her father had preplanned selling a "reality" show and was willing to risk his daughters life in quest of a "record"- even though it would mean her sailing through the Indian Ocean during the stormy season.  I had read about her brother Zack's voyage and didn't see any good reason why his sister could not do a similar one just because she was a year younger and a girl.  In her case big mistakes were made. 
MendoRider




________________________________
From: Ken Murray <kmurray at pol.net>
To: . <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Sent: Mon, June 14, 2010 10:54:56 AM
Subject: [pct-l] Sorta OT - Abby Sunderland's reality TV show

Sunderland "reality" show preplanned before Abby's misadventure
13 June 2010 

Sunderland "reality" show was preplanned before Abby's misadventure: Adventures in Sunderland (Reality TV Show) Distribution Rights: Magnetic Entertainment Exec Producer: Magnetic Entertainment "A family oriented Adventure show, based on the Sunderland Family of Thousand Oaks, CA. We follow the family in their day-to-day lives as shipbuilder Laurence Sunderland and mother/teacher Marianne try to balance work and family."

http://www.nypost.com/p/news/national/sail_kid_parents_set_cour_for_tv_crGRuKCVBcBCM5v3s23ULK


I heard she was never even in the balloon, I mean boat.
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