[pct-l] Abby Sunderland

[Keith Robertson]

As an experienced sailor with blue water cruising experience, I have to say that the issue isn't so much about a 16 year old sailing around the world as it is about circumnavigating non-stop. For those of you old enough to remember, Robin Lee Graham left Long Beach California 45 years ago on a 24 foot sloop at the age of 16. However, he took 5 years to circumnavigate because he was cognizant of the dangers of traveling in hurricane seasons in the respective hemispheres. Plus, he had to navigate by celestial navigation as there was no GPS. and no EPIRB technology for civilians and no sat phones to stay in contact with loved ones. Modern technology has made many people feel invincible which is why, I believe, that some feel challenged but not afraid to tackle a non-stop circumnavigation through any kind of weather. Tried and true methods and common sense trump technology every time.