OK, I admit it, I was secretly hoping the Dutch court would decide, as it did when Dekker was 13, not to allow her to set off on a solo sailing circumnavigation in the latest effort to become the youngest circumnavigator. To tell the truth, after all the hubbub following the rescue of Abby Sunderland a mere 6 weeks ago, and the recent debate in France about making individuals taking excessive risks pay for their rescue if needed, I'm a little surprised by the court's decision.
Of course, there's that possible security of having another boat following along with her, filming every moment for a reality TV show. Maybe that makes things safer. (Just don't ask what that does for sailing and solitary communion with the sea....)
I'm keeping out of the sure-to-be-renewed debate about how young is too young and all that. I'm not necessarily against the right of any person to go off sailing. I just wish sailing weren't about to be subjected to the debate at all, and all the media hype and side stories about which circumnavigator is dating which other circumnavigator and what they're wearing at social occasions. Call me a curmudgeon - I fully confess that much of what I love about sailing has nothing to do with world records, satellite video blogs, and reality TV. I confess to loving the sea, the motion of a boat through the water, and both the thrill of adventure and the calm of a quiet anchorage. I guess I must be getting old.
Comments
The worst bit, to my mind, is the inane and often totally wrong uninformed comment that comes with the media exposure.
I have a soft spot for folks of any age who go adventuring – it’s just a pity that expeditions like ocean voyaging require the funds that only sponsorship can provide. Or do they?
old, no, its fecking irresponsible, if the kid is going to risk life, sorry, let em wait till they are old enough for the sanction to chase risk, as an ex-mountaineer i trained lots of youngsters, safety came first, that meant a buddy, and no free climbing !there parents are responsible here and its them that sanctioned the chase for fame, its sick, nothing wrong with kids emulating a challenge, but without risk ! i am a teacher, ex-outdoor ed instructor, not a sailor, i think you are right and i suggest sailors should speak up more,
I really do not think that any of this is your or anyone else but the Parents and the child’s concern. Not even the press in general.
The parents know this child and they make the decision. And the rest of you sound like small town gossipers.
However, I do agree that the parents then is also responsible for the consequences and not the taxpayer or society.
I agree with you the enjoyment of sailing has nothing to with world records. Enjoy the boat,the wind and the sea.
These people that are making the attempt at records of solo sailing,are they really solo sailing. They have much more shore support than any other sailor.
The court does not decide this matter,the insurance companies do.
Are their drivers on the road who are underage?
Are the very elderly driving on the road after they flunked the vision tests?
Do you find many pilots who have heart conditions and still fly?Or do you find many drunk commercial pilots?
How many truckers are allowed to drive without a license?
How many captains of commercial vessels operate without a license?
Insurance companies can set requirements through the simple measure of premium costs.Let the father and mother pay the premiums.