Parents sane to let 16-year-old daughter sail solo?

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Parents sane to let 16-year-old daughter sail solo?

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  • 62438
    No. Why put a teenager’s life at risk?
    49%
  • 62439
    Yes. If their daughter has a talent, they should let her pursue it.
    24%
  • 62440
    I’m not sure. I’d need to know more about the teen’s capabilities.
    28%

VoteTotal Votes: 80

Australian Jessica Watson plans to make a 23,600-mile journey to become the youngest person to sail unassisted around the world. Her family insists she is an experienced sailor who has studied navigation.

Results with 13 short comments
Total of 80 votes - click on the "Display Comments" bar below to sort comments

48.8%
No. Why put a teenager’s life at risk?
39 votes
23.8%
Yes. If their daughter has a talent, they should let her pursue it.
19 votes
27.5%
I’m not sure. I’d need to know more about the teen’s capabilities.
22 votes
Display Comments:
Yes. If their daughter has a talent, they should let her pursue it.

My son has been a US Marine since he was 17 yrs. I couldn't bear seeing in his eyes the hurt if I was to hold him back from his dream.

    #1
     - Jules-1422589
     - 12:19 pm EDT on Tue Oct 20, 2009
    I’m not sure. I’d need to know more about the teen’s capabilities.

    When 16 year old Zac Sunderland made his solo sail, there was much less controversy! Is it because she is a girl that we are so worried ?

      #2
       - idahobrahm
       - 12:22 pm EDT on Tue Oct 20, 2009
      Yes. If their daughter has a talent, they should let her pursue it.

      I have obtained a sailing license in Australia&know what skills/license level & supplies are required for this type of journey. Congrats

        #3
         - Diana-1422670
         - 1:08 pm EDT on Tue Oct 20, 2009
        No. Why put a teenager’s life at risk?

        This girl is still a child. She has so much growing up to do and needs her parents protection.

        • 1 vote
        #4
         - Nova Simpson
         - 1:09 pm EDT on Tue Oct 20, 2009
        No. Why put a teenager’s life at risk?

        Parents need to be that parents not friends. She is too young and needs to grow up first. She can go sailing around the world with someon

          #5
           - katie-1422695
           - 1:22 pm EDT on Tue Oct 20, 2009
          I’m not sure. I’d need to know more about the teen’s capabilities.

          If the teen is an outstandingly mature, capable, and proficient sailor, YES! But if she is being pushed by egocentric parents or media NO.

          • 1 vote
          #6
           - holly -1422729
           - 1:45 pm EDT on Tue Oct 20, 2009
          No. Why put a teenager’s life at risk?

          Sleep deprivation does have very negative impacts (physical, emotional and developmental). Especially for a still developing child.

          • 1 vote
          #7
           - Lexi-1422767
           - 2:12 pm EDT on Tue Oct 20, 2009
          No. Why put a teenager’s life at risk?

          My cousin, Robin Graham was the first 16 year old to sail around the world on his own. National Geographic featured him and a movie made.

            #8
             - Michelle-1422771
             - 2:14 pm EDT on Tue Oct 20, 2009
            No. Why put a teenager’s life at risk?

            While this teen may be capable, her life experiences and the boat's technology might not be a match for what nature could bring her way.

              #9
               - Buffy-851618
               - 2:18 pm EDT on Tue Oct 20, 2009
              Yes. If their daughter has a talent, they should let her pursue it.

              She could essentially drive a car around the world, why not a boat?

                #10
                 - a.m.y.-nc
                 - 2:27 pm EDT on Tue Oct 20, 2009
                I’m not sure. I’d need to know more about the teen’s capabilities.

                I would be afraid for my daughter, but if it something she feels strongly about, might consider it

                  #11
                   - kim carney
                   - 3:17 pm EDT on Tue Oct 20, 2009
                  No. Why put a teenager’s life at risk?

                  I feel that letting any 16 year old try something like this is over-indulgence.

                    #12
                     - Chris-1423258
                     - 9:49 pm EDT on Tue Oct 20, 2009
                    Yes. If their daughter has a talent, they should let her pursue it.

                    she has the talent, she has the desire. You people are just afraid of your own shadows!
                    Younger people than her have crossed the wildernes

                      #13
                       - srpucher
                       - 11:07 am EST on Sun Nov 8, 2009

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                      Comment author avataridahobrahm

                      When 16 year old Zac Sunderland attempted the same solo sail, there was nowhere near the controversy. Is it because this new attempt is being made by a girl, that we are so much more worried?

                        Reply#1 - Tue Oct 20, 2009 12:25 PM EDT
                        Comment author avatarJules-1422589

                        I feel that it is the families decision. I live every day with the fact that my son could die. I have sat with him and made his funeral choices. He is a US Marine and has seen more in his life with the corps that anyone could even fathom. Good and bad. My son has been a Marine since he was 17. He is now 24. It was his choice to do this. I couldn't live with myself if I told him no, and watch the defeat in his eyes. It is his dream, not mine. As his mother I support him. Even though my heart cries everytime he leaves for deployment. I would have been selfish if I said no. So yes, this girl has the right to follow her dreams. Her family has the right to support their daughter. Who are we to judge? Only the family knows the strength of their daughter. Not us or the press.

                          Reply#2 - Tue Oct 20, 2009 12:27 PM EDT
                          Comment author avatarDiana-1422670

                          I have an Australian sailing license and know what license level/supplies are required for this type of trip. Her parents and all the Australian authorities are aware of her skills. With the latest satellite tools required to have on any type of boat, she is more than safe. Also with the media exposure, you better believe she will bo OK.

                            Reply#3 - Tue Oct 20, 2009 1:12 PM EDT
                            Comment author avatarNova Simpson

                            When I was 16 I had a lot of ideas of what I should be allowed to do. Thank God I had parents who protected me and guided my decisions because I probably wouldn't be alive now if they hadn't told me "no" when I had crazy ideas. This is a crazy idea!!!!!!

                              Reply#4 - Tue Oct 20, 2009 1:13 PM EDT
                              Comment author avatarAngie-1422680

                              I completely agree with Kathie Lee. She should not be allowed to, not only put herself in danger but other people too. Correctly put by Kathie her brain is not ready for this. May be this is the present problem with youngsters "Their parents". These days parents think that children have to be allowed to do anything. We are responsible for them until they are 18 or 21, during those years is our duty to support and prepare them for whatever they want to do after they reach that age

                                Reply#5 - Tue Oct 20, 2009 1:13 PM EDT
                                Comment author avatarkatie-1422695

                                The parents need to be the parent and not a friend. Part of being a parent is saying no. If she really wants to do this have someone go with her. Just too young.

                                  Reply#6 - Tue Oct 20, 2009 1:24 PM EDT
                                  Comment author avatara.m.y.-nc

                                  She can legally drive, right? So, essentially she could drive around the country w/o any input from us onlookers. Why not sail? It comes down to a family decision. Don't see the big deal.

                                    Reply#7 - Tue Oct 20, 2009 2:31 PM EDT
                                    Comment author avatarKareem in my Coffee

                                    I hope that they plan to pay for any extensive RESCUE attempt should this go wrong. I'm not in the mood to pay for it.

                                      Reply#8 - Wed Oct 21, 2009 11:52 AM EDT
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