Abby Sunderland American traveler, sailor Date of Birth: 19.10.1993 Country: USA

1. Abby Sunderland: American Adventurer and Sailor
2. Preparation and Journey
3. Challenges and Setbacks
4. Rescue and Future Plans

Abby Sunderland: American Adventurer and Sailor

Abigail 'Abby' Sunderland, born on October 19, 1993, is an American adventurer and sailor. She embarked on her journey to become the youngest solo circumnavigator at the age of 16 in 2010. On March 31, 2010, she became the youngest solo traveler to ever sail around Cape Horn. Her brother, Zac Sunderland, was the first person to complete a solo circumnavigation before turning 18.

Preparation and Journey

According to Abby, she had been preparing for her journey since the age of 13. She learned to sail from talented sailors, including her father, Lawrence Sunderland, who supported her in her quest to find her purpose. The planned route was set to start in Marina del Rey, then pass through Cape Horn, Cape of Good Hope, Cape Leeuwin, and finally return to Marina del Rey. Abby had to navigate alone, following the rules of the International Sailing Federation's World Sailing Speed Record Council, which included the mandatory crossing of the equator.

Abby's yacht, 'Wild Eyes,' was a 40-foot vessel specially designed for solo voyages across the Southern Ocean. It was built in Australia in 2001 and purchased by Abby's family on Rhode Island in 2009. The necessary technical systems were installed in Marina del Rey before her journey.

Challenges and Setbacks

Abby's first attempt began on January 23, 2010. However, on the eighth day of her journey, she realized that the solar panels, wind generators, and diesel engine were not sufficient to power the entire yacht. Issues with the rigging also prevented her from effectively utilizing the wind's force. On February 2, 2010, she docked in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, to refuel, replace batteries, and carry out repairs.

She restarted her journey on February 6, 2010, acknowledging that the previous distance covered could not be counted. Due to the previous halt, Abby had to complete her circumnavigation in Cabo San Lucas instead. On February 19, 2010, she crossed the equator and continued her voyage.

Concern for Abby's safety arose on February 27, 2010, when a massive earthquake struck Chile. At that time, Abby was nearly 3,000 kilometers away from the epicenter, and the depth of the ocean neutralized the resulting tsunami, leaving her unaffected.

On March 31, 2010, Abby successfully rounded Cape Horn, the southernmost point of South America. Despite the challenging waves and strong winds, the young sailor managed to conquer the difficult passage.

Abby's journey faced another setback on April 24, 2010, when she announced a stop in Cape Town to repair the autopilot system. Although her journey became non-continuous, it was necessary as both autopilot systems on the yacht had failed. On May 5, 2010, 'Wild Eyes' arrived in Cape Town.

Rescue and Future Plans

Abby resumed her journey on June 21, 2010, leaving Cape Town on a Friday, which is considered an unfavorable day for sailors. However, due to strong winds, her yacht was carried far into the Indian Ocean, northwest of the Kerguelen Islands, more than 3,000 kilometers from Australia. Satellite contact with Abby was lost, and she activated emergency radio beacons. The following morning, aviation authorities were able to establish communication with her and confirmed that she was safe. Unfortunately, due to the storm damaging her yacht's keel and rigging, Abby's journey had to be interrupted. On June 12, 2010, she was rescued by a French fishing vessel.

Despite the setback, Abby remains undeterred and plans to write a book about her journey. Her determination to sail around the world remains strong, and she intends to attempt another circumnavigation in the future.