A lot has happend since i last wrote and I'm hoping to be writing more regularly now that things are begining to get moving.
Last week I went with my dad and a friend to look at an Open 40. The one that we looked at won't work for the trip but there is another one that we're looking into. Open 40's are designed for single handing around the world solo. The average speed is 10-15 knots, getting all the way up to 20 knots. They are really amazing boats.
After checking one out and talking to a few people who are experts when it comes to Open boats, we pretty much decided that that is what we want to use. Though they are designed for single-handing, they are still difficult to handle and are much different from other cruising boats.
Luckily, we have a few friends that are more then willing to help out and a team of sorts is begining to form. We're all working hard to put this together and I'm very lucky to have so many people here that are just as excited as me.
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Abby - The Open 40 is the perfect boat for this trip. Which one did you look at? I know of and have toured the Pogo 40 which is here on the Left Coast. Incredible boat, that. When you have a chance, take a look at this:
ReplyDeletewww.yachtworld.com/boats/2001/Scot-Jutson-Open-40-2013515/Newport/RI/United-States
This is a last-generation Aussie-built Open 40 with heaps of potential. Also: it's located on the East Coast, which could prove advantageous.
Also remember: TAKE PICTURES! I'm sure we'd all like to know what's going on!
M
Hey Mike, we looked at the pogo 40 awhile ago. The open 40 on the east coast is the one we're looking into using. we've talked to the builder and the first owner who sailed it around the world alone. It seems like a really great boat. I'm just about to go out sailing, I'll take some pictures!
ReplyDeleteAbby
This boat will go faster than Zac's right? So the trip will be shorter?
ReplyDeleteHi, Abby.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all I envy you. I wanted I had done such great things at your age. Im must admit, four weeks ago I wasn't even aware of young people cruising the oceans.
Here in The Netherlands we got Laura Dekker (lauradekker.nl). According to whom you listen to she is the bravest, or most stupid adolescent on earth. Earlier this month she announced she wanted to circomnavigate the earth on a Hurly 800. Ever since the country seems divided. Those who congratulate an those who even want to put her on foster care. Cause parents supporting these ideas must be totally out of their minds. (77% says no to Laura. And alot in not so kind words*)
Also the government is looking in to way's to stop her. They got only a small handle though. She can do a distance education, but under Dutch law, a adult must be at hand to supervise.
She decided so in the first part of June, just home of her first solo at sea. She's planning to sail September first -so preparation is only three months- and she will be home two(!) years later. She is on a ship, all her live (born and raised actually)
What do you think, is thirteen years to young?
I was wondering. Was(is) there also a huge negative opinion about your plans, or is this negative a typical stupid, narrow-minded** Dutch thing?
Did I already said I envy you? Best of luck and as we say in Dutch "Behouden vaart Abby"!
* Strange. Those who think she is to young, use adult expressions addressing her.
** Well I think is narrow-minded.
Best wishes Abbey and I promise, No Haircut Comments.
ReplyDeleteBill Mann
bill@barstools4u.com
So finally I found your blog and see tha Bill is already here. Now we move the Zac pac over here and call it the Abby pac LOL. Good luck to you
ReplyDeleteAxel
abby----here we go...wishing you great success and best luck in getting things sorted out (sponsors, etc etc)so your dream becomes reality.
ReplyDeletejohn baker/w hollywood/ca/USofA
jbaker1226@aol.com
Hi There Abby!
ReplyDeleteMay you be blessed in all of your planning and preparation. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. Be yourself, and know you are very fortunate to be able to live your dream.
Blessings,
Bob in OKC
Shouldn't you put a "ClustrMap" on here? That would be great :-)
ReplyDeleteAxel
Dear Abby, I haven't heard about you and your plans until the whole media started hyping up the story of your Dutch competitor Laura Dekker.
ReplyDeleteMost likely you've heard about her (www.lauradekker.nl)
The government (child services) are taking Laura and her parents to court, demanding that the parents will lose custody. The argument is not the risk or her talent, but simply that she will not be attending school for two years.
Anyway, whether you or Laura will be the first/youngest to succeed. Whichever way it turns out, I have the same to say to you as to Laura.
I have the utmost respect and admiration for trying to live your dream. For trying to be the best, the first, the youngest ever. Of course I can not judge what your exact motivation is, but I assume this is something you want to do for you - not something you do for what the rest of the world may think or feel or for the way they look at you.
You go Abby. I will keep a eye out and hope you succeed.
All the best
P.s. not much of a sponsor.. and of course you already have this blog.. but if you are interested, as a webdesigner/hoster I can give you a website if you want.. including blogging similar to blogspot, pictures, comments etcetera
ReplyDeleteLet me know if you're interested.
Hi Abby,
ReplyDeleteWell, it looks like a lot of the "Zac Pac'ers" are already here! Best of luck with all your preparations... How exciting! I'm ready to follow YOUR journey when the time comes, however, I may need knee replacements before long! :)
Plan well, pray hard, and go for it!
Blessings always!
Marie
WA St.
Abby
ReplyDeleteIt was great meeting you,Laurence,Troy and Sid wednesday. I look forward to helping each step going forward.
Jay
Found your blog on Zac's! Wow, what a family! Many of us have known for quite some time now that the Sunderlands are something special. Will be keeping you in my prayers as you plan for your own adventure, and will look forward to hearing from you on here... Take good care... Peace, Your Oklahoma Well-Wisher
ReplyDeleteYou go Abby!!!! So great to have another Sunderland to support.
ReplyDeleteKathy
Bend, OR
Hello Miss Abby:
ReplyDeleteRibbit, Ribbit, Ribbit **
** Translation: We're on board and ready to go again. God's blessings and protection to you.
The Croaker
Hello Abby,
ReplyDeleteI'm here from Zac's blog. I'm excited to hear the news. I hope you and Dad work out all the details on the sailboat. I'll pray for wisdom and careful planning for now. I hope you find that perfect sailboat that will work well for this journey. I'm always here to encourage you.
Have Fun,
Douglas Pistone
MDR, California
Hey Abby,
ReplyDeleteSo glad to see that your dream to sail around the world is taking shape!! Yes, another ZacPacker is jumping onboard to support your dream!! I vaguely remember hearing of your aspirations of sailing over the past year while following your brother's trip so I can't say that I am surprised. So many people just dream their dreams and do not have the opportunity to make them a reality. Obviously this is not the case for your family!! I am looking forward to following your adventure...
All the best and prayers lifted up for your dream!!
Terri
Gloucester, VA
Hey Abby,
ReplyDeleteI am not sure that I can stand another Sunderland ocean adventure but I guess we have a year to get used to it again!
My nerves were freyed by the time Zac got back.
However,I'll be here for you too....the more the merrier and the more we can cover this adventure in prayer, the better.
I look forward to hearing how your plans are progressing.
UK friend
So good to "hear the voices" of "old friends"! :)
ReplyDelete....heeeere we go again! :)
Blessings!
Marie
WA St.
Hello Abbey,
ReplyDeleteLooks like a Zacpac convention over here.
I'd like to light a candle on your stormy nights,send a prayer up when it looks like you might need one.
........well,throw off the dock lines and steer towards the mouth of the harbor....you've got some livin' to do!
Straight Wakes,
Mike S.
Go Abby! I am so excited for you. This will be a great adventure.
ReplyDeleteAnd to Marie, I concur...it's great to hear the voices of "old friends".
God bless you all!!!
Lisa from Mt. Juliet, TN
You are so fortunate to be able to do this, especially at only sixteen. My parents support my sailing immensley, but they would freak out if I wanted to sail in Lake Michigan, so I can forget about any high seas adventures. I'll be happy to listen to your adventures, however, and I hope you do well!
ReplyDelete