Friday, April 2, 2010

A New Ocean

After a few days of light winds it has been a nice day out here with 20 knots of wind and 15 foot or so seas. We're sailing along at a nice 7.5 - 8 knots. I'm headed NE and planning to get some good northing in as quickly as possible.

I saw land yesterday for the first time in, I'm guessing, two months. The land I saw was Staten Island, just east of Tierra del Fuego and the Strait de le Maire. It was a little terrifying to be so close to land after so long as you are constantly watching out for it, but it was very exciting to see! It made me miss being on land a little bit... but not that much. I'm still very happy out here!

It's very exciting to have finally rounded Cape Horn and to be in a new ocean. It's great to have started another big leg of my trip. Repairs are going well. My water maker is working and so is my auto pilot, though we're still working on fixing my main auto pilot.

It will be nice to get up into warmer water and sunnier weather. Well, the wind is beginning to die again so I'd better go pull up some more sail.

I'll post some pictures tomorrow.

Abby

115 comments:

  1. Abby,

    Get home from work and check me email right away to see how you are doing - what an adventure- go girl

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  2. Thank you so much for keeping us informed about your progress. We all look forward to your posts.

    Stay well, young sailor.

    Warmly, Ferret

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  3. Amazing trip by an amazing person. God bless!

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  4. Nice! Thanks for the update Abby. I can't wait to see your pics.

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  5. Bud and Charla WinnettApril 2, 2010 at 8:05 PM

    Let me congratulate you again for making the turn.What an exciting thing to do. I bet it will be good to be in warmer waters. How far north ar you going before heading East to South Africa? May the Good Lord watch over you and keep you Safe. Blue Skies and Friendly Winds
    Luv Ya
    Bud and Charla Winnett
    Wheeling, Mo

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  6. Way to go Abby, Glad everything is going well. The Eyes of Texas are upon You!

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  7. That's awesome news, all is well and working! :-)

    Exactly! Might as well zip straight on up to warmer weather and waters, Cape Agulhas is all the way up @ 34° 50′ 0″ , from where you're coming from @ 56°.

    Warm up your bones and dry out your clothes :-)

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  8. Congratulations on your succesful rounding of the horn.May God guard you and protect you on your entire trip. Wish I could experience the peace of being out there alone. Be blessed Abby!

    Rick in Michigan

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  9. Thanks for letting us, armchair sailors share this adventure with you... It would be great to have some insight on what kind of chow the mess is dishing up and if you have a fishing line out...
    God Speed Skipper...

    Dan N.C.

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  10. You're quite an amazing girl Abby. Obviously very mature for your young age and I'm overly impressed that you are able to fix seemingly anything and everything on your vessel. Best wishes to you from the Sonoma County Wine Country.

    Naomi Campbell
    Santa Rosa, CA

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  11. So, youre not going to the prom? HAHA!
    Keith - San Diego

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  12. Thanks Abby.
    Smooth sailing in the Atlantic Ocean.
    Keep smiling.
    Luv
    Richard (QLD) Aus

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  13. Hi Abby,
    Glad the conditions are better and your repairs are nearly there. Look forward to your photo's. Keep up the good work.
    Joy
    Ballarat
    Australia

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  14. Skipper, happy to hear that you are happy. Keep up the good work, sail safe. King Neptune will guide your sail for the rest of your journey.

    Can't wait for the pictures.

    Old salty USN(Ret)

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  15. Keep up the great work, hon!! It's so good to be able to track you. looking forward to the pix!!

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  16. Hi Abby, I will be looking forward to seeing your pictures. I am sorry that you will not be with your family on easter but we will all be thinking about you and wishing you a wonderful warm easter day. You be careful and stay warm. God Bless you, Gail/Ventura

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  17. Is there any chance that Babsy could not be any cooler?

    Some guy is going to be a very very lucky man in the future. :-)

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  18. You're in GMT-4 that's an hour ahead of Eastern. How cool is that. The further East you go, tomorrow comes quicker :-)

    We would count down Zac's return coming the other way through the time zones as well.

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  19. I bet your ready for some warm weather! Can't wait to see some pictures tomorrow! Your an amazing Young lady Abby! Enjoy Your new Ocean! I look forward to your post and Happy Sailing!! Katie from Arizona.

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  20. Fair winds and following seas Abby! Keep it going!

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  21. Young lady, I want you to start doing your homework, now! You get yourself below deck and start hitting those books. Your school work is way more important than sailing that dumb boat.

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  22. You're feeling relief. I can hear it in your voice.

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  23. Looking forward to seeing the new pictures!

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  24. Glad to hear things are going well! I look forward to seeing the pics. I hope things continue to go good. I'm excited to hear about the rest of the trip. Keep updating! You have a lot of interested people on land!

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  25. Hi abby
    Congratulationson rounding the Horn and your first sail in a new ocean. Hope you can get your autopilot to work. Keep safe
    cheers
    Evie from Bendigo

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  26. new oceans and new frontiers...just like in life.
    may God always be with you as you continue in your journey. be safe always.

    susivienne
    philippines

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  27. Abby - I am envious and very impressed with your motivation and drive to do this trip. Followed you around the Cape. Glad to see you made it safely.Keep sailing kid and keep us posted!

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  28. Go Abby! I am so impressed with your sailing skills. I would love to know what a typical 24 hour period is like on Wild Eyes, provided there is a typical 24 hours! I also love pulling up your blog and seeing there is a new entry and update from you. Safe travels. Paula in KY

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  29. You are living the dream Abby. Living the dream.

    Impressive.

    Fair winds and following seas.

    Mark Hanington
    Huntington Beach, Ca.

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  30. Praying for your continued safe journey.
    Love reading your updates. I now read them along w/the news! =) Marilyn from Merced, CA

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  31. 04-03-10 @ 00:30
    Hi Abby,
    See, didn’t I tell you that in a short time the Cape would be behind you, and now is that time…lol… In fact, it’s a way behind you. So what do you think of the Cape now????
    It looks like you’re having some nice conditions for sailing, hopefully they’ll continue for you, and you can kick back and enjoy the cruise, for a while….
    Glad to hear about the repairs, and I hope you get the main auto pilot fixed.
    Now, you just have to stay up on your preventive maintenance, and “Wild Eyes” will be ready for anything that’s lurking out there in the Southern Atlantic….lol..
    You’re doing a great job Abby, and I as well as many other faithful fans are very proud of you. So take good care of yourself and your crew, and stay alert and cautious.
    Looking forward to your next post and those pictures if and when you get a chance.
    May God hold you in the palm of His hand and may the Angels keep your sails full, and I, I will be praying for you.
    Your faithful friend, fan and follower.
    Michael (75) from Kingwood, WV

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  32. Watch out for the Faulkland Islands - you are heading straight for them. :-)

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  33. Always nice to get a little change of scenery...rooting for you along the northern shores of Lake Michigan.

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  34. It is nice to hear you're going into warmer waters but if it does get cold don't forget to put on a sweater or something...
    Big Fan ^.^
    HHW
    Palm Bay, FL

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  35. Sail on, Wild Eyes, sail on
    Over the vast, blue sea
    Taking our beautiful Abby
    Where she is longing to be

    Cape Horn is already a victory
    Now steady on for the rest
    We all know you can make it
    And stand right up to the test

    Sail on, Wild Eyes, sail on
    Create a memory day by day
    While carrying prayers and best wishes
    For our Abby all of the way

    Sail on, Wild Eyes, sail on


    Congratulations, Abby, on rounding the Cape Horn.
    It's so exciting to share this journey with you.
    You have more great victories ahead,
    and we know God will keep you lifted up for the rest of the way.

    Love and prayers from North Carolina

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  36. Love reading your blog... as a sailor (who gave up club racing for having children) I so love following your adventure! I admire your spirit and dedication to your quest... quite an inspiration to us all! So glad to see you made it around The Horn and are heading into warmer waters and better winds! Best of luck on this next leg and with the rest of your journey!

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  37. Just wanted to drop a note to wish you well on the rest of your trip! I am a fairly new follower of yours, my dad told me about you, he's been following you since the beginning.

    My 8 year old daughter had a question for you:

    What do you do to keep from getting bored?

    Have a safe trip!
    SC, Seattle WA

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  38. Thanks for the update Abby... can't wait to see some pictures!

    Riley

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  39. Good Luck Abby, Remember A smooth sea never made a skillful mariner, so accept the challenges that u come across with a smiling face!

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  40. Good to hear from you Abby. We can hardly wait to see the pics.

    Yep, get up there where it's warm and shut the heater down. That swim suit isn't doing you a bit of good where you are now.

    Above all else, stay safe. We have a long way to go yet to get you back home so Katherine can sleep in her room again. When you do get home you'll probably have a hard time getting out of her sight.

    God speed Abby. We all love you as our own.

    Jim
    Phoenix

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  41. How was your movie?
    My kids are watching Annie right now.
    Alyssa from Irvine,CA.

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  42. I reviewed your videos to get reacquainted with the inside of Wild Eyes's cabin.

    Heard you say water was to be made twice a week and you weren't too thrilled about going back there to do it. How's that process looking compared to what really bugs you. You don't have to tell what really bugs you.

    Checked the link that segments your journey and thought this part is going to take you to another level. Not a piece of cake either.

    Your skills are really honed now, right?

    Liked exploring and learning from your website. Appreciate the glossary and the history, too.

    Winter has somewhat returned to TO. The Ventura Star had surf warnings.(Don't think your 15 footers were matched here.) Paul McCartney performed at the Hollywood Bowl. Today was Good Friday and schools were out.

    Enjoy with a safety consciousness.

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  43. Sounds like you've given up on fishing. Too bad, a nice fresh pompano fillet sizzling in the pan sounds like it would be welcomed.

    There HAVE to be open ocean fishermen/women on this board who could help out with this. I'm starting a movement named GAAF; Get Abby A Fish.

    Later...headed out to Long John Silver's.

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  44. GO GO GIRL!.... YOU ARE INSPIRING THE WORLD ..
    plz take care of your protocols ... You can do it !! we pray for you:) ..

    -Sandeep ,India

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  45. Thanks for the update

    All the best!!

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  46. Hey Abby,
    Glad you rounded the horn and on your way to warmer weather. I look forward to your updates every day. Look forward to the pictures. Be safe.

    Oystein
    Santa Maria, CA

    The loneliness you get by the sea is personal and alive. It doesn't subdue you and make you feel abject. It's stimulating loneliness.
    Anne Morrow Lindbergh

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  47. I'm still up at 1:40 a.m. reading your blog and all of these great comments for you Abby. I've been telling my grand children about you. You are an inspiration to all ages. Thank You for living your dream, we all get to live it along you in a small way. Wow!

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  48. Bonjour Abby & Wild Eyes,

    You really sound happy, in high spirits and as audacious as ever after rounding Cape Horn. And getting prepared and looking for more action!

    Enjoy, Take care, Be safe.

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  49. That is awesome! Wow, what an adventure. I'm rootin' for ya, kid! God speed.

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  50. Hi Abby, Congratulations on rounding the Horn, it must feel great to have that one under your belt. I hope the Easter Bunny finds you and you get plenty of chocolates to celebrate. Stay safe. Bill (Australia)

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  51. HI Abby;congratulations! you are amazing girl you pass the hard spot, from now everything it will be positive for you,we ( my wife and me )pray every nigh for you and for jeesica god is by your side so dont be afraid of any thing,be alert of the small island arrownd we will with you all the way,i wnow is not easy, but esleep sufficient,okey sweet heart god bless wild eyes and you.....adios..julia n Ernesto....MDR

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  52. Surprised you would head out across the Southern Atlantic without a backup autopilot.

    The Falklands would be a natural place to put in if you need to have parts shipped to you.

    The last time you wrote about your primary autopilot going out you mentioned loss of hydraulic fluid, which makes it sound like a seal or something fairly serious. Do you carry replacement seals (or backup pistons) and the tools to fix such a problem?

    If you are on your backup autopilot now, what happens if that goes out?

    On the other hand, if your backup autopilot does go out in the mid-Atlantic or Indian Ocean, it will certainly make for a more interesting book. ;-)

    Wishing you All the Best for a Safe Journey,

    - Grant Fjermedal, Seattle

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  53. Abby's getting close to the Falkland Islands -- and I've been outbid on the commemorative customized shoes. :(

    Well, at least people are bidding on them -- should help pay for this little jaunt. :)

    Hmm... maybe I can afford a little more... :-D

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  54. Got up at 3 am this morning and checked your progress. Big Smiles!

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  55. Hey James... Are you kidding? How many school kids are exposed to the skills required to sail a 40ft craft solo as well as an up front and personal geography lesson ? To say nothing of the maturity to make life saving decisions (right now) and to think ahead for more then a day at a time. Judgment and planning do have some positive value, I would say. How many school kids have thousands of people all over the world keeping track of their daily progress and offering prayers and best wishes for their endeavors? How many of Abby's teachers, do you suppose, can match her it those areas and would even have the raw courage to try? How many school kids are tracking Abby's progress and dreaming of doing something similar? What a fine example Abby is setting. What a fine young lady who is so fortunate to have the love and support of so many people who have made her great adventure possible. Dumb boat??? You've got to be kidding...
    John in Kerrville, Tx

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  56. Hey! I believe the Easter Bunny is loading up his basket and was looking for a charter boat to bring you some treats tomorrow! If he can't make it, here's hoping that your parents hid some Peeps and Cadbury Eggs in a hidey-hole for you to find! Again, welcome to the Atlantic Ocean!

    From warm and sunny Maryland

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  57. Abby,
    How is the fishing?
    Brian from Virginia

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  58. ABBY COULD YOU PUT TOGETHER A LONG VIDEO OF YOUR JOURNEY SO WE CAN GET A SENSE OF THE OCEAN AND THE WAVES AND WIND AND RAIN ETC....TOM IN INDIANAPOLIS

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  59. Abby: Praise God for answered prayer. You're safe...we were beginning to wonder, with no posts. How are the hands? The equipment? Be safe. You are being prayed for every day.
    May the Lord keep you both (Wild eyes and you) in the palm of His hand.
    Ron in Colorado

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  60. Nice, welcome to the Atlantic!

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  61. Abby so glad to read from you and thanks for always taking the time to post to us--I along with many of the others check often to see your progress and when I do not read I ramp up the prayers--however I know you and your guardian sailing angels are just fine! 'Congrats on rounding the Horn and smooth seas ahead to you!

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  62. Hey Capt.Abby, A new ocean and you saw some land got feel strange. We Ca.girls got to have our Sunshine and its nice to get some repairs in on Wild Eyes and you know she loves you for it. Stay Safe And when Outside Tethered ;-) 38º44"N/122º67"W

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  63. Hey Abby.. How 'bout that, a new ocean! The Southern Atlantic, wow. I'm trilled tha your trip and you are going so well. I've been following along since your start and I can't believe you've already been out so long and two months w/o seeing land. Cool, I'll say! I'm so glad you're enjoying it so. I think you're just awesome and I'm having such a time with you. Take good care. I hope your winds up and that auto pilot gets together again.
    IndyMike
    39*50'N, 86*9'W

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  64. Hi Abby, well done, that was perhaps the hardest part of your voyage. We look forward to welcoming you beneath Australia in the not too distant future. Happy Easter and please take care. Jeanp, Australia

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  65. Congrats on rounding Cape Horn. I can't wait to see your pictures. You must be thrilled to be heading on your next leg. All good wishes and great wind to you!!! Wisteria

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  66. Have a good day. Thanks for comments.

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  67. You have an amazing story! If only we could all be as courageous and determined as you are!

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  68. Your doing Great Abby. It's good to see you on the Atlantic side at last. You've got a lot of folks pulling for you, and don't forget, God is with you, as well as all "our" prayers. Norm :-)

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  69. Abby hope you continue to overcome every mechanical problem that would jeopodize your safty even if it means entering port somewhere for repairs! Thanks for an excellent and interesting blog!

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  70. Happy Easter Abby!
    You impress me more with each post. Here I am worried sick about the passageweather, missing your dad, your sailing so close to land after the Cape, etc. etc., and you calmly as usual take it all in stride! I have been trying to come up with the proper word to describe that part of your character. Hmm, confidence, maturity, self-assurance well they just don't seem sufficient. Came someone help me, please?

    Abby enjoy the Atlantic and Atlantic enjoy our Abby and Wild Eyes! Please stay safe and prepped and vigilant Abby.

    Oh, I am hoping James's comment was tongue in cheek.

    @Gsonship 9:53PM Wow, what a beautiful poem for Abby. Thank you, thank you!

    Happy Easter Everyone!
    God Bless you Abby.

    Cheryl

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  71. Great job! I admire your courage!

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  72. Grats on making it to "the new ocean."

    Jack in San Diego

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  73. You sound chipper starting your second leg and happy repairs are going well. I have to agree with Grant F. though about leaving the vicinity of the Falklands before the main auto pilot is fixed. You surely wouldn't want to find yourself halfway to Cape Agulhas with problems with the only functioning auto pilot. I would think that would be trying for even an adventurist healthy 16 year old.

    I hate to harp again on the hydraulic leak, but is it correct to presume that no news is good news? Sometimes in life things tend to right themselves but with a hydraulic leak chances are it would follow Murphy's law and worsen over time. I wonder if it's a job you're putting off till calmer weather.

    I calculated your nautical miles per day from Cabo San Lucas via 120 degrees W longitude to Cape Horn and it was 83 nm per day. Will be interesting to see how you do on the second leg with the wind coming from your back. Hope all goes well.

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  74. FYI for anyone interested, you can see Abby's sister Katherine here:

    http://luckykattv.com/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=68&Itemid=80

    Just go to question #26 and you will be able to see her pop in and out of the interview with ABBY. She is sooo cute!

    Abby is such a sweet, wise young lady. God Bless her.

    Also the James I mentioned in my previous post was the James that mentioned homework and the dumb boat. I am sorry if there was any confusion especially Jim in Phoenix.

    Enjoy the videos!

    Cheryl

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  75. Good job Abby. Keep it up.
    <3
    Chrissy <><

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  76. Abby You're doing great!! I keep track of your positions against satellite weather images and NOA wave and wind progs. Your weather service has been doing a great job of keeping you out of the rough stuff. Great! So did you ever hear any of the sounds (I forget the name they have) as you were getting closer to the coast of southern Chile? Seen any icebergs? Looks like you'll be close enough to the Falklands to call on your sat phone for a pizza delivery!!
    Russ

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  77. Actually that was Abby's sister, Lydia, in video question #26.
    :) Mom

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  78. Oops, sorry Mom and thank you for correcting me, sorry Lydia (you sure are cute perhaps they should have interviewed you too), sorry everyone.

    Cheryl

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  79. Hi Captain Abby,Ya Abby! Alright,
    excellent work passing the Cape.
    It's going to feel like California
    weather in no time. Just hang in
    there and stay focused.
    Be Safe! Be Happy! Godspeed!

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  80. Concering the hydraulic drive. At first thought, I'm picturing some massive 6 inch diameter, s/s piston, requiring a crane to remove it, however on checking, it's the complete opposite, it's a tiny little thing, looks even smaller than a car shock absorber, more like a car steering dampner :-)

    I would guess in calmer waters, you could disassemble this tiny thing and repair it, or maybe even substitute diesel for hydraulic fluid in the worst case scenario. Even add some powdered gravy to thicken it, if Abby has spare packets :-)))

    http://www.coursemaster.com/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.browse&category_id=46&Itemid=97&TreeId=1

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  81. Congratulations on entering a new ocean. I am from India and wishing you Godspeed to get to the Indain ocean.

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  82. Captain Abby,

    Wishing you an EGG-selant Easter... I bet you get your own front row seat to a spectacular Sunrise Service in the morning.

    Sail Safe.. Post Often and Have Fun

    Richard Rumble
    Dana Point, CA

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  83. Gary from ColoradoApril 3, 2010 at 2:05 PM

    Happy Easter Abby! If you wake up early tomorrow, you can be the first California resident to enjoy a private Easter Sunrise Service. Congratulations on rounding the Horn and entering a new ocean.And remember, He is Risen!!

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  84. Go Abby! We learned about you in class about a month ago at school.

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  85. Hi, Abby, Just wanted to say your doing a amazing job out on the waters, All of us californians are very proud of you. =)

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  86. Way to go Abby!!! Congrats on rounding the Horn and on to the next Cape!

    And by the way, Team Abby - about that April Fools thing - you really had me going for a minute! I'm a mom and worry about Abby's safety on this trip so any post that starts off sounding serious gives me a scare! SO glad to know that all is well - prayers that it's all smooth sailing ahead!

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  87. Abby,

    We love reading your blogs...It must have been crazy to see land after 2 months. I am envious of what it must be like to see endless expanse of water days on end. I am sure I would LOVE it for a few days...your a champ!

    Emily, Kaleb, Ian, and Malia...some of your Santa Cruz, CA fans!

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  88. Northing... great word. That must feel good. You're my hero. As always safety first!

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  89. You know if the United States Navy would happen the have something going that way around Africa?????[Don't really need a whole Battle Group].Your a brave woman but having a little backup never hurt anything.Your too cool.Joshua.

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  90. Wow, Abby your really doing amazing, it must have been weird to see land... It's great hearing what your doing, great job getting out on the ocean while tons of other 16 year olds are watching tv! Good luck, way to inspire the world, and all of us teenagers who wish we were out there with you ;) Fair winds and following sea's!

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  91. Hey Abby,
    Yeah, I'd hi-tail it north ASAP too. You obviously know what happened to Jesse right after she rounded Cape Horn and don't want to face something similar. Gutsy move! Play it safe!
    Angela

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  92. Hi Abby, I look on in awe, I am following both you and Jessica Watson in your quest. We wish you well in your adventure and safe and happy sailing thats the main thing. You certainly are an inspiration to many people around the world. Follow your dream and dont give up on it ay!! Have a happy easter and may God bless you richly as you tackle that mind boggling ocean. Will be cheering you on as you swing our way eventually. Look forward to reading your blog and updates.
    Gday from Tasmania-Australia. (Under downunder).

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  93. Congrats on making safely around Cape Horn. I love reading your posts and checking your main blog's map to see where you are each day.

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  94. Jerry Crosby near Columbus, OhApril 3, 2010 at 6:26 PM

    Hi Corrigan - Dont think you will get swim suit weather until you get around Tahiti.

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  95. Gday Abby, all the best with your trip, have a great time and I hope you fulfill your dream. My family and I think its great what you are doing, will be checking your blog from time to time to see where you are and whats happening. See ya darl. Praying for your safety.
    Graeme, B. Cooktown, North Queensland-Australia.

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  96. Hi Abby(and Team Abby). Read the blog on the ransom thing. Not to worry Abby, I'll triple that $38, if needed. Sounds like everything is going your way. That's what happens to good and amazing folks. Keep focused out there young lady and we'll all keep you in our thoughts constantly. And if you run across an In and Out, put it on my tab. Take care Abby, Gary from Folsom, Ca.

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  97. Are you able to fix your primary autopilot?

    If so: Awesome! The nonstop/unassisted challenge continues.

    If not: Will you really be down to just the current backup autopilot already in use, and nothing to do but steer by hand if that goes out?

    If that's the case, seems like the Falklands would be a good place to make a pit stop to get the 2nd autopilot ready to go -- before continuing onward across the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific oceans.

    - Grant Fjermedal, Seattle

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  98. Forget the pics and video, fix the primary autopilot. I don't want to see you set off across the South Atlantic, a very long leg and many days away from land, with only the secondary autopilot working.

    Send us a pic of TWO working autopilots, OK?

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  99. 04-04-10 @ 22:45
    Hi Abby,
    It doesn’t seem like two (2) months have gone by already, but I guess it has. I hope you’re keeping up your positive attitude and keeping a smile on your face, as much as possible. You’re doing great, and I hope you get into the warmer climate real soon.
    Enjoy the Easter sunrise on the Ocean, not everybody gets to see something as spectacular as that.
    Take care and stay alert.

    May God hold you in the palm of His hand and may the Angels keep your sails full, and I, I will be praying for you.
    Your faithful friend, fan and follower.
    Michael (75) from Kingwood, WV

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  100. I'm knew you could do it. Congratulations, and keep sailing!

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  101. First ime on your blog, but I have been following your trip since just after you left California. I think what you are doing is awesome! I have 3 teen boys and one of them is just a week or two older than you so what you are doing really rings home for me! Being it is Easter and all,I would encourage you to read the easter story agin in you bible and reflect on how much Christ loves us!

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  102. Woo-hoo! I'm winning again, bidding for the Falklands commemorative shoes:
    http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300412410473

    ABBY SUNDERLAND VANS AUTHENTIC VOYAGE SHOES ANY SIZE
    DAY 72 APRIL 5, 2010 FALKLAND ISLANDS

    Since the tracker thingy shows Abby and Wild Eyes only 50 miles from the Falklands, and it's a couple hours from April 4, I must say that I'm rather impressed with the accuracy of the estimates: right on schedule, or maybe half a day ahead. Abby and Team Abby rock!

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  103. I made a mistake in calculating Abby's first leg. Redoing it, with all the factors this time, Abby's average nautical miles per day was 111, not 83. Is that closer to reality Abby? :-)

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  104. Since you basically grew up on a boat, I understand it is not scary but it would be scary for me. Great job! I am 7 and flying to LA (by myself) next week and will be visiting the marina where you left. I hope to be as brave as you on my trip. I have enjoyed your story, good luck.
    Love Baylee from Reno, NV

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  105. It's the photos, that, more than anything, give many of us some of the 'feel' of your journey --- keep them up!!

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  106. You are truly an inspiration. Way to go!

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  107. Angela in MarylandApril 4, 2010 at 7:21 PM

    Abby, you are amazing!

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  108. dear Abby wishing u all the best in whatever u do..i have started exploring your blog now..hope it gives me a new dimension of life..way to go girl...

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  109. Abby and Support: What's happening? No post? Are you ok?? What's the latest with the equipment?? Are you staying warm enough? Just wondering and a bit concerned.
    Thanks in advance.
    Ron in colorado

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  110. Wow Abby, you've made a serious change in direction from your post saying you are headed north of the Falklands before turning east. It seems that you suddenly veered ESE and will be passing south of the Falklands instead. Is it the wind or are you seeking assistance for the auto-pilot? It's no big deal either way but I'd feel a lot better knowing your primary auto-pilot is operational. I think a lot of others would too.

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  111. nice going hope i could also do that someday
    what an adventure your having

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  112. Hi you could also check my blog site
    its still but hope you could leave some comments and advises

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