Abby is met by her brother Zac. Photo Lionel Cironneau / APAbby arrived safely on La Reunion yesterday evening (PDT). She met with Zac who brought her a backpack with some clothes, a hairbrush (!), and a few personal belongings. She was thrilled to see some familiar faces and have met another milestone in her long voyage home.
Abby still has a long trip ahead of her and will blog again as soon as possible.
Once Abby arrives back in Southern California, there will be a press conference on Tuesday June 29 at 10am. Press accreditation is required for members of the media. This will be given by email and you will be required to show identification with company logo at the door.To obtain accreditation please email info@mercerpr.com with details of your organisation.
For more information please phone (USA) 310.776.7557.
Australian media enquiries please call 0413.749.830.
Thanks to to all the rescue countries,their governments, their naval authorities, their search and rescue teams, Australia, France, Ille De Reunnion, TAAF, and the Crews sailors and skippers of the Ille de Reunnion, and the Osiris, all the oficials involved in decission making, for saving the life of our Abby, without their professonal, positive and fast reaction she would have suffered and perished. Seeing her healthy and in good shape is the utmost joy for her fans.
ReplyDeleteZack protect her, and take her home safely! And be friendly and greatful to the people, only us, people of the World can join efforts to create a network of harmony and happiness on the planet. Thank you Abby for inspiring our hearts for emotions and tear, and for awakening our feelings of solidarity on the Earth.
FANTASTIC NEWS!!! Welcome back to dry land, Abby!
ReplyDeleteIncredible, Abby. You are a woman among women and a true role model for the youth and adults of today. I welcome you home with a big hug.
ReplyDeleteMany prayers for you and your family,
Much love too - Kathy in Bend, OR
What a "beautiful" site! Brother & sister united. Abby is safe & almost home! It is like Christmas in June. Hallelujah to the God most high! We pray for Your travelling mercies upon these two children of Yours as they return to be united with Mom and Dad and their siblings maybe even a new member of the family will be awaiting them; of which we ask Almighty God our Father in heaven for your intervention in Mrs. Sunderland's birthing. In Jesus name we pray and ask Father. And Your Church says ... Amen!
ReplyDeletewhat is the family and the team gonna do about wild eyes are they gonna rescue the boat and bring it back to the usa or is it gone for good..I am so glad Abby is doing well and she is in good health and spirits may god be with you in these trying times
ReplyDeleteWelcome back to life on the land. I know you would like to be sailing but it is great to know you are well.
ReplyDeleteI can not get the site to work on where you boat is. I may have missed what happend, but can you up date that just a little. Rest first.
Welcome back to dry land Miss Abby. Glad to have you safe. Sad about Wild Eyes. Looking forward to your future. You are my hero. Granted, you are the youngest hero I have had. However, I'm thinking age is no indicator of greatness.
ReplyDeleteWhat awesome news!
ReplyDeleteI am looking forward to hearing Abby's stories through her blog and the eventual book!
I'm sure everyone is thrilled to be together on La Reunion!
~ Cynthia (near Anacortes, Washington)
Abby looks great! Glad she's almost home with the rest of her family. Hurray for Abby!!!
ReplyDeleteDear Abby,
ReplyDeleteI am so thankful that you are safe!
Warm wishes from Kansas,
Judy
Dear Abby glad you made it to shore safety and that you got a "hair" brush! Not that I'm saying your hair looks bad or anything like that. In fact I think it has that "rugged" wind blown/tossed look that so many women try to achieve, and yours came free! Enjoy! Adios amiga!
ReplyDeleteWonderful news. Nice photo. Have a good flight home, do that press conference, and then get some rest.
ReplyDeleteMalcolm
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteContinue with your dreams Abby! Let the people talk, you will never be able to close their mouth. But, you - for sure - will be once able to circumnavigate the globe.
ReplyDeleteGlad to see you Safe and on your way back home captain Abby...
ReplyDeleteYou and team Abby did a wonderful job and it was a fantastic adventure. Thank you for sharing with us all.
I would like to return the favor.. I am an entertainer and would offer FREE entertainment to the Team Abby cause for a home coming party.. or a fund raising event to cover financial losses etc.
Contact me if you would like to see what I can offer... magic2u@earthlink.net
congratulations again on a safe return...
fair winds.. following seas and HAVE FUN...
Richard Rumble
Abby, how wonderful! Still waiting for your safe return. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteHoward W. California
What a great pic. Welcome to shoreside. You look great. Looking forward to when we get a blog announcing your arrival back home. You're great Abby. We all love you much
ReplyDeleteBud and Charla Winnett
Wheeling, Mo
Abby:
ReplyDeleteGO GIRL GO!!!!!!!!!
I am glad to see that your family has enough good sense (of humor) to bring a real California hair brush, now all is right in the world. Seriously, I am glad that Zac gave you things that establish a sense of being home and of family. It is a true gift that you will long remember.
You really are a remarkable young lady, you are still smiling and still have a great sense of humor and you are still humble in the face of all that has happened. To quote a line from a movie "Excellence knows no age, sir." You are a star, a young star, that has yet to fully shine on the world. Keep hold of the dream and continue to show us old timers what today's young are capable of accomplishing if only us old timers would give them the tools and space to explore and discover. Do not be ashamed of what happened, as you said, it was, and is, an adventure and sometimes times happen. Often times there is a hidden hand that seems to let random events occur and, at the time, we curse and wonder "Why me?" and "Why now?". Let me tell you that there is a purpose that is hidden from you and I at this time but, at the chosen time, you will know why all this happened. Until you know why it happened just rejoice in the adventure that occurred and revel in the wonderful things and people that intersected your course in this life.
Abby, just be Abby and continue to surprise and astound those of us that travel with you, you are a raising star. Continue to rise and continue to grow in brilliance.
GO GIRL GO!!!!!!!!
John R Willis
Happy! Happy! Joy! Joy!
ReplyDeleteWhat has become of Abby's boat?
ReplyDeleteRich in N.Y.
Hooray! America gladly waits for you to step back on our soil. Get some rest kiddo!
ReplyDeleteAbby and Zac;
ReplyDeleteThat's a great picture of you two together again.
If either of you, or your family are ever in central Texas, (San Antonio or Austin) I'll buy your meal and my wife and I will get you a place to stay in whichever town or city you are passing through.
A few months ago I bought a newly published book titled "Heroes for my Son" The author left one page blank so the reader could add their own hero.
At the time I had an idea who might go there, but after hearing there was an Abby by herself in the ocean, and after reading about Zac, I'm not sure who will end up on that page now.
I am looking forward to hearing future plans of both of you. Thanks for being an inspiration to all of us.
Bill Holliday
New Braunfels, Tx.
CONGRATULATIONS ABBY on your "reunion" earlier today.
ReplyDeleteOn the same day that the world's leaders are meeting nearby in Toronto for the G20 Summit and sadly the city has had to become a fenced fortress to protect them at a cost of over one billion dollars mainly for security we can thankfully look to Abby's rescue as a sign that if we put our differences aside...good things CAN happen with international co-operation. Thank you to ALL those who SAVED ABBY'S LIFE.
Have a safe trip home. Abby...be sure to get a window seat for Paris and the Eiffel Tower. (Sorry...I know....it's on LAND.)
Hang onto that new hairbrush kiddo.
john, Bay of Quinte on Lake Ontario, Canada
I have a question, I have only seen a couple of odd blips about where the boat is. Where is the boat? did it sink? is it still drifting? One report aid it had gone down. If there has been recent news I must have missed it.
ReplyDeleteAbby:
ReplyDeleteYou have done so well, not every venture in life would end the way we want, my feeling is that you are an amazing success, an inspiration to all....!!
Yay! I'm so happy that you are safe!
ReplyDeleteRichie Paris
ReplyDeleteSend me a note
Steve in California
stevenorthca@gmail.com
Abby, I would love to give you some suggestions of what to say to the naysayers at your press conference....but you are a good Christian girl, so none of my suggestions would be appropriate! Instead, just proudly hold your head high, you have nothing to apologize for! Can't wait to read some blogs from you in person. Keep on truckin' girl. Gus
ReplyDeleteAbigail and Followers,
ReplyDeleteHere are 49 terrific photos of Abby's reunion earlier today:
(copy/paste...1 to 49 using arrows)
http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/Teen-sailor-found-alive-and-well-yacht-the-CROSS-circumnavigate-Sunderland/ss/events/us/061010abbysunderland/im:/100618/483/urn_publicid_ap_org_add488d886c94ab5a3a896de6f172c36/#photoViewer=/100626/ids_photos_wl/r933350632.jpg
john, Bay of Quinte on Lake Ontario, Canada
Welcome back. Hope everything is fine.
ReplyDeleteCa fait plaisir que ça finisse bien.
ReplyDeleteNice try, Abby. You will make it next time.
ReplyDeleteAnd your parents are to be praised for allowing you the freedom you need to reach your goals.
I've got 4 children, two of them teenagers, and the most any parent can hope for is that their children become independent and happily pursue their goals with passion. You and your parents both deserve a big salute.
Glad you're okay. Many people and business folks need to learn from you. No one said it would be easy in anything we choose in life. But the ones who choose to do the right thing and give our best effort to achieve our goal. Whether it is accomplished or not, the fact that you tried your best is what counts. How many people out there will give their dreams their best efforts? Only a few and you're one of those few dare to make a difference in the community, in the heart of many people, old or young. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to the conference on the 29th. Welcome home, Abby!
Aimee
Hi Abby and Zac,
ReplyDeleteGreat to see you together. Safe trip back home to California. Will continue to look into your blog.
Best regards,
Ingrid, Tyreso, Sweden
Hi Abby!
ReplyDeleteWelcome to the next stop on your way home. That is an awesome picture of you and Zac - so cool!
Safe travels the rest of the way.
God Bless!
Keith and Kathy Wargo, Lynchburg VA
Yay! Abbys back!
ReplyDeleteDear Abby,
ReplyDeleteYou look so very happy with your brother, Zac, and I am so happy that you have arrived safely. You were certainly in good hands. A huge THANK YOU to all involved.
I am in awe and wonder at what you have accomplished, Abby, with your courage, wisdom, determination and love of adventure.
May our Heavenly Father be with you on this last leg home when you will finally be safe in the arms of your loving family. What a wonderful day that will be.
Your friend,
Clare, Spokane, WA, USA
(continued)
ReplyDeleteAlso a big thank you to all the commenters on this blog who showed us what sites to go to so that we could read and see that Abby was safely there at Reunion Island.
That's what friends are for and I am deeply appreciative.
Clare, Spokane, WA, USA
Yeah, Abby! Congrats on reaching dry land and the final leg home. How nice to have your brother there.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to hear more about your adventure. Hope you're able to block all of the negative commentary out.
I'm so happy she's safe.
ReplyDeleteCould you please tell me what happened to Wild Eyes?
ReplyDeleteAbby at 16 years old you've already had more life experiences than many of us.
ReplyDeleteThere are people who were born in Burbank who have never ventured farther than Santa Barbara.
I think there is a silver lining in the loss of Wild Eyes and the interruption of your journey. That rogue wave called attention to you and your dilemna. As a result, you'll be on Good Morning America, Oprah, etc. You are now a celebrity. Who knows, maybe they'll want to make a movie? Maybe it will be in IMAX :-)
Deny the critics and go for the adventure. You have proven you can handle adversity in a big time way. Your parents and family must be very proud of the way you handled this.
06-26-10 @ 21:53
ReplyDeleteHi Abby,
Really glad to hear you’re on your last leg of getting home, but you lost another hairbrush…lol… Just kidding, just kidding, you’ll probably get a truckload of hairbrushes as ‘welcome home’ gifts. Good to see that Zac met you, it sure brought a smile to your face. Take care of yourself and don’t let the media get under your skin, meet ‘em head on. I’m very proud of all that you have accomplished. Looking forward to your next blog.
Loads of love and hugs, and remember God is always with you.
Your faithful friend, fan and follower.
Michael (75) from Kingwood, WV
Thanks for the update Abby. Glad to see you are on your way Home.
ReplyDeleteWild Eyes was Abandoned at Sea. It would be too costly to bring her in.
rich brennan santa cruz, ca
Glad to hear that Abby is almost home! I can't believe some of the negativity I've been reading in comments elsewhere. Don't listen to 'em! Continue to follow your dreams!
ReplyDeleteHi Abby ~
ReplyDeleteWhat a great photo of you and Zac! I can't imagine what was going through your mind when you first saw him. You are a lucky gal to have such a special family!!! Once again, thank you to all involved Abby's safety --- we are all so grateful! Wishing you both a safe trip back home, and into the arms of your proud parents. And who knows... maybe your new little brother will be there to greet you as well! ♥
Blessings ALWAYS, Miss Abby!
Marie, WA St.
Welcome Home Abby!!! You look great girl! Just saw the latest photos on Att.net of your arrival at La Reunion. Great to see you and Zac are heading home. You are such an inspiration! Thank you for sharing your voyage with us. I look forward to reading your book. Keep in touch.
ReplyDeleteHugs and kisses.
Virginia of Miami,Fla.
I am so glad Abby is back with her family.
ReplyDeleteAbby don’t even read the negative comments and articles. They don’t know and understand what you have meant to so many people. God had a purpose in all that happened. You helped me in my life. When I was 15 I was told I didn’t have much more time to live. I told a doctor I can’t die now because my BFF Wendy Toliver was writing her first book and I had to read it before I died. She has just published her third book, I am 18 and still here. Late last year I told the doctors I couldn’t die until my new friend Abby sailed around the world. I read your blogs and rejoiced in all you were experiencing. Through you I sailed. I can now tell my doctors I can’t die until Abby tries again and makes it around the world. You are an uplifting girl- you lift me up and I love you. AnnaR Haze
Abby,
ReplyDeleteWe are so happy to see your picture, with your brother; our hearts are at peace. You are just so special, and we know how excited you must be to see your wonderful family, home, dog, and friends. We know you won't forget about all your loyal followers, and we can't wait to hear from you. Stay strong, and be happy. There are many adventures ahead for you. Just know how happy you have made us with sharing your adventure with us. We are forever grateful. Welcome back to sunny Southern California, we're so happy to have you back!
Kelly and Dave from Santa Clarita
Not long now and you will be home with the family. All the best,
ReplyDeleteJoy
Ballarat
Australia.
Abby, what an amazing journey! You are a brave young lady and we are proud of you. You have already done more in your young life than most ever will amd I have a feeling there is much more to come. Welcome home to Ventura County!
ReplyDeleteFriends from Camarillo.
Sweet!
ReplyDeleteAbby I am glad your are ok. I do not agree with what you attempted to do - seasons and weather was all wrong = that said - good on you for having a crack! Take care and rest up now. MJ
ReplyDeleteWe're still cheering out here in the cornfields. There's no place like home-- but when you've got a great home, it makes great travel possible!
ReplyDeleteCurious. Who paid for the rescue effort?
ReplyDeleteDear Abby I hope you have a very wonderful day!
ReplyDeleteKenny
Could you please let us know what happened to the boat ??
ReplyDeleteDear Heavenly Father, Almighty, Glorious and awesome God of heaven and earth ~EL-SHADDAI~, we beseech You in the name of Jesus, Your one and only Son to be with the "entire" Sunderland family Lord. But, particularly Mrs. Sunderland who is about to give birth, and for the safe return of Abby & Zac. Thank You LORD for hearing our pray!
ReplyDeleteAbby welcome back to land. You have inspired a lot of people to follow their dreams, and for that I thank you. So happy you are safe. Hugs, lots of hugs. DD
ReplyDeleteI was so glad to hear that Abby is almost home. I am sure she is looking forward to seeing all her family, friends and her new baby brother. My prayers and thoughts will be with her and Zac. Thank you for your updates and God Bless you. Gail/Ventura
ReplyDeleteAbby ... Soon you'll be landing at LAX; home at last after an experience of a lifetime. And what a trip it was for you and us. Being newly retired, reading your account added some pleasurable time to my existence so thank you for that. I'm still at awe at what you did at 16 compared to where I was mentally and maturity-wise at the same age. Like are we the same species or what! Hope you get a view of Marina Del Rey as you land, your starting point in all of this, as sight of the marina from above would give you some memorable emotions. Full circle as they say.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your family, your dog and your friends. Wish I could be there to see you hug your little sister whose picture you posted at your nav station. Tear tear.
What's next for you dear adventurer? It's hard to picture you completely satisfied sitting in an English class or hanging around home for too long. I still think one of you young sailing enthusiast should attempt a traverse of the Northwest passage above Canada as the route is now ice free during summer. How about you and Zac? LA to New York or bust! First to do it! What an adventure to have Inuit greeting you in their whaling boats. You could trade them to have skins to wear.
Whatever you do Abby, you'll do it better because of your voyage on Wild Eyes. It was worth it!
Glad you are safe Abby, but surely Wild Eyes cant just be left to be a hazzard to other shipping, it could stay afloat for months.Perhaps this is a silly question , but why couldnt the large fishing boat that rescued you have towed her with you back to an island?
ReplyDeleteI hope all of the nay-sayers are still watching to see how you are handling all of this, Abby. You are a wise, strong, mature young woman and don't ever let anyone tell you - or your family - otherwise.
ReplyDeleteHi Katherine... She's almost home, sweetie!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Marie
WA St.
Dear Capt. Abby, get on back home safely skipper, & good for Zac's escorting you; we like that. Now, put your mind to recovering Wild Eyes for refit and.... No way you can rest with that wonderful boat adrift. Get on with it...say what you need and let's see who and how many will step up to the plate. You and your family have inspired more folks than you think.
ReplyDeleteBonjour Abby, Zac, Family and Team Abby,
ReplyDeleteThank you for taking the time to post.
Go Zac, Go Abby!
Wow. I heard about you on the news and want you to know that you are truly a woman. Many people have criticized you for doing something "only grown- ups can do", but you tuned them out. How amazing. You are a positive role model to me. I'm struggling with depression and suicide and you have helped me to believe in myself and that that although I'm only 14, I can do some things that "only grown ups get to do"!
ReplyDeleteWell Abby, just a few more plane rides and you'll be back in Calif. Its too bad about "Wild Eyes", I noticed in several of those pics, that it looked like Charlie made it out too Yippee-Skippee for you on that one. Another question is, would it be at all possible to webcast your news conference on Tuesday, who knows who will cover it other than localnews outlets. Peace & Aloha, 38'43"N/122'67"W
ReplyDeleteAbigail and Followers,
ReplyDeleteABBY IS ON HER WAY HOME.
She left the airport of Saint Denis de la Reunion and here are seven photos of her recent departure:
(copy/paste....1 to 7 using arrows)
http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/Teen-sailor-found-alive-and-well-yacht-the-CROSS-circumnavigate-Sunderland/ss/events/us/061010abbysunderland/im:/100627/483/urn_publicid_ap_org3274088e210e4208a62c5f4c1dc8d249/
Safe travels home Abby, Zac and Team.
john, Bay of Quinte on Lake Ontario, Canada
Abby
ReplyDeleteso glad that Zac met you there. You look so happy in that picture. Good luck over the next week with all of the media craziness. Cant wait to hear all of your adventure stories. Glad you are almost home to your family.
Thanks for the update and link
ReplyDeleteGO GIRL GO!!!
ReplyDeleteYou rock abby! i hope that you will be able to try again, sorry about wild eyes=(
-madi
oshkosh, WI
P.S. my e-mail is madi7896@yahoo.com and it would bee so cool if you could send me an e-mail.
I really miss Abby's personal blogs. She writes well. Can we hear directly from her?
ReplyDeleteRichard
Abby, remeber the words of Theodore Roosevelt-
ReplyDelete"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out where the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood who knows great enthusiasm and great devotion, who at best knows the triumph of high achievement and who at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly. So that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.”
All the very best
I hope and pray that you have a safe, relaxing and enjoyable trip home with your Bro, Ms. Abigail Sunderland!
ReplyDeleteKenny :-)
I thought this was perfect and made me think of Abby when I read it!!
ReplyDelete"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover". Mark Twain
Almost home, Abby! I'm sure you can't wait to see your family!
Glad your safe girl. I have been to sea I know what it's like. You Abby got more guts then mostly anyone I know. Never quit, never give up sweety.
ReplyDeleteCaptain Abigail and Team,
ReplyDeleteFollowers continue to ask..." WHERE IS WILD EYES?"
There seems to be much interest in Abby's beloved Open 40 on the Blog,
Twitter and Facebook. And we followers respectfully all share Abby's
pain of having to leave Wild Eyes adrift in the Indian Ocean. The last
entry on Abby's "Where is Wild Eyes Tracker" was on June 17/10. An
earlier blog comment suggested that "a local" had Wild Eyes under tow
to an island. And another that she had....sunk (oh my!). Others
suggest Wild Eyes will eventually end up on the shores of Western
Australia or elsewhere.
BUT there is some new "noise" out there that an unknown person using a
K2/Transverter/DSP Blaster combination and moon bounce (EME)...
MAY...I stress MAY have picked up a weak signal from the Indian Ocean
suggesting that a dog (Mr. Doggie) and a pelican (Charlie) are at the
helm of Wild Eyes primitively moving her further north to warmer
waters using a salvaged pole and a "silk" bed sheet as a makeshift
mast and sail. No further details available. Is there an "ANIMAL
ISLAND" out there?
Who really knows what has happened to beautiful Wild Eyes?
john, Bay of Quinte on Lake Ontario, Canada
Hi Abby
ReplyDeleteHappy to hear your on your way home I just wanted again to show my support for you and your wonderful family i just remembered a news artical of a young lad younger then yourself with his Dad climbing to the top of Mount Everest nio critic said he was to young and why his parents let him go but yet they pick on you I think sailing Is much more safer I just hope you read this before the news media starts there stupid questions the boys next adventure with his dad is to scale a mountain In Antartica so abby hope you mention this to anyone and hope your mother and father use this to there advantage. I hope to see you again go on that great adventure let It be known Abby you can't ever make reservations with mother nature you can only wish and hope that mother nature gives you the strength to succeed. You our the greatist your brother and family your mother and father our number one In my books
yours always
William K. Hass
mystic_seas92805@yahoo.com
Remember that 14 year old Boy climbing those mountains and not any critics saying a word about It
GlobeMasterOne:
ReplyDelete@ 6/28, 9:23 A.M.
You are absolutely hilarious!:) :) :)
Love your comments.
GODSPEED Abby & Zac! God bless you Mr. & Mrs. Sunderland!
ReplyDeleteIf Wild Eyes were ever to come ashore on Western Australia, she would not survive it intact. Our coastline is infamous as the graveyard of many vessels and their mariners.
ReplyDeleteAbby will be home soon, that might be the best outcome of all.
Denise Murphy, Perth
Bonjour Abby & Team,
ReplyDeleteIsn't GlobeMasterOne a tender soul or is GlobemasterOne a tender soul?
In friendship!
Can anyone provide the time for the upcoming news conference when Abby gets back to CA?
ReplyDeleteI am hoping that the major networks will be there to televise live to the east coast.
Your Friend,
Garry, Virginia Beach, VA
Work permitting, I'll be online and/or on the radio to follow the press conference tomorrow. I'll be happy to know that our favorite inspirational adventurer is home again, safe and (I assume) eager to move on to the next adventure in life. :)
ReplyDeleteDear Abby,
ReplyDeleteOh how I wish I could be at the airport tonight to welcome you home.
I would be the one yelling the loudest and happiest for all that you have achieved, Abby.
Enjoy your family and God bless you always.
Your friend, Clare, Spokane, WA. USA
Hi Abby, Soon you will be with your family. It seems like a year since you were rescued from the Indian Ocean. It feels like a year to me. I know that Katherine will be so glad to see you. From the photos in the photo gallery, she seems to look up to you more than anyone else. Well I hope that you'll have a great time with your family. I also hope that you will get a great night's sleep. You certainly earned it. I don't know if your parents are going to change the sign in front of your house to "Abby's Finally Home.
ReplyDeleteTake care everyone. God bless you all.
♥♥♥ Welcome Home, Abby! ♥♥♥
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful homecoming, peaceful dreams, successful press conference tomorrow, and then maybe a blog post...? SO glad and thankful you are home safe and sound!
@ Clare from Spokane... I bet there are a LOT of us wishing to be at the airport hooping and hollering to welcome our girl home!
Blessings and hugs,
Marie, WA St.
I am so glad to hear that you are back on land Abby and almost home safely. Can't wait to hear your news conference you will have tomorrow. And I must say I AM SO PROUD of you for standing up for your family when you first got off the ship. For they have been taking a beating since your beacons have gone off. We all know you are an incredible person and very capiable to do this type of adventure. Your parents would have never sent you out or allowed that if they didnt believe you were either. So, keep focused. Because once you get home I am sure they will be all over you the press. DON'T let them get you or your family down. You did your best and you can't help nature and the weather. Only prepare and survive. And you did such that. PLEASE PLEASE UPDATE us on Wild Eyes. She is out there drifty all days. Are you and your team planning on recovering her? I hope somehow you will. For I know how much she means to you ....mast or no mast...Keep your head up and HOLD YOUR HEAD HIGH.....
ReplyDeleteWELCOME HOME CAPTAIN ABIGAIL, ZAC, AND TEAM,
ReplyDeleteAs the information below was just posted on both Twitter and Facebook the moment we have been waiting for is finally here:
CAPTAIN ABBY IS HOME...SAFE AND SOUND
"Team Abby will be attending the press conference tomorrow morning at 10am (PST). We will be posting updates, information and photos as quickly as possible. Welcome home Abby!"
Lots of love Abs....missed hearing from you.
Have a great day tomorrow. Big hug.
john, Bay of Quinte on Lake Ontario, Canada
you are freaking awesome kiddo...keep on chasing the wind and forget the naysayers...i'm sure none of them have an ounce of your courage...i am a father to two young sons and i promise your story is already a bedtime hit as to what a young person can acomplish if they decide to go for it
ReplyDeleteWELCOME HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Abby,
ReplyDeleteyou are a real girl,
Ken P.
GOOD MORNING and WELCOME HOME ABIGAIL,
ReplyDeleteI just caught the 4:30 am live television news broadcast on KTLA and after the lead story of a fire....there you were in the next item arriving in your driveway with a wave to the camera. I also read the family is said to have celebrated the homecoming with cake. Yummy.
Followers can check out:
http://www.ktla.com
for a story and photo of Abby arriving home.
It was great to see you Abby. I hope your press conference goes well for you later this morning. Don't forget your HAIRBRUSH!
Big hug,
john, Bay of Quinte on Lake Ontario, Canada
All :) good news, Abby. Soon back home!
ReplyDeleteThe ** are above your head. Forget the
Critical ù#1ç people and enjoy your new bro!
Comments aare cheerful! Sorry for your boat.
Are yyou ready to resume schoolwork? Maybe not
Turned On by that idea? LOL. Take a few days
Off!!!! You deserved them.
Cheers 4 your return and Baby's arrival.
Only =happiness. No place like home.
Welcome--- to a New Life!
First wwords are meanful. What will Baby say?
Welcome home.
ReplyDeleteSomething I read, perhaps something you or one of your family said, reminded me of this from Sterling Hayden, another sailor:
To be truly challenging, a voyage, like a life, must rest on a firm foundation of financial unrest. If you are contemplating a voyage and you have the means, abandon the venture until your fortunes change. Only then will you know what the sea is all about.
I and my daughters look forward to reading your book.
Abby,
ReplyDeleteHow could you possibly read all these comments ? If you read this one, know that your efforts and reaching out by blog had quite a number of us drawn into your voyage almost as if you were a pioneer into outer space. I am sorry you have not reached your goal but please to not let criticism deter your future. The cross on your necklace at Reunion Island perhaps is a cosmic symbol throughout all the universe. I myself will never change my feelings that you are an astonishing personality in a wonderfully supportive family. I thought about buying a Lot of T-Shirts as support and now think how sorrowful it would be if you had died floating inert in the sea like a bottle carrying a message with the precious last words of a life irreplacable. People are swept away everyday in this world of tragedy. Your safe return and the Cross symbol perhaps prevented a haunting sorrow and many teardrops that would have fallen. Before Judy Resnik died on the Challenger Space Shuttle in 1986 she said " I'll never get old " referring to her adventurous career. Her loss made me feel as if I were suffocating when I thought about it and the same feeling would have attended your loss. Strangers often can't tell others that they care and can work its translation into harsh criticisms. Perhaps fear compromises and delays life so that you were judged as being too young. You can only try to understand the fear over you. Most everyone who took time to write cared for you on some level or another. You are learning new skills that will make you stand even taller as you traverse an adventurous future. When you write your book remember it will reach those who you reached to first and will contain the MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE that we all would have lost if it had silently sunk into an ocean of tears.
WELCOME HOME ABBY!!!
ReplyDeleteWelcome home. We are happy to see you safely back with your family. How Appropriate that the French were involved as solo sailors are "rock stars" there. Best of luck.
ReplyDeleteHi Abby and family. Best wishes to all and welcome home Abby!!
ReplyDeleteWhen things settle down, we would love to have you aboard our Catalina 42' in F Basin; also mooring at Isthmus Cove whenever you want. Will try to leave my e-mail for you.
Please take care all of you!!
Nina from MdR
Glad you're making your way home -- great pic with big bro! Looking forward to hearing from you personnally on here... Hope all is well with the family -- had not heard if the newest Sunderland has arrived??? Peace, Your Oklahoma Well-Wisher
ReplyDeleteHi Abby,
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry you're catching flak for trying to do something awesome. There's plenty of reasons some people shouldn't do certain things but being young is not a reason to miss out on a great adventure. Keep on keeping on. You're an inspiration!
-EK
Though I haven't really been following your blog I do think its really inspiring that you worked so hard and never gave up on you dream.
ReplyDeleteI sure know that you inspired me to try as hard as you did.
Hey Captain Abby, I must say I will miss following your adventure but i am sure you will try again. Happy four of july.Hope you get to sail on this great weekend .Look forward hearing about your next endeavors. (hope i spelled that correctly).Happy return home and don't forget your real supporters,we all want to know the details.Sandi sailing on the bay
ReplyDeleteHi Abby,
ReplyDeleteWelcome home.....I am glad to see you are back home. I have been watching you on TV and I am looking forward to seeing you on Channel 4 news in the morning, I am not going to miss it. Congradulations on your new baby brother, I hear that your parents named him Paul aftar the person that rescued you, that was so sweet of them to do that and I am sure he ,Paul, is thrilled.
OXOXO Gail/Ventura
Dear Abby,
ReplyDeleteWelcome back! Good luck to you in whatever you do. It's not the journey that matters, it's the fact that you tried.
Your friend, Mike, NYC
Welcome home! Local news said you were defending your journey. Pssh. I think what you attempted was great, and I hope you're able to try again (assuming you want to). I do NOT think you should have to defend your actions. You seemed well-prepared for the voyage. Good luck moving forward!
ReplyDeleteWhat's up?
ReplyDeleteSo glad you're back in "civilisation" and no longer in those cold southern seas. Getting around under the Australian continent would have been SO hard in mid-winter. Sydney has just recorded coldest temperatures for more than 60 years, and towns in northern NSW have recorded minus 11 degrees - truly excpetional, and these places are a long long way north of the Bight and southern Tasman. Come back to Perth one day when it's fine & sunny & warm summer weather, and enjoy sailing in kinder conditions - we'd love to have you back!
ReplyDeleteAbby and family, Thanks for raising a stellar daughter. I hope that for the next couple of months you all just settle into a nice normality, taking it easy, welcoming the newest member of your family, and generally loving on one another. What an adventure! Abby, this is only the beginning! You'll go on to do wonderful things, not least of which will be raising a family of your own to be as prepared and intrepid as you!
ReplyDeleteHey Abs, glad your home safe. Hope little Paul appreciates your long journey home, just for him! At least, that's what we'll tell him when he grows up!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to see the press and media have died down, can you imagine what it will be like when you set sail again? I'm very excited you are not a quitter, it makes life in an office in Atlanta much more interesting.
I've decided I have to read Zac's blog now. I am really interested in his video as well. Can't wait for you to post for us, I'd love to know what the future holds for you Miss Abby, but no rush. I'll let you figure it out!
BEST WISHES ABBY!
XOXO - Alana
Abby: Welcome home. I've been following news on your safe return.
ReplyDeleteI can relate a bit. When my son was 16, I gave him permission to solo hike the Appalachian Trail. It was an amazing, challenging time. As his mom, people were constantly telling me I was crazy to allow him to do it. But, it has helped shape his life, actually both our lives, in ways we could not have imagined. Two years later, he hiked the PCT in 67 days. He just got married and also lives in now in Southern CA.
One thing we learned is, it was much harder than he expected to get back into a routine (like going to the bathroom in an enclosed, approved facility.) His senior year started out tough and he wasn't prepared for that when he returned home. Go slow and feel good about being willing to take on such a challenge. It will forever mold you as the incredible person you are. Best to your parents for being there for you. Rudywg
Atta Girl Abby,
ReplyDeleteWell, your back home, safe!! Connor and I are very happy!! We know it didnt work out as planned, but we've enjoyed it very much indeed. We truly look forward to any updates you give and will be checking in from time to time. On Connors fourth birthday he wished for Abby to get home safe and sound!! Will you continue to sell any products? I would love to get him something from you!! We are so proud of how everyone on team Abby has handled the land sharks known as the media, How nice it was to watch all of them to fold their tents when the realized that you are the jewel at the top of the crown and your parents have provided the best glue!! Your a hero for some of us Abby, Whats next?! Be Well and Do Good Work!!
Kris and Connor Hamilton
Killeen Tx
Welcome home... It's been a long trip, isn't it? The detour is definitely as interesting as the planned trip. That's what an adventure is, you never know how it will turn out :)
ReplyDeleteHey, life is an adventure, then you go sailing... Maybe someday, you will get to fish your boat back somewhere in the Indian Ocean. That would be a great catch :)
Abby,
ReplyDeleteYour strength and perseverance are awe-inspiring. Congratulations for all that you have accomplished. I hope your hard work and tenacity serve to motivate a new generation of teenagers in the US, as we need more people like you and your parents to help change the direction we are headed. Good luck on whatever you attempt!
Mandy, San Diego, CA.
Dear Abby,
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry I couldn't be there to welcome you home. I wanted to be. But as Forrest Gump would say: "It happens." I love you Captain:-)
(33°11'29.60", -117°23'19.87")
Hi Abby, I wanted to order your brother Zac's Intrepid DVD through his website but he does not offer PAYPAL. Could you ask him if he could add that option? Thanks. :)
ReplyDeletePS Glad to see you are back home safe!
Hey Abby,
ReplyDeleteI think that's pretty awesome that you coolieo brother came to see you. I pray for you every day and night. God bless!!!!!
Keep on rocking. "Shoot for the moon, The worst you could do is land on the stars."
Jessica & Kymarie Stotts.
I haven't seen anything on tv about the Abster coming home. What's up with that.
ReplyDeleteAbby, I just read several comments on MSN after I read your article. I must say people need to get a life. I guess there are those that live and those that criticize others. I remember at 17 my parents would not allow me to join the Army and by the time I was 18 I changed my mind just like my father said I would. Eventually the desire returned and at 19 I joined the Army, not out of spite but for many other reasons. I retired after 21 long years and I have fulfilled that need. A long story short, we are often driven to do things that others do not understand. Ignore them, live your life, learn from what you have done and this will help you prepare for the unexpected the next time out. The Army did expose me to my true passion (deep sea fishing) and not just for sport. I eat what I catch and if I’ve caught enough I release or I just come home. I must say I have fished in more foreign waters than one could ever imagine. As a native Californian I have always had a fascination with the ocean and I am glad I had the opportunity to enjoy it. I have been criticized for both joining the Army and for being a deep sea fisherman that has no trophy’s, go figure. As a father of two daughters I am glad you are safe, Take care and God bless.
ReplyDeleteUnited States Army Retired
Hi Abby,
ReplyDeleteI donated some money to your cause, but it came back!? It wasn't much but I wanted to help you out a little. Anyhow, I sent an email to Lucky Kat TV asking what happened and never got a reply back. I wish I could join Team Abby, you rule!
Abby:
ReplyDeleteGO GIRL GO!!!!!!!!!!
Welcome home.
Sir Isaac Newton said two things I would like to pass on to you. "If I have been able to see further than others, it is because I have stood on the shoulders of giants." Please thank your parents, they are your giants. “I do not know what I may appear to the world, but to myself I seem to have been only like a boy playing on the seashore, and diverting myself in now and then finding a smoother pebble or prettier shell than ordinary, whilst the great ocean of truth lay all undiscovered before me.” Never forget that there is a greatness around us that is waiting to be discovered, do not give up on your dream.
Abby, I would like to apologize for the group for the vulgar comments that some find it neccesary to post. I would also like to apologize for the group for the comments about your intentions and the unneccesary comments regarding your family and thier intentions. Please remeber that these are small people that can only grow by feasting on the misery and misfortunes of the world. These little ones do not know any better and they have no real idea of what they are saying or the possible effect that thier words will have on people. Just ignore them and try very hard not to be like them in word or deed.
Please take time now to write down your feelings, thoughts, secrets, and dreads; also include a time line of sorts. As you start to write your book you will find that memory fades, images grow dim, days run together, and details disappear. These can generally be restored with some prompting. This prompt does not have to be fancy with great grammer and school book spelling, it is just a memory jogger for you.
Abby, most of all, just continue to be Abby, do what you do best. Your parents, and family, have given you a great base and a wonderful internal compass. Just build on what you have started. You are a young lady, full of the hopes and dreams of all of us out here that are pulling for you. Do not listen to the narrow minded amoung us, for as "Desiderata" states, "Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit."
Please also say a little prayer for Wild Eyes, she protected you to the end. Wild Eyes understands why you had to leave and she wishes that the trip had continued but it was not meant to be.
Abby, you showed us old timers (I am 59) what today's youth can do if we, old timers, will train them, give the tools, and then allow them to proceed. You are a counter weigth to the dismal news that I see on the street everyday and on the TV every night. This is the true gift to the world.
I look forward to your blogs, I await your book, and I will follow you on your next adventure.
Again, from Desiderata, "You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore, be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be and whatever your labours and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul."
GO GIRL GO!!!!!!!!!!!!
John R Willis
Abby, I'm not a sailor, but I think that what you WERE able to accomplish is outstanding. I'm glad that you are safe and sound and back at home with your family.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes!
Abby.
ReplyDeleteHere on the East Coast we saw only clips of the Press Conference in Marina Del Rey. All who heard your words and sensed your hurt over ignorant comments made about you and your family should inspire a higher level in those who have offended. I hope that I was mistaken in sensing your voice as tunneled under your resolve? The hurt in your voice was obvious. This would be ultimately disapointing as you started out fully in belief that life would add wind and course to your sails. IT DID AND STILL DOES. Yet you will falter and regret not documenting your voyage in surrender to anti-social elements that lurk about life dragging anchor infinitum. Abby, those were the voice of unfulfilled life and we hope they will heal somehow. Your family voice of northern seafarers surely perplexed some landlubbers, yet those who offended fit only on a pinhead of reality. As an ex- Navy sailor I say your book must appear and if trustworthy avenues exist for a DOCUMENTARY you > > > must go forward with it. Cringe away, and you will have allowed only shadows to intimidate. Female pioneers have appeared throughout history and haven't turned back. Would Judy Resnik and Christa McAuliffe say you should abandon what you started ? In the near future, many young females will pioneer heretofore untried adventures at ever tender ages. You will write your book and present yourself on video document as an inspiration to the young female of mankinds future and you won't let limited understanding interfere. You must complete what you started and still be among the contemporary female milieu. You have the MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE 2010. One girl. One Voyage. In 2026, your newbro Paul becoming your age can say that Abby did all that was right for her times.
Welcome home Abbey!! Congratulations on your achievments so far in your young life. @Laurence and Marriane: Congratulations on the arrival of little Paul! God only knows how high his sights will be set. Somehow or other I think it will have something to do with the high seas. LOL!! Good luck to all the Sunderlands and may God watch over all of you. Keep on Keepin' on Abbey. With love to all of you from Down Under.
ReplyDeleteThank God
ReplyDeleteblessings
Sahaja
Totally Awesome Sailor Abby so glad you back home chilling with family & friends
ReplyDeleteimagine its taking awhile to catch up on your sleep get over jet lag after such a long flight home !Looking forward to update ; Best Wishes !
Dear Captain Abby,
ReplyDeleteI too wish I could join Team Abby! Is that possible? I'd do anything! From scraping barnacles off the hull, scrubbing the decks, galley and head, to cooking and laundry and anything else to make your life easy Capt!
You and your whole family is an inspiration, but only to those who recognize the bravery it has taken to raise kids the way your parents have done. I read an article on NBC about paying the rescue bill and was dismayed at the knee jerk reaction that article elicited from people, just as it was intended. Abby- keep on keeping on, same for your family! I'll look for a way to donate on your website next.
ReplyDeleteJR
Seattle
Dear Captain Abigail Sunderland,
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a wonderfully blessed 4th of July!
KLU ☺
You are absolutely amazing Abby! You have a wonderful family and many fans who enjoyed following your progress. When I heard on the TV news that you were "lost at sea" I was shocked and in disbelief. Then I went on the net to try and get more info and wikipedia showed that when you were born and that you died June 10, 2010. I was sick with grief, but after reading more articles on other pages, I quickly discovered that you were not dead, but rather just missing and that beacons were set off etc.
ReplyDeleteI was thrilled when they finally flew over and saw that you were OK, but it has been very dissapointing to see the press coverage after your rescue and the attacks on your parents.
Anyway, welcome home and best of luck to you in the future!
Welcome Home Abby. You looked great and carried yourself well on 'Today'. I thought it was odd how Merideth didn't ask Zac anything about his trip around..but..Proud of you and Thankful to the Lord for your swift rescue..Be Blessed Abby and rest up!! Congrats on the new brother!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful young Woman. I would love to have a Daughter like you. Hope you get your boat back or a new one soon. Maybe Sr Richard Branson will sponsor you. You can bet he's watching for your next adventure.
ReplyDeleteWalt Minton
Good to know you are back with your family again abby. Hope you sail again sometime soon. Mahalo
ReplyDelete- Douglas, Honolulu, Hi
Hi Abby, congrats on making it home safe and a great accomplishment nonetheless. We researched your storm on Surflne.com and did a nice article about how it circled the globe and sent surf to many areas around the world. Of course we named it Abby's Storm. You may find it very interesting to check out of you haven't already. hope all is well. Sean...
ReplyDeleteI am so happy to know that you are back, safe and sound, with your family. You are an amazing young woman Abby, with an equally amazing family. It was great fun following your voyage, and my family looks forward to following whatever adventure calls you next.
ReplyDeleteMay God continue to bless and keep you in all that you do Abby!
06-30-10 @ 04:03
ReplyDeleteHi Abby,
WELCOME HOME, I’m really glad that all your traveling is behind you now, and that you are safe at home.
I read some news articles in regards to the homecoming and the meeting with the media. I was very proud of you and the way you handled yourself, but thoroughly disgusted with some of the comments that followed. I pray that these comments will be ignored by you and your family. I do hope that someday you will write a book and that if you so desire, you will sail around the world. I admire your spirit and attitude, so keep your chin up and don’t let the naysayers bother you.
Loads of love and hugs, and remember God is always with you.
Your faithful friend, fan and follower.
Michael (75) from Kingwood, WV
here is a link to Sean's story. p.s. i don't know Sean pps Your Awesome Abby!! Feel sorry for the haters cause they just don't get it... http://www.surfline.com/surf-news/abbys-storm---storm-that-halts-solo-global-circumnavigation-sends-surf-around-the-world_44815/
ReplyDeleteHi Abby!! First of all, excuse me for eventual misspellings, but I am Italian and young (17)...congratulations for your voyage!! I am very happy that you tried to circumnavigate the world, as it is your dream, and before you I had never seen someone who tried to realize his dreams with your courage. Great! I think you will do it again... as soon as possible :) Best wishes! But the best news is surely that you are at home and, first of all, there is a new baby boy. Wow! Hurrà for Paul!!
ReplyDeleteThank you very much, as following you in your adventure, I have understood that people can realize their dreams.
Congratulations to your brother Zac too, for his voyage last year!
Take care.
Abby,I hope you had a wonderful reunion with your family. Family is one of the most prescious things God gave us.Seems like you have a great family.Enjoy your time,and enjoy your baby brother.God Bless you and your family.
ReplyDeleteHappy 4th Sunderland Family. So many things to be thankful for and everyone knows where Abby would have preferred to be had the knockdown not have happened..but God brought her safely back home and in time to welcome a new brother..and thats pretty cool too..Maybe someday he will circumnavigate with you Abby!!.. I heard this yesterday and think you would aoppreciate it so heres the link. Happy 4th!! Be Blessed!!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.oneplace.com/ministries/family-talk/listen/americas-birthday-the-real-story-119388.html
Happy you're safe and home!!
Gary and Jan
Savannah,Ga
Nice article. Thanks
ReplyDelete"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowline. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sales. Explore. Dream. Discover."
ReplyDelete-Mark Twain
GOOD LUCK AND WISH YOU THE BEST OF LUCK, FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS!