I just heard this morning that Alessandro di Benedetto has finished his circumnavigation! He and I emailed back and forth a little bit while I was out on the water. I'd like to send a BIG congratulations to him. He has set the record for the smallest boat to sail non-stop around the world. More than once I was surfing down waves bigger than his whole boat and wondering how he managed in his tiny 21ft boat. I can only imagine how great it must be for him to have completed his goal and I'm very happy for him!
Well, on to everything back home. Things have been going well over here. We're having a BBQ at the house for my support team which will be great. I went from talking to them most days to not speaking to them at all and I miss them all quite a bit. I'm really looking forward to seeing them tonight. I'll post some pictures of it later.
I'm working on getting my permit and occasionally thinking about school. So nothing too exciting is going on - just normal life.
Abby
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Congratulations Alessandro di Benedetto
ReplyDeleteBenny & Lily
Glad you are getting back into your routine... I am sure u will ace that permit test...Congrats to your friend on his accomplishment!
ReplyDeleteNormal is good for now!
ReplyDeleteSo thrilling to follow blogs for each of you courageous sailors. Just when I think you are all safely home, I read in one's blog about another to follow. Yes, so happy for Allessandro di Benedetto on the completion of his most amazing feat, and with such humor and ingenuity!
ReplyDeleteAnother to arrive to home port tomorrow -- Jamie Dunross. Not so long a "circumnavigation", Australia, however astounding even in the attempt given his physical circumstances.
Abby, keep enjoying all your adventures, whether they be normal, exciting, or both. You are such an inspiration.
Blessings and fair winds to all!
I guess most kids in the school are at home and having normal life like you. Don't worry. Enjoy the time with your family.Thanks
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to Alessandro di Benedetto!
ReplyDeleteAlessandro di Benedetto - absolutely brilliant! A true adventurer - brave, resourceful and self-reliant. He was dismasted before getting to Cape Horn but salvaged bits of broken spars and created a jury rig that got him home.
ReplyDeleteHi Abby, well I know I never went back to school after I had been out for awhile. It's hard to go back, but it can be done. I didn't go back to school for my junior and senior year. I don't recommend you not to complete your High School education, but you have to follow your own dreams. You can always get your G.E.D., (general high school diploma). I did.
ReplyDeleteTo be accomplished in life, you need at least one or the other, diploma.
Congrats!; to your friend and fellow sailor. This seems to really be the up and coming thing for a tennager to do, sail around the world! My day and time, it was hitch-hiking across the country. Times have changed :)
That is great news about Alessandro di Benedetto! I also think it is awesome that you take time to congratulate him. I am excited for you to get your permit! Just remember you can't drive and look around as much as you did as a passenger. I did that with my mom in the car - next thing I knew, I was in the middle of someone's lawn and she was screaming her head off!!! (laughing after that isn't good either!) lol
ReplyDeleteTake care! Have fun at the BBQ!
Kay from Ohio
I love your gracious heart. God is going to do some wonderful things with you-- and I have a feeling they are not going to be considered normal! Enjoy "normal", then, while you have it!
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting Abby. I hope you have a great time with your support team. I'm curious if Wild Eyes is going to show up somewhere one of these days.
ReplyDeletecongrats to alessandro! keep it up abby.
ReplyDeleteI like to add this video of his arrival in Les Sables d'Ollone..(after a 9 months nonstop unassisted circumnavigation..) He suffered a dismasting and recovered enough material to set up a jury rig.. He rounded the Horn etc..
ReplyDeleteJust observe how short his mast is, take notice of the main and the bowsprit..
He is very outspoken about his encounters with the dolphins..
Sorry it is in French..
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xe4js9_voile-pari-tenu-pour-di-benedetto_sport
Abby...
ReplyDeleteI am strongly suggesting to you to read the following two books...
"Maiden Voyage" by Tania Aebi and "Trekka Around the World" by John Guzzwell.
This for sure is inspirational material for your next endeavors..
God Bless
Thanks Abby.
ReplyDeleteKeep smiling.
Love ♥
Richard (QLD) Aus
Hi Abby,
ReplyDeleteI am so glad that you are doing well. Enjoy your BBQ with your support team, it will be nice to catch up since you have not seen them for a while. You are working on getting your permit, that is great and it will be very easy for you. You take care, Gail/Ventura
Congrats to Allsandro for his completion of his circumnavigation. Also a big congrats to Jessica Watson as well. I only hope one day you will get your day in the sun, and to relize your dream of a circumnavigation. Don't give up on your dream Abby - Keep on sailing!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the update and info on Alessandro di Benedetto
ReplyDeleteAbby, It is a true sigh of character to admire the accomplishments of others. And that is quite a remarkable accomplishment for Alessandro. Happy to hear you are working on new challenges. Also that you are enjoying life... continue to be safe, and happy!
ReplyDeleteBest Wishes,
Kelly and Dave from Santa Clarita
Abby:
ReplyDeleteGO GIRL GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I also extend my congratulations to Alessandro di Benedetto.
I wish you good luck on getting the Learners Permit. Watch out on the roads, there are a lot of crazy people out there that just manage to keep the car between the ditches. Keep a constant look out in all directions and do not assume that the other guy will obey the laws.
Just continue to be Abby and enjoy all of life, even the "normal" days. Be thankful for each day as it really is a gift. "The clock is running. Make the most of today. Time waits for no man. Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That's why it is called the present." (from various: Alice Morse Earle, St. Marher, Emily Dickinson, and others.
Anyway, just be Abby, enjoy today, and plan for tomorrow. Life is short enough, stop and smell the roses.
I cannot wait for your book, please let us know when it will be available and where it is published.
GO GIRL GO!!!!!!!!!
John R Willis
"I have never let my schooling interfere with my education." - Mark Twain
ReplyDeleteAlways remember your education comes from living and reading (good books, not the majority of crap they make you read in school; works by Orwell, Ayn Rand, Lord Byron, Thoreau, etc.). Schooling is generally a dress rehearsal for thinking in the box and obeying authority for no logical reason, no matter how irrational the order.
Solo circumnavigators are amazing and courageous sailors Congradulations to Alessandro Di Benedetto and all who venture forth on such a difficult an challenging adventure. Cheers !
ReplyDeleteOne has to wonder how he managed to fit enough food and supplies into such a small boat for the trip he made! I just got my own very first sailboat (insert big grin here), a little Dolphin Sr, nearly 15 foot long (I believe the specs are 14' 4"). Patching a couple of minor cracks in the hull, today. It should be ready to sail in a matter of hours, now.
ReplyDeleteCan ya tell I'm proud of my new (cheapie) boat? :p
I look forward to hearing when you get back out on the water, yourself, Abby. You're kind of a hero to a lot of us.
Congrats to Mr di Benedetto, as well!
-Mathew
Bonjour Abby (& Team),
ReplyDeleteTrue sportmanship and no doubt Alessandro really appreciate your good words.
How is the book coming? Have you selected the pictures yet?
Thank your team for us all, enjoy the BBQ - charcoal or gas? :-)
Go Abby, Go!
Dear Abby,
ReplyDeleteOne more blog here. I'm not trying to sound like a parent to you, but I looked up to see what restrictions apply for a G.E.D.. At 17 years of age, all you need is your parents permission, to take the 8+ hour long test. And at 18, there are no restrictions.
If you can read gauges and numbers to direct your way through ocean travel, then you can do just about anything.
You are okay Abby, I just think you are a little ahead of your time.
Albert Einstein, he needed a G.E.D. too!
He too was a little ahead of his time. Keep smiling Abby and doing exactly what you are doing. You'll get to where you are wanting to go, it just takes time.
Hi Abby, Once you get your permit, remember to pay attention to how you drive around the big trucks. We can't manouver as well as cars do, we can't stop as fast, we can't accelerate as fast, most of us are governed at a slower speed than cars, and we have big blind spots. Just give us plenty of space. Take care and keep on truckin' Gus
ReplyDeleteGood show, Sandy!
ReplyDeleteCongrats Allesandro.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to the pics Abby.
Jim
Phoenix
Thanks for posting Abby! We miss you! Can't wait for your book! And of course, congratulations to Alessandro! Another kindred spirit of yours! Have fun at your BBQ Abby! We love you!
ReplyDeleteKevin, Aiken, SC
Abigail,
ReplyDeleteI share your congratulations for Alessandro Di Benedetto’s achievement. I too exchanged emails with him as he rounded Cape Horn.
If anyone would like to read his official website don’t be challenged by “language”. At the top right hand corner you will see three flags…Italy, U.K, and French. Just click on the appropriate flag ie U.K. = English and you can enjoy his adventure. His site:
http://www.alessandrodibenedetto.net
@ Mathew July 25, 2010 9:30 am…your inquiry about food.
Alessandro’s team was often asked if he would have enough food because of the delay in dismasting. The team reassured them that he had 9 months of bosun’s locker, including seeds that germinate to have a fresh salad at menu each day.
From what I have read Alessandro loved his food. Here’s just a sample from the team’s log on his site. “This morning a bunch of tunas approached a little too near the boat , or at least for one of them. A beautiful specimen of 3 kg fished by Alessandro, cut into fillets, fried in a frying pan, with tomato sauce, parsley, a pinch of salt, (a line of "Sicilian" olive oil with pasta “al dente” obviously, without forgetting the coffee!” I invite everyone to read this log of his activities where you can experience what it was like on board his tiny 21 foot sailboat:
http://www.alessandrodibenedetto.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=48:home-page-01&catid=36:home-page&Itemid=66&lang=en
I hope you had a great BBQ for your support team Abs. Congratulations again to them for a job well done.
john, Bay of Quinte on Lake Ontario, Canada
Glad you're back home and safe with family and friends Abby. Followed you for most of your trip. You have many more adventures awaiting you so don't despair. WELL DONE and "BRAVO ZULU" from this old and retired Coast Guard Senior Chief. Nicely done and congrats to Alessandro also.
ReplyDeletev/r ETCS D.S. Dickovick USCG, (ret)
Hi Abby! So great to hear from you, as always. Can't wait to see the BBQ photos. (Maybe we'll get a sneak peak of Paul.)
ReplyDeleteThe other posters are right--getting your permit and learning to drive are nothing compared to sailing halfway around the world by yourself. I'm guessing you'll ace the written test and then blow away the folks at the DMV when you do your behind-the-wheel for your license. When you're able to drive alone, I'm sure you'll feel again some of the freedom and independence you experienced during your circumnavigation.
Enjoy these fun days of summer. They never last long enough!!!!
--Sue McGah
Laguna Niguel, CA
Dear Capt. Abby,
ReplyDeletethank you for the snapshot word view of your California land-life. We will keep checking on you until you say "stop it." I'd like to see some talk about Wild Eyes. I am convinced she's thinking about us too...yep, I'm a little weird for sure...you suppose there are any more similar folks out here?
Congratulations to Alessandro Di Benedetto!! I didn't know that he was trying to circumnavigate the world. I'm also happy he is italian, as I'm italian too.
ReplyDeleteThanks because you have written this important news, Abby.
Matteo
I remember you were rounding Cape Horn in Allesandro's "company"... GLAD to hear he's safely home.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you are having a perfect summer at home. I imagine your team was glad to see you as well.
glad your adjusting back to normal life.
ReplyDeleteLaura Dekker age 14 has been cleared to sail by a judge in the Netherlands an may be getting underway in two weeks What helpful advice would you offer Ms. Dekker ! Thanks for your most recent post.
ReplyDeleteHi Abby,
ReplyDeleteIt's always so good to hear from you.
Hope you had a wonderful BBQ with your team and family. Looking forward to the pictures:)
Take care, Abby
Clare, Spokane, WA USA
Hi Abby,
ReplyDeleteGood to hear that you're picking up your life. Nice photo's with the plane. Have you heard about the Dutch girl Laura ? She's finally allowed to go on her solo trip after a year of legal battles. She got a lot of press over here because of that. The's fourteen now and plans to sail the world in two years making her just short of seventeen when and if she returns.
Keep us posted of your adventures !
Love,
Ace, The Netherlands
A 14 year old now plans on attempting to sail around the world. I thought the article may interest you.
ReplyDeletehttp://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100727/ap_on_re_eu/eu_netherlands_young_sailor
Laura Dekker website
ReplyDeletehttp://www.lauradekker.nl/English/Home.html
Abby, have you ever hear of Laura Dekker? She's doing exactly what you tried to do! I think she's only 14!!!!!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.lauradekker.nl/English/Home.html
That means she will break your record but I hear you and Zac might be on that show the amazing race? That would be AMAZING! I can't wait to see you show them your skilz!
Sammy
Hi Abby,
ReplyDeleteYou surely sound like a "normal teenage girl" so I have to remind myself that you are far from normal and way far from average. Confident and poised seem to fit well when describing you along with down to earth and level headed. I can for see nothing but positive things in your life. Keep being Abby and all will work out well. Take care when you start driving because you share the road with lots of folks that don't have your maturity.
John & Darlene
Kerrville, TX
hi abby how are you doing im sorry i didn't write i lost my password. i still want you to know im thinking of you. i wish there was something i can do to get your sailboat back i miss the boat to, everyday i sit nere the water and watch the boats go by. i live in cornwall ontario canada. i just have to walk down the street and there is the st lawrence river, two people here have sailboats but nothing like what you had but there still nice if i had the extra money i would buy one. i live with 5 other people and its hard to get some piece and quiet, i like to be alone on the water that way people bug me, maybe someday i will have a boat.
ReplyDeleteHi Abby,
ReplyDeleteThe headline: TEAM FINDS SAILING SHIP MISSING IN ARCTIC FOR OVER 150 YEARS
The story:
http://news.sympatico.ctv.ca/home/team_finds_ship_missing_in_arctic_for_over_150_years/dc322b39
Thought some followers might find this interesting from a historical perspective.
john, Bay of Quinte on Lake Ontario, Canada
Abby,
ReplyDeleteIt really rankles me when I still hear some people say that you "failed" in your circumnavigation adventure. You woke people up to their dormant potential and in that you succeeded as an inspiration.
Your intrepid nature reminds me of the following quote.
"Far better it is to dare mighty
things, to win glorious triumphs even though checkered by failure, than to rank
with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much because they live in
the gray twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat."
Theodore Roosevelt (1858 - 1919)
All the best, Abby.
Richard McMillan