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May 04, 2010
You Are A Wimp Compared To: Jessica Watson and Abby Sunderland - 9
 Outdoor Life correspondent Gayne Young looks to the past and the present to find the outdoor personalities that prove just how wimpy the rest of us really are. Among my many accomplishments at age 16 were getting a driver’s license, having a part time lifeguarding job at the city pool, and making out with Jenny Evans on her living room couch while her parents were obliviously unaware in the next room. How do these experiences compare to those of 16-year-old Australian teenager Jessica Watson? Well…they don’t. Because compared to her, I’m a wimp. If things continue as well as they have, in the next week or two Watson will officially become the youngest person to sail around the world. Solo. Her seven month journey began last October when she set sail from Sydney under a swarm of fanfare and her ecstatic declaration of, “Today, I am going to sail around the world." Since then she and her Sparkman and Stephens 34 boat, Ella’s Pink Lady, have logged more than 20,000 miles. She has had emotional ups and downs, faced gale force winds, eaten caught squid (Eating squid is not gross. Eating it with Vegemite, as she did, is. Trust me. I’ve had that stuff.), and had special moments with, "Hot chocolate in hand ... a light sprinkling of rain and with an albatross circling above.” Her voyage has been well documented in the press and on her website. Hot on Watson’s nautical heels however is American Abby Sunderland who began her circumnavigating odyssey this past January. If she completes the voyage she will take the crown as the youngest to circle the globe solo as she is 5 months younger than Watson. Just as with Watson’s attempt, Sunderland’s has been a feature of the press and updated on her website. While many argue that 16 is far too young to attempt what many regard as the “Mt. Everest” of the nautical world, I’m not sure of my position yet. From what I’ve read both young ladies are more than capable and extremely mature. The same can’t be said about me and 16. All I know is that these are two tough sailors and that they make most of us look like a wimp in comparison. What do you think? Are they too young? Is Gayne a wimp? Comment below! |
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Comments (9)
I disagree - On the Water is the place to be. Way to go girls sailing for your dreams!!
not going to buy this wimp stuff until mr young proves other wise.but i wish these girls much success.
i should probably say something lame like "go girls" or "girl power" but nah...i'll go with yay for them.
You have made a mistake - Jessica Watsons record is not going to be affected by Abby Sunderland because Abby Sunderland is doing something thats not as hard - sailing with stops and assistance along the way, wheras jessicas journey has been without stopping and without assistance. So Jessica has been alone at sea for the last 8 months whereas since starting in January Abby Sunderland has already had two stops for repairs rest and recreation. This distinction is important but the Sunderlands and their sponsors dont want anyone to notice! But yes, both are amazing and tough!
I'm with Montanagyrene... dry land is a great place to be.
Speaking a a parent, I'm not so sure I'd be happy to wave good-bye to MY daughter if she were to attempt this...As for ME trying it, I'm with MazPower...Maybe the reason I went into the infantry is because it meant I could stay on dry land, although I have been told by several people that I'm a good swimmer, and I keep my poise well...
Go girl!
I'm from the rockies and scared of the ocean, so in this regard I'm a wimp. But for you Gayne, making out with a girl with her dad in the next room is a brave move. I know how scary it is. So kudos to them and to you.
Compared to these girls, I'm a wimp too--so, Gayne, you're in good company (or bad company, depending on who you ask). I've done some sailing, but nothing like what these youngsters are doing. Kudos to these young ladies.
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Compared to these girls, I'm a wimp too--so, Gayne, you're in good company (or bad company, depending on who you ask). I've done some sailing, but nothing like what these youngsters are doing. Kudos to these young ladies.
I'm from the rockies and scared of the ocean, so in this regard I'm a wimp. But for you Gayne, making out with a girl with her dad in the next room is a brave move. I know how scary it is. So kudos to them and to you.
Go girl!
Speaking a a parent, I'm not so sure I'd be happy to wave good-bye to MY daughter if she were to attempt this...As for ME trying it, I'm with MazPower...Maybe the reason I went into the infantry is because it meant I could stay on dry land, although I have been told by several people that I'm a good swimmer, and I keep my poise well...
I'm with Montanagyrene... dry land is a great place to be.
You have made a mistake - Jessica Watsons record is not going to be affected by Abby Sunderland because Abby Sunderland is doing something thats not as hard - sailing with stops and assistance along the way, wheras jessicas journey has been without stopping and without assistance. So Jessica has been alone at sea for the last 8 months whereas since starting in January Abby Sunderland has already had two stops for repairs rest and recreation. This distinction is important but the Sunderlands and their sponsors dont want anyone to notice! But yes, both are amazing and tough!
i should probably say something lame like "go girls" or "girl power" but nah...i'll go with yay for them.
not going to buy this wimp stuff until mr young proves other wise.but i wish these girls much success.
I disagree - On the Water is the place to be. Way to go girls sailing for your dreams!!
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