Lost at sea.

[SteelieDan]

Godspeed to her and the rescuers. But attempting this circumnavigation in 50-60' seas.....at a time when it is almost expected? Hope she makes it......

[mzajac]

she has been found safely.

[storm petrel]

That is one tough girl..........

[clt_capt]

CANBERRA, Australia – A 16-year-old California girl who was feared lost at sea while sailing [COLOR=#366388 ! important][COLOR=#366388 ! important]solo [COLOR=#366388 ! important]around [/COLOR][COLOR=#366388 ! important]the [/COLOR][COLOR=#366388 ! important]world[/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR] has been found alive and well, adrift in the southern Indian Ocean as rescue boats head toward her damaged yacht, officials said.
After a tense 20 hours of silence, a search plane launched from Australia's west coast made radio contact with Abby Sunderland on Friday in the frigid southern seas where her boat was repeatedly knocked down by huge waves and she lost satellite phone contact.
The boat's mast was broken — ruining satellite phone reception — and was dragging with the sail in the ocean, said search coordinator Mick Kinley, acting chief of the Australia Maritime Safety Authority that chartered a commerical jet for the search.
But the keel was intact, the yacht was not taking on water and Abby was equipped for the conditions, he said.
"The aircraft (crew) spoke to her. They told her help was on the way and she sounds like she's in good health," Kinley told reporters in Canberra.
"She's going to hang in there until a vessel can get to her," probably on Saturday, he said.
A lifelong sailor, Abby had begun her journey trying to be the youngest person to sail solo, nonstop around the world and continued her trip after mechanical failures dashed that dream.
Abby told searchers Friday that she was doing fine with a space heater and at least two weeks' worth of food, said family spokesman William Bennett.
Support team member Jeff Casher said the boat had gotten knocked on its side several times.
The French regional administration on the island of Reunion, off Madagascar, said it had sent three boats in her direction and they were expected to reach her Saturday.

[Dads Dream]

My god....can you imagine the parents angst......?? just waiting and prepping for the worst news??

Can't imagine.....sitting in the boat waiting for rescue.....either, then the plane leaves.......overnite in the dark, hoping those boats will arrive

I'll stay an inshore fishermen for now.....

[Agitated88]

Abby is safe and sound steaming towards home...happy for her and her family.