Would You Let Your 16 Year Old Sail Across The World Alone?

[2ndtimearound]

No, not for the sake of setting a record. Nope. Period. Nope.

 

[deb1]

Quote:
This is an interesting take on the entire situation. I know nothing about sailing or the maturity needed to do so. I did not know that she would need self defense lessons.

 

[ranchhand]

You have to port occasionally, and you are always literally on the radar and radio frequencies for freighters and their crews, pirates and lots of casual sailors who are not only a danger to themselves but to others as well. And when landing in ports or dealing with anyone in general really, there is always danger. I live just south of Charleston, SC. In my twenties, I was mugged 4 times, twice by freighter crews. I can run really fast and scream really loudly. I learned the lesson fast when docked at the marina here, back when I was 13, which would make that 46 years ago- it hasn't improved much.

I would say no. Even with a companion. Time enough for that later.

 

[deb1]

Quote:
That frightens me for the girl. SHe was very pretty and is getting a lot of press in her home country. I hope that she doesn't attract the wrong sort of attention.

 

[JewellFarm]

If she were my daughter I wouldn't let her go. Although she may be very capable of sailing many things could happen. I would worry about all the pirates that seem to be so rampant these days, not to mention tropical storms and hurricanes this time of year. She at least needs someone with her!

 

[The Chicken Lady]

In two more years, the daughter would qualify to serve in our nation's military and possibly operate tanks, etc. I think it would depend on the child and their maturity and level of training. Some sixteen-year-olds have already graduated from college...it could be that she really is ready.

 

[Opa]

I've known 16 year olds who were mature enough and 30 year olds who weren't.

 

[redhen]

I say no, no way, not at 16.
A 16 yr olds brain isnt even fully developed yet.

 

[wombat]

Quote:
A 16 year old started out in 2008 and finished in 2009, solo. He used the Panama Canal, though, and skipped the Cape Horn passage and the lower latitudes where the most serious dangers are.

 

[Robin'sBrood]

No way. I have a hard enough time letting my 16 year old out of the subdivision.