Quote Originally Posted by Ritamarie View Post
Following this with interest. By default, the solo sailor on a long passage (13 years old, or not) is breaking a cardinal rule of seamanship... that there should always be someone standing watch. We've had vessels on the ocean have close encounters with other vessels in which the crew were asleep. You might not think there are other vessels "out there" but there are plenty.
As Jessica Watson found out as she was bringing Ella's Pink Lady to Sydney for the start of her voyage and failed to see an enormous tanker! I guess that is the reliance on technology.

I guess its the very challange of breaking this rule that appeals to so many. Although there is discussion in the australian media today about abolishing any "youngest" world records.

I think 13 is too young but I fully support Jessica Watson in her quest to break Jesse Martin's record as the youngest person to sail solo and unasssited around the world. He was 17 when he left and 18 when he returned.