TEDxWaterloo - Abby Sunderland - Rogue Wave

Abby Sunderland,17, is an experienced American sailor who attempted to become the youngest person to sail solo around the world in 2010.

Sailing her specially outfitted 40-foot sloop, Wild Eyes, Abby, then 16 years old, departed Marina Del Ray, California on January 23, 2010. Eight days into the journey, her yacht experienced insurmountable difficulties, forcing her to scuttle her attempt. She elected to restart her solo, non-stop, unassisted circumnavigation attempt on February 2, 2010.

On March 31, Abby became the youngest solo sailor to round Cape Horn. On April 24, she was forced to land at Cape Town to repair two broken autopilot systems. Intent on solo circumnavigation if not non-stop, Abby continued her journey after the repairs.

Disaster struck on June 10 in the Indian Ocean, where her boat was demasted in high seas. Emergency beacons pinpointed her location, and a dramatic air and sea rescue was initiated. Her second circumnavigation attempt had come to an end.

Abby's book about her experience will come out this year.

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TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. Our event is called TEDxWaterloo, where x=independently organized TED event. At our TEDxWaterloo event, TEDTalks video and live speakers will combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group.
The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events, including ours, are self-organized.