Abby's father shops a reality TV show

[DisneyBamaFan]

I would never let my child do this, but Abby is their child and it's their decision based on what they know about their child and her abilities.

That said:

1) They say they are flat broke. How did they pay for all these boats, equipment, etc. over the years?

2) They sent her out with no ability to pay or contribute toward a rescue or to bring the capsized boat home in the event that happened. ($300,000 for the rescue, $130,000 to tow the boat home.) They're just relying on other people to pick up the tab.

3) And now they say they're going to let her try again. Flat broke? How?

It just seems irresponsible to me in so many ways. Both for the sake of their daughter's safety and financially.

I do believe that Abby probably is an amazing girl and has a love of sailing -- but the parents seem like they are doing everything possible to capitalize on her ability -- shopping reality shows, 30 lines of merchandise they are making money on, websites trying to raise money.

I am sorry, but I have seen an interview with them in which they say that they are not broke. They have no idea where that story came from.

As for paying for a rescue, this is standard procedure in the sailing world. No one pays for their rescue. Not sure how this became an issue.

As for letting her try again - if they can buy her another yacht and fit it out, why not? She is certainly better prepared now than she was the last time, ans she almost made it.

 

[Magic Mom]

I am sorry, but I have seen an interview with them in which they say that they are not broke. They have no idea where that story came from.

As for paying for a rescue, this is standard procedure in the sailing world. No one pays for their rescue. Not sure how this became an issue.

Correct. Australian search and rescue has publicly stated that they do not ask for payment for rescue missions.

"Australia like the U.S. have always responded to request for help and have provided whatever resources are required. At no stage have we asked for cost recovery. Likewise domestic search and rescue have never requested payment for services. If a person wishes to make a contribution to the costs then that is their call. It is not expected or asked for.

Let's not let the media portray the many groups that were involved in Abby's rescue as a bunch of people motivated and driven by money. This is not the case."

 

[Seahunt]

I am sorry, but I have seen an interview with them in which they say that they are not broke. They have no idea where that story came from.

Maybe it came from the NY Post?

Laurence Sunderland told The New York Post earlier this week that he’s broke. He said that he began shopping shows about his big, adventurous family and his daughter around the time she set off on Jan. 23 in an effort to become the youngest person to sail solo and nonstop around the world.

http://www.nypost.com/p/news/national/sail_kid_parents_set_cour_for_tv_crGRuKCVBcBCM5v3s23ULK

 

[DisneyBamaFan]

Maybe it came from the NY Post?

Laurence Sunderland told The New York Post earlier this week that he’s broke. He said that he began shopping shows about his big, adventurous family and his daughter around the time she set off on Jan. 23 in an effort to become the youngest person to sail solo and nonstop around the world.

http://www.nypost.com/p/news/national/sail_kid_parents_set_cour_for_tv_crGRuKCVBcBCM5v3s23ULK

LOL - I love the Post, but it isn't that reliable.

 

[Seahunt]

LOL - I love the Post, but it isn't that reliable.

Oops, sorry, I'm not that familiar with the Post, and shouldn't have used them if they are skeevy

I was watching the Today show this AM and they were talking about what the bloggers were saying about this whole situation, and they mentioned what the Post said, so I figured maybe that's where the whole "they're broke" story started.

 

[DisneyBamaFan]

Oops, sorry, I'm not that familiar with the Post, and shouldn't have used them if they are skeevy

I was watching the Today show this AM and they were talking about what the bloggers were saying about this whole situation, and they mentioned what the Post said, so I figured maybe that's where the whole "they're broke" story started.

It's possible that it started there, but that means little more than it being reported in the Enquirer. I used to read the Post on my LIRR train ride every day for laughs.

 

[dumboiu]

Agreed in principle, but I don't blame the parents for that - I blame the media.

I blame the parents as they are the only ones who were able to give her the go ahead for this little stunt as she is a minor.

 

[CandyMandy]

As for letting her try again - if they can buy her another yacht and fit it out, why not? She is certainly better prepared now than she was the last time, ans she almost made it.

Pray tell, what would the objective of her trying to sailing around the world again be? To be the youngest person ever to accomplish that?

Sorry, an Australian girl (QUICK DISERS - NAME HER...tick tick tick) already captured that prize, beating Abby in age by several months.

To be the first female to do it? (Read prior blurb about the Australian gal above).

Oh, to just prove ""I can do it?" What would that accomplish...beyond getting the media-obsessed Sunderlands more media? Oh, I forgot...that sort of thing appeals to the fickle celebrity du jour club that only jumped onto this story after boat girl got in trouble. They've made her a heroine for....getting lost at sea...and losing a boat a lot of sponsors (QUICK DISERS - NAME SOME) apparently dumped a boatload (heh heh) of bucks into.

But I'm sure there's more suckers where they came from, so get ready for act II of the "boat girl" media circus.

 

[Magic Mom]

Oh, to just prove ""I can do it?" What would that accomplish...beyond getting the media-obsessed Sunderlands more media? Oh, I forgot...that sort of thing appeals to the fickle celebrity du jour club that only jumped onto this story after boat girl got in trouble. They've made her a heroine for....getting lost at sea...and losing a boat a lot of sponsors (QUICK DISERS - NAME SOME) apparently dumped a boatload (heh heh) of bucks into.

But I'm sure there' more suckers where they came from, so get ready for act II of the "boat girl" media circus.

Maybe Abby will want to do it to prove something to herself, or fulfill a dream. Her parents antics don't necessarily reflect on her state of mind or intentions. I think she is an amazing young lady.

 

[a1tinkfans]

Sick.

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/bestoftv/2010/06/15/lkl.abby.sunderland.dad.speaks.cnn?hpt=T2

Well lets see if the FAMILY decides to be responsible and PAY for the 350K+ that it cost to save their child.
I am all for goals and whatnot, but I am More for Responsibility...and THAT includes being responsible to "forecast" a situation for a rescue and have those funds available, WHY on earth should others have to pay for their adventure seeking....but somehow, I doubt they'd be willing to shell out the $$ seeing as they made no provision for it, Knowing it was a possibility...as they reported.
Very Glad the child is okay, but the parents disgust me........

 

[dumboiu]

Well lets see if the FAMILY decides to be responsible and PAY for the 350K+ that it cost to save their child.
I am all for goals and whatnot, but I am More for Responsibility...and THAT includes being responsible to "forecast" a situation for a rescue and have those funds available, WHY on earth should others have to pay for their adventure seeking....but somehow, I doubt they'd be willing to shell out the $$ seeing as they made no provision for it, Knowing it was a possibility...as they reported.
Very Glad the child is okay, but the parents disgust me........

Nope, apparently they have no intention on paying back the Australian government even a cent. In fact, that thought never crossed their minds (but the thought of the taxpayers paying has crossed their minds). Read this (which was posted on another DIS thread):
http://www.opposingviews.com/i/abby-sunderland-s-mom-u-s-taxpayers-should-pay-for-rescue

 

[Magic Mom]

Australia isn't asking to be paid back, and from what I've read, it is standard practice that rescue missions aren't charged to the "rescuee." If we are going to demonize the parents, let's at least do it for something they did wrong like allowing to voyage to go on so late in the season.

 

[dumboiu]

If we are going to demonize the parents, let's at least do it for something they did wrong like allowing to voyage to go on so late in the season.

I have stated what I believe is wrong with them repeatedly on another thread (including their lack of judgment in letting their daughter travel in the southern hemisphere of the Indian Ocean in WINTER). I am not sure that demonizes them, but whatever.... The bottom line is I think the parents were wrong on all levels. They are exploiting their children while teaching them entitlement. All children have dreams - their kids are not unique. But to send a child out on a quest that compromises their health and safety is beyond despicable.

 

[DisneyBamaFan]

Pray tell, what would the objective of her trying to sailing around the world again be?

To achieve a goal? Is it really that hard to understand?