Sailing Solo

Out of all the billions and billions of people that live or have lived, more people have gone into space than have sailed alone around the world…. And less than a handful have done it under the age of 20.

So - What makes these young people so determined to succeed in something so awesomely difficult and challenging?

David Dicks Nov 1996
17
Australian
First teenager to sail solo around the world.

“I started sailing with Jon (Sanders - the first single-handed sailor to remain continuously at sea twice around the world) when I was about 12 or 13, and going on long deliveries with him across the Bight and thinking, "This is just great, you know. I wanna do something like what Jon's done. And that's when I used to say, ‘I'll beat your record, you know.’”

Jesse Martin 31.10.99
18
Australian
Youngest person to sail solo around the world with no help

“There are many people out there dreaming of great things, and it’s a good chance that your son, daughter, brother, sister or friend is one of them. Believe and encourage them so they won’t lose one of humanity’s most prized assets - the ability to dream.”
And he tells us that
“Dreaming is my drug. It’s what I use to get me through the hard times.”
“After the solo trip, I felt like I could do anything and the thing at the top of my list was to sail around the world again, but this time stop at all the places I’d passed by and do it with friends.”

Zac Sunderland 16.07.09
17
American

Zac told the BBC that the experience had been tough but he had never thought of giving up.

“After more than a year alone at sea, I'm struck by how much people my age can actually achieve, if only they have the passion and ability to think beyond what society tells them is possible," he said.

He added that he was already planning his next challenge.
"I'm hoping to set off on my next adventure soon - Mount Everest or down to the Arctic Circle,"

Mike Perham 27.08.09
17
British
Aged 14 – youngest person to sail across the Atlantic single handed (record still unbeaten) and aged 17 youngest person to sail solo around the world with assistance

Mike said: "I've made it, I've made my dream come true and it feels amazing. A BIG BIG thanks to my Dad, Mum, all the sponsors and every one who has helped me along the way.


So... Who next?

Laura Decker
13
Netherlands
Wants to become the youngest ever person to sail solo around the world – her parents are supportive, but the authorities may not allow her to sail as they consider her to be too young.

Laura told a Children’s T.V. show
"My parents always knew it was a dream of mine to do this. And I want to do it while I'm still young, so I can break the record."


When you read the stories of these amazing young people, you find they all had some things in common.

• A dream. A specific, compelling goal in mind
• Determination. They worked at it. Themselves. One step at a time, not letting anything stand in their way.
• Belief. Belief in their own ability, belief that it could be done, and belief that nothing was going to stop them. And, importantly, the belief of others that they could do this – particularly that of their parents.
• Support. Sponsors, friends, strangers, parents, friends, family.
• A flexible plan. Although the journey was meticulously planned, they had to cope with setbacks that were out of their control; the weather; repairs to the boat and equipment. They and their plans needed to be adaptable.
• Drive and ambition. As soon as the journey was over, they all had plans for what they wanted to do next. The trip was not an end in itself, but part of a continuing journey of adventure and achievement

If nothing else, they have shown us that life is about moving forward, against all odds and succeeding.

What can you learn from their attitude, beliefs and achievements that will help you move forward and succeed in your life?

Take care

Sandra