NEW WORLD RECORD
Youngest to circumnavigate the globe - Jessica Watson sets world record


Saturday, July 18, 2009

Youngest to sail solo around the world-Zac Sunderland sets world record

 MARINA DEL REY, Calif., USA -- Zac Sunderland , 17, completed a 45,000km (28,000-mile) solo voyage around the world in 13 months, on his 36-foot Intrepid boat-setting the world record for the youngest person to sail solo around the world .

 Photo: Zac Sunderland was 16 when he left Marina del Rey — a voyage that included encounters with pirates and wild storms.
   ( enlarge photo )

   He was in constant contact with his family via satellite and met his father at several places en route.   

  "It's been a crazy 13 months," said Sunderland, hugging his younger siblings.

His family, friends and hundreds of onlookers cheered as his 36-foot (11 m) Intrepid boat entered the harbor. Also on hand was a team from the American Sailing Association, which certified his accomplishment.

The younger Sunderland mainly ate freeze-dried and canned foods, with one of his sponsors providing fresh vegetables. His father's company, Sunderland's Yacht Management & Shipwrights , was his main sponsor.

  Sunderland said his toughest challenge was the sleep deprivation when his boat broke down and he needed to guide it through the night.

   His father, shipwright Laurence Sunderland, met him at various stops and helped him repair damage to the boat while Zac surfed.

   During the leg from Australia to the Coco Islands, he said that pirates followed him and he was forced to call Australian authorities to scare them off.

   "I had this boat following me all over the place and circling," Sunderland said. He said he was humbled by meeting people around the world who live in poor conditions.

   "In other countries, 13 people are living in a dirt hut and when you meet them, they're the most kindest, generous people," Sunderland said. He also encouraged adults to trust more in the abilities of teenagers.

  "There's so much more potential to what young people can do. Go out there and do your own thing," he told the crowd.

   He beat a record that held by an Australian who was over 18 when he completed the voyage in 1996.

   But even now, Sunderland's record being challenged: Mike Perham , a British sailor a few months younger is attempting the solo circumnavigation in a bigger, faster boat and is expected to complete his own round-the-world trip in about three weeks time.
Jessica Watson , a 15-year-old Aussie, is planning her own nonstop trip later this summer. There are still tickets available for Jessica’s Bon Voyage dinner next Saturday, July 25 at Novotel Twin Waters Resort.