Abby Sunderland

Abby Sunderland is an American sailor and motivational speaker recognized for her solo attempt to circumnavigate the globe at age 16. Sunderland began preparing for her journey at 13, departing from Marina del Rey with the goal of becoming the youngest person to sail solo, nonstop, and unassisted around the world. Her voyage drew international attention as she navigated the challenges of solo ocean sailing, including dead calms, extreme temperatures, and severe storms. Sunderland became the youngest person to round Cape Horn alone, a milestone in the sailing community.

Sunderland's journey ended when her 40-foot sloop, Wild Eyes, was struck by a rogue wave in the Indian Ocean. The incident occurred in high winds and remote waters northeast of the Kerguelen Islands, approximately 2,000 miles west of Australia. After losing satellite phone contact and activating emergency beacons, a 20-hour maritime search led to her rescue by a French fishing vessel. A NASA-developed Personal Locator Beacon played a crucial role in transmitting her distress signal to a Search and Rescue satellite, facilitating her rescue. The event sparked international debate about youth, ambition, and risk in solo sailing, but Sunderland remained committed to her passion for the sport.

Following her rescue, Sunderland shared her experiences through public speaking and writing. She co-authored the book "Unsinkable: A Young Woman's Courageous Battle on the High Seas" with Lynn Vincent and was the subject of the documentary film "Wild Eyes: The Abby Sunderland Story," produced and directed by her father. The documentary received the People's Choice Award for Best Documentary at the Big Bear International Film Festival. Sunderland also visited NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center to meet the team behind the Search and Rescue technology that contributed to her survival.

At home, Sunderland addressed media scrutiny and criticism, advocating for young people pursuing ambitious goals in sailing and adventure sports. She has traveled to schools and organizations, encouraging students to work hard for their aspirations despite obstacles. Sunderland's speaking engagements cover topics ranging from adventure and resilience to motivational themes for diverse audiences. She delivered a TEDx talk titled "Rogue Wave," emphasizing perseverance and courage in the face of adversity. Sunderland's message continues to resonate with audiences interested in sailing, youth achievement, and motivational speaking.