Auxiliarists-Abby-Coastie-classmates

During the week of 25-29 July, six members of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary, along with “Coastie,” the robotic safety vessel supported the Abby Sunderland Summer Tour, visiting 15 different Maryland community centers, schools and summer camps for children.

Abby Sunderland is an amazing 17-year-old who set out in January 2010 to try to become the youngest girl to sail around the world solo, non-stop, and unassisted.  She sailed south from Marina Del Rey, CA, crossed the equator, sailed around Cape Horn, crossed the Atlantic and was forced to stop for some needed repairs in Capetown, South Africa.  She left Capetown and sailed into the Indian Ocean where after days of being pounded by storms, a rogue wave rolled her boat, broke off her mast, and led to an amazing rescue in the middle of the Indian Ocean.

She shared with the youngsters how she pursued her dream in spite of strong opposition (she was too young, she was a girl, etc.); she prepared for her journey with the help of a great team, and sailed 12,000 miles alone until that rogue wave ended her quest.  

Coastie always draws a crowd of youngsters

She achieved what she did because of her sailing competence, her knowledge of all of the systems on her boat, and her ability to use the safety equipment that had been essential to her rescue.  Without her EPIRB and the flares that she used effectively, she could never have survived. 

She conquered fear in extremely stressful, life threatening situations by remaining calm and applying the lessons that she had previously learned.

Her story was inspirational for both adults and children who heard her speak.  The role of the Auxiliarists was to introduce Abby, and relate her experience to the principles of boating safety that we constantly stress in public education classes, vessel safety checks, and public affairs outreach. 

Of course, “Coastie” reinforced that message and was a big hit with the youngsters.  Participants from the Auxiliary were Ernest Stevens, Barbara Allen, Rodney Pendleton, Bruce Becker, Andrew Rising, and Joe Lukaesko.

Ernie and Coastie	Here is where I was

~GJA 09/02/11