There are a number of places on marine charts where even the most weathered sailors point and say, "Right there, nothing can go wrong. Everything has to go right." One place is the turbulent passage south of Cape Horn. Another is the dead center of the Indian Ocean.

One day that same year, I told my dad that someday, I would sail around the world alone.

Fewer people have successfully solo-circumnavigated the globe than have journeyed into space.

The terrifying physics of going up-mast in heavy seas are inescapable.

The swells were amazing! As big as three-story apartment buildings!

I knew that even if I was able to call for help, I was in a place so remote that it wasn't likely there would be anyone who could help me. And even if there were, it could take weeks.

When I saw the plane, I was absolutely astonished! Two emotions crashed over me: surging joy and crazy fear.