On October 19, 2009, my sixteenth birthday, Wild Eyes officially became mine! Now it was really happening.

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

I had begun to think that dreams are meant to be no more than dreams and that in reality dreams don't come true. Then my brother (Zac) left on his trip. It was amazing to see all the support that he got from around the world and to see how everyone worked together to help make his dream reality. Watching him do this really made me believe that I could too.

In that moment it dawned on me that everything has to line up perfectly for something to turn out this awful.

On October 19, 2009, my sixteenth birthday, Wild Eyes officially became mine! Now it was really happening.

I will definitely attempt to sail around the world again. In fact, I can't wait for the chance to try again.

Going up the mast is one of the most dangerous things you can do as a solo sailor.