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

I wanted to break the record, of course, and become the youngest person to sail around the world solo and unassisted.

The winds were blowing from west to east, pushing Abby's boat toward the rocks as Abby struggled with the autopilots below. If Wild Eyes reached those islands, she wouldn't run aground, keel in the sand. She would be smashed into pieces.

I am twelve thousand miles wiser, twelve thousand miles more resilient, and I have twelve thousand miles more faith in God.

When a sailor overcomes crushing adversity, there's a massive sense of accomplishment.

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

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.