Who Is Abby Sunderland? Age, Biography and Wiki
As of 2025, Abby Sunderland is 31 years old, having been born on October 19, 1993. An American sailor and adventurer, Abby gained international recognition for her ambitious solo sailing journey around the world at the age of 16. As the youngest person to attempt this daring feat, Abby quickly became a symbol of resilience and determination. In the years following her initial foray into fame, she has continued to engage with the sailing community and inspire young adventurers globally.
| Occupation | Explorer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 19, 1993 |
| Age | 32 Years |
| Birth Place | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Libra |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Abby Sunderland's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Abby Sunderland stands at an impressive height of 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm). Her weight is around 130 pounds (59 kg), maintaining a fit and healthy physique that resonates with her adventurous lifestyle. While specific body measurements are not publicly detailed, her athletic frame reflects years of preparation for her intense sailing experiences.
Sail-World noted of Sunderland's departure timing: "While ... she will round the Horn in the height of summer when conditions should be the best they can be, her delayed departure ... means that by the time she sails south of Australia, the weather will be approaching autumn, and the weather will be deteriorating.".
After her rescue, the trip was criticized by sailors as "badly planned" and "foolhardy."
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Abby Sunderland comes from a close-knit family, being the daughter of Laurence and Marianne Sunderland, who both played a significant role in supporting her sailing aspirations. As of 2025, Abby is rumored to be dating fellow adventurer and environmentalist Jack Thompson. The couple often shares their experiences of exploration and conservation efforts on social media, showcasing their mutual passion for the ocean and the environment.
A lifelong sailor, Sunderland said she had been preparing for her journey since age 13. Her father Laurence Sunderland said he understood her determination when "It was a particularly rough day and her boat was rocking from gunnel to gunnel. ...
I knew she was freezing cold, tired and hungry, and we'd been at it for, you know, 20 hours at that stage. I said, 'So Abby, are you ready to sail around the world now?' To which she replied, 'Where is my boat?
Her parents were widely criticized for the decision to allow her to undertake this trip, with one critic calling the decision "potentially irresponsible."
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Abby Sunderland's net worth is estimated to be around $500,000. This figure stems from various sources, including her sailing ventures, public speaking engagements, and collaborations with brands in outdoor and sailing equipment. Abby's income also reflects her efforts in raising awareness about climate change and the importance of marine conservation.
Australian and French taxpayers bore some of the expenses for Sunderland's rescue and the Australian government confirmed that by law, she or her family cannot be billed for the expenses. It has been reported the Qantas plane used to spot her costs A$10,000 an hour to operate.
The total cost of the international rescue is estimated by media to be up to GB£116,000 (A$200,000) or A$300,000 depending on source. There has been criticism of her team's lack of contribution to rescue costs.
The Daily Telegraph said "failed teen solo sailor Abby Sunderland's team did not put a cent towards her rescue but still tried to get the public to pay for the boat's salvage." According to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, any ship of any nation in the vicinity of a distress call is required to render assistance at no cos
t.
In France, a law has been proposed that tourists could be required to reimburse the state for rescue costs if they "ventured knowingly and without 'legitimate motive' into risky territory".
Career, Business and Investments
Abby Sunderland's career has been characterized by her adventurous spirit and commitment to sailing. After her initial success as a sailor, she transitioned into a role as a motivational speaker and advocate for youth engagement in outdoor activities. In addition, Abby has ventured into entrepreneurship, launching a line of eco-friendly sailing gear that promotes sustainability.
Her investments also extend to beach clean-up initiatives and educational programs aimed at empowering young sailors. Abby continues to inspire via her social media platforms, where she shares both her personal and professional journey.
On the morning of June 10, 2010, Sunderland was sailing in high winds and had suffered multiple knockdowns in a remote area of the Indian Ocean northeast of the Kerguelen Islands, about 2000 mi west of Australia. Satellite phone contact was lost and about an hour later Sunderland's two manually operated emergency radio beacons were activated.
A third beacon which triggers automatically if it goes 15 ft underwater was not activated. The nearest known ship was about 400 mi away from her electronically reported position. Her beacon position at the time was published as -40.8°N, 74.96667°W, approximately 2033 nmi west-south-west of Perth.
Social Network
Abby Sunderland remains active on various social media platforms, including Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. She has amassed a substantial following, particularly among adventure enthusiasts and young sailors. Through these channels, Abby shares her experiences, sailing tips, and insights on environmental issues, fostering a community of like-minded individuals passionate about the ocean.
Sunderland's yacht Wild Eyes was a 40 ft sloop built in 2001 by A.S.A. Yachts PTY, Australia. Designed by Jutson Yacht, it was purported to be made specifically for sailing single-handed through the Southern Ocean, but post-rescue reporting disputed this.
Under its earlier name BTC Velocity the vessel finished second in the Class 3 (Open 40) category of the Around Alone 2002 race. Wild Eyes was constructed of fiberglass with Kevlar reinforcement into five watertight compartments with a crash bulkhead and a stern escape hatch.
It was bought in Rhode Island by the Sunderland family in October 2009 and refitted in Marina Del Rey, California, with an array of electrical, communication and navigation systems.
Education
While details about Abby Sunderland's formal education are somewhat limited, it is known that her sailing experience has served as a significant form of education in itself. Abby possesses a wealth of knowledge about navigation, marine ecology, and survival techniques acquired through years spent at sea. She has also participated in workshops and seminars focused on leadership and conservation, often blending her experiences with advocacy for sustainability in the sailing community.
As Abby Sunderland continues to evolve in her career and personal life, she remains an inspiration to many, proving that with determination and a love for adventure, anything is possible.
Sunderland started her solo circumnavigation from Marina del Rey, California, on January 23, 2010. There had not been enough time to do a multi-day test sail in varying conditions, so the team decided to let her depart anyway, and stop in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, if needed.
After a few days it became evident that her solar panels and wind turbines were not meeting the energy needs of her boat in the conditions she met, so using the diesel engine was needed more than anticipated. There were also electrical problems in her mast wiring, which affected her windspeed indicators.
Sunderland landed at Cabo San Lucas on February 2, 2010, to take on more fuel and batteries, make repairs and restart her non-stop circumnavigation attempt.
