Tuesday
(0)The story of 15-year-old British man Seb Clover who has sailed across the Atlantic ocean to the Caribbean is a tonic to my jaded tastes. At a tiime when we are precoccupied by Iraq, economic woes, higher taxes and assaults on our liberties, it is good to know that the spirit of adventure lives on in our youth.
It is of course difficult to know whether the current spate of young Brits taking up such challenges hints at anything happening in our culture. But it is difficult to turn on the telly these days without seeing some young Brit reaching the South Pole, sailing single-handed around the globe or performing some other feat. It may be that a few young people have retained sufficient amounts of enterprising spirit to do such stuff, and not much further can be inferred from that. I am not so sure. Are such things a sign that youngsters are not quite the dumbed-down, listless and cynical lot that our Cassandras in the chattering classes make out?
Meanwhile, back to the doom and gloom...
Seb Clover (who's really a 15-year-old British BOY, whatever his achievements) really was sailing singe-handed, and indeed well out of range of any conceivable rescue for most of the time. All praise to him.
The polar "explorers", otoh, are heavily supported, almost in fact on a guided tour. Aircraft can reach them in no time, and sometimes do. Depots are laid. Guides are on call.
The two projects don't really bear comparison.
Well done Seb. Happy Birthday (he's 16 today).
Posted by Andrew Duffin at January 15, 2003 12:56 PM
I was listening to BBC Radio 4 news (PM) last night on the way home from work and at about ten minutes to six they had their usual letters and emails from listeners spot. One letter made the following comments on Seb Clover's achievement (this isn't verbatim - I'm quoting/paraphrasing from memory):
"...surely it was irresponsible for this family to send their son off on a sailing trip where he was on his own and facing immense danger with no prospect of help from anyone? A parent was recently sent to prison for failing to send their child to school and yet a well-off middle class family can apparently take their son out of school and risk his life by sending him into danger without criticism or without being prosecuted...blah blah blah"
My jaw dropped slightly at hearing this. It had to be a tongue in cheek letter surely - or was it really serious?
Personally, I think that Seb's achievement is fantastic and should be applauded. Sure, there were risks and dangers but I assume that this was a responsibly planned trip that minimised the risks as much as possible. Education? I'm sure his parents discussed this with the school. Besides, I reckon that Seb has probably learnt a lot more in the past few weeks/years than he would have learnt in a classroom.
There is though one serious point in the above comments. Suppose there had been extreme weather in which Seb's boat had foundered and suppose (in the worst case scenario) Seb had lost his life? Would we be questioning the parent's judgement and having a debate about how far you should push children to achieve an ambition?
That said, I still take my hat off to him - well done Seb.
Posted by Alan at January 15, 2003 03:09 PM
They are both heroes! Interestingly, as they approached our hallowed shores, father requested a cold beer over the radio. Son's request was for a 'martini and lemonade'. The reply indicated that a lemonade would be quite sufficient for him.
It seems that he hasn't established his manhood just yet . . .
Posted by Thomas Robinson at January 16, 2003 09:54 PM
i love you seb,
love yoour best friend
(yes, i am actually his best friend and not a strange fan!)
u r gay!
love lou x x x
Posted by Lou at April 6, 2003 07:29 PM
Hi Seb!
I think ur an amazing sailor. I watched u on the Best British Prodiges (or however it's spelt) and thought u really deserved to win. I love sailing too and I would love to achieve what you have done.
Love Alicea, 13
Posted by Alicea Francis at May 5, 2003 06:42 PM
seb you touch my girl friend in any way and i will personally shove your head up a donkeys arse put you in a boat set fire to it and cover you in petrol!
Posted by what a wanker at July 17, 2003 10:02 AM
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Posted by seb is jebuses toilet paper at July 18, 2003 10:18 AM
yeah i know seb and hes an ugly spotty cunt.thank you.
Posted by miss murderdoll at October 11, 2003 09:14 PM
