Calif. teen youngest to sail solo around world

MARINA DEL REY, Calif. -- A 17-year-old Californian on Thursday became the youngest person to sail around the world alone.

Zac Sunderland docked in the coastal community west of Los Angeles, completing a 28,000-mile trip that began last year. His family, friends and hundreds of onlookers cheered as his 36-foot Intrepid boat entered the harbor.

Also on hand was a team from the American Sailing Association, which certified his accomplishment.

The shaggy-haired sailor later gave a whoop of joy before addressing the crowd.

"It's been a crazy 13 months," said Sunderland, hugging his younger siblings.

Zac Sunderland sails off the coast of Marina del Rey in Los Angeles, Thursday, July 16, 2009. The Southern California teenager became the youngest person ever to sail solo around the world when he arrived at Marina del Rey, the place he departed from 13 months ago. (AP Photo/Philip Scott Andrews)

Sunderland was 16 when he left Marina del Rey on June 14, 2008 -- a voyage that included encounters with pirates and wild storms.

His father, shipwright Laurence Sunderland, met him at various stops and helped him repair damage to the boat while Zac surfed.

Sunderland's father was tearful and prayerful when he took the microphone.

"We wouldn't be a family if it wasn't for our lord Jesus Christ," he said, pointing up to the sky as the crowd yelled "Jesus!"

The younger Sunderland mainly ate freeze-dried and canned foods, with one of his sponsors providing fresh vegetables. His father's company, Sunderland's Yacht Management & Shipwrights, was his main sponsor.

Sunderland said his toughest challenge was the sleep deprivation when his boat broke down and he needed to guide it through the night.

During the leg from Australia to the Coco Islands, he said, pirates followed him and he was forced to call Australian authorities to scare them off.

"I had this boat following me all over the place and circling," Sunderland said.

He said he was humbled by meeting people around the world who live in poor conditions.

"In other countries, 13 people are living in a dirt hut and when you meet them, they're the most kindest, generous people," Sunderland said.

He also encouraged adults to trust more in the abilities of teenagers.

"There's so much more potential to what young people can do. Go out there and do your own thing," he told the crowd.

He beat a record that held by an Australian who was older than 18 when he completed the voyage in 1996.

But even now, Sunderland's record being challenged: A British sailor a few months younger is attempting the solo circumnavigation in a bigger, faster boat.

But he's philosophical.

"I really don't care," he said. "Someone's going to beat it some day."

Sunderland said he hasn't determined his next trip.

"I'm hoping to set off on my next adventure soon -- Mount Everest or down to the Arctic Circle," Sunderland said.