Around the World at 17 Years

According to the Optimist, the world has just gained its youngest circumnavigator. On July 16, 17-year-old Zac Sunderland of Southern California became the only person under 18 to sail around the Earth alone.

The 28,000-mile journey took 13 months aboard his 36-foot sailboat, the Intrepid, which he bought with money earned working summer jobs. (What kind of awesome summer jobs was he working?) Along the route, he endured storms, equipment failures, suspicious pirate-like stalkers and periodic meetings with his father in various ports.

Not only have viewers been watching his journey on his own YouTube channel, but his homecoming has made big news. Here, Fox News L.A. reports:

As an intrepid teenager out to conquer the world, Zac's only getting started. His next journey may be to Everest or the Arctic. In the meantime, he's pausing to give back; in August, he'll be hosting a charity auction to benefit the Surfrider Foundation, a NGO that works to protect the world's oceans, waves and beaches for the enjoyment of all people.