Parents Defend Taking Children on Sailing Voyage Tony Perry - The Los Angeles Times
go to original April 10, 2014

Eric and Charlotte Kaufman with daughters Lyra, left, and Cora. The Kaufmans have defended their decision to take the girls on a round-the-world sailing voyage that was cut short when Lyra became ill. The family was rescued by the Coast Guard, Navy and California Air National Guard. (AP)

SAN DIEGO — The Kaufmans are again defending their decision to attempt a round-the-world sailing venture with their two young children — a voyage that ended with the family being rescued hundreds of miles at sea when 1-year-old Lyra became sick.

In Twitter messages Thursday, Charlotte Kaufman and her husband, Eric, said they "have been happy with the maritime life we have been able to share with our daughters.  ... Children have been sailing on boats for a long time and the modern cruising family dates back several decades."

The couple thanks the crew of the Navy ship Vandegrift and also people who have offered "kind words and support."

But they also address critics who say the parents were negligent in taking two young children on such a long and arduous voyage:

"For those who are more critical, we ask that you kindly await all the details. There have been many inaccuracies reported through various media related to our daughter's health, the vessels' condition and our overall maritime situation."

Read the rest at The Los Angeles Times

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