[davidpm]

This is a direct quote from a press release on her website.

"Despite the incident, Jessica is still in high spirits and acknowledges the on-going support of her family, friends and sponsors who are all solidly behind her record breaking bid to become the youngest person to circumnavigate the world."

So it it appears as though this venture is about the record book and the rules that must be followed to achieve that record.
They have several sponsors that are highly visible on their web page so it can be assumed that money is a significant factor.

The 16 year old is a minor so her parents are legally responsible for decisions of this type. If I as a parent let my 16 year old drive a car to a job, I am risking her life in the hopes that the experience and money she gets from that job justify the risk. Many parents take that risk. Some wait till the child is 16 1/2 some 17 etc.

In this case the parents are risking their daughters life, according to their own press release, to achieve a record. Along with that record will come a career and no doubt an increase of fortune for the family.

So the question is is this risk worth it? For the vast majority of parents, even parents who understand the sea, I suspect the answer is no.
These parents have made the decision to take the risk.
I wish them well, I hope they don't lose their daughter. Personally I would not do it.

One could argue that the financial incentive is secondary and the motive is the great experience. If that was the real motive the trip could be delayed till the girl was 18. She could have a great experience a couple years later just as well as now. Of course that would not be worth a record title and the money.

There is nothing intrinsically wrong with taking a risk for money. We all do it every day. Most parents however are not willing to take a big risk with their minor children for money.

I would really really hate to be them if something goes wrong.