I think Ms. Sunderland had no business being in those waters in the dead of winter, and that any competent team would not have attempted the passage.
Ms. Sunderland did not make that decision alone. At best, it was based on unfounded optimism, but more likely it was based on a too-aggressive attitude toward the trip, coupled with a severe underestimation of how badly the conditions could deteriorate. They may also have wanted to avoid "crushing" Ms. Sunderland's dream.
In any event, it was a foolish decision. The dream was crushed regardless, and she could easily have lost her life.
TRUE.
However, she had a right to try.