Is it irresponsible to sail around the world with two toddlers?

A San Diego couple sailing around the world frantically called for rescue from the Air National Guard over weekend.  A US Navy warship was dispatched to the 36-foot sailboat because the couple's 1-year-old daughter, Lyra, is sick. Medications brought on board were not having any effect on the little girl's fever and rash, so the family called for help.

The Kaufman family was headed to New Zealand by way of the South Pacific Islands.  On board with Mom and Dad are one-year-old Lyra and another 3-year-old child named Cora.  In addition to the illness, the ship also ran into mechanical issues.  According to accounts, the ship was taking on water and had to cut the engine. It is now only powered by sail.

I don't want to be too judgmental here, but I have a 3-year-old and taking him to Outback for dinner is quite the ordeal.  I don't know how any parent could think it's responsible, let alone a good idea, to take their small children on a dangerous boat ride around the world.

What do you think?  Should children stand in the way of parents living their life? Or is parenting a child ultimately more important than following your dream?