Sierra Blogging Post Archives

In the wake of 16-year-old sailor Abby Sunderland's rescue from the Indian Ocean, another teenager is fighting for the right to sail the world solo.

It's not going so well, however - court officials are still saying Laura Dekker is NOT allowed to do circumnavigate the globe by herself. Dekker lives in the Netherlands and has been trying to get permission to sail solo around the world for more than a year now. Her family thinks she should be allowed to go, which has prompted official to place her under court supervision.


"Not enough attention has been paid to the court's concerns for her social-emotional and identity development," said judge Suzanne Kuypers. "The court is of the opinion that it is in the interests of the child to extend the supervision."

Dekker's lawyer stands in defiance of the court. "We are still hoping she can make it, but it is becoming harder to be optimistic. She wants to leave as soon as possible. She even bought a new boat: a bigger, safer boat with more instruments," with the help of sponsors, he said.

Dekker ran away earlier this year to St. Maarten where she planned to launch her voyage, but was escorted home by the police. The court says her father "has a limited appreciation of the risks involved" and "overestimates" her abilities.

What do you think? Is 14 too young to sail the ocean blue by oneself? Weigh in below.

Via The Adventure Blog