Laura Dekker Sails On

Laura Dekker, 14, was born on a boat and apparently still just wants to sail. Go ahead and tell her she can’t. She’ll do it anyway.

Authorities in Dekker’s hometown of Utrecht, Netherlands, told her in October that she couldn’t attempt the sailing trip around the world she wants to take in order to break the record for youngest person to accomplish it alone. The courts say she isn’t ready. Her mother is on the fence and her father is reported to be more supportive.

She was reported missing from her Utrecht home last week, and was found today on the island of St. Martin in the Dutch Antilles.

Dekker, born on a yacht in New Zealand waters to two sailing enthusiasts, wants to break the record currently held by Mike Perham, 17, of England.

Although Dekker lives with her father, she has been placed under the guardianship of local authorities. She is required to get permission from them before attempting any sailing trips and was not permitted to leave the country until July, 2010.

Utrecht police spokesman Bernhard Jens said that Dekker’s yacht, Guppy, was still in its usual spot. Dekker’s parents are separated and reportedly disagree regarding her readiness for such a trip.

Investigators said they were not treating the case as a crime. There is no comment yet from the Dekker family.

Source: The Guardian

Photo credit: Slaapwandelaar.web