Dutch girl, 13, blocked from global solo sail

[2Sheds_Jackson]

Didn't see this posted up yet...


UTRECHT, Netherlands -- A 13-year-old Dutch girl's attempt to become the youngest person to sail solo around the globe was blocked on Friday by a court which placed her under state supervision for two months.
Laura Dekker, an experienced sailor who was born at sea on her parents' boat in New Zealand, had planned to set sail on a two-year voyage on September 1 on her 8.3 meter (27 ft) yacht Guppy.


Child protection authorities argued it would be irresponsible to let her depart, and the court in Utrecht agreed, saying the trip would put Ms. Dekker's psychological development at risk. She will remain with her parents, who will share custody with the state.


The court voiced "serious concerns" about Ms. Dekker's mental and physical development on the boat, and ordered a psychologist and child protection authorities to examine how she would cope with loneliness, sea winds, lack of sleep and schooling, as well as her general physical safety.


(continued)
http://www.nationalpost.com/nationalpost/story.html?id=1939359

I'd be interested to hear people's opinions on this.

[BearInBunnySuit]

Didn't see this posted up yet...

I'd be interested to hear people's opinions on this.

I think the authorities did the right thing by stepping in.

[Derbedeu]

I think the authorities did the right thing by stepping in.

x2........

[California Joe]

On one hand I applaud the little girl for having the drive and focus and apparently, sailing ability, to think that she could do this.

On the other hand as a parent I'd have to say there's no frigging way I'd let one of my kids do this until they were older and had more life experience under their belt.

[Macs.]

Holland has become a dictatorship.

Dictatorship.

AFAIK she isn't blocked yet. They just wanted some time to find out if she is ready for it.

[Chimera]

Freedom of movement prevails, if she wants to sail around our blue planet, she must be able to do so. Dutch authorities behave like the Talebans. Shame on them. Holland = Nazis.

[MR.9/06]

I don't care if she goes or not. Although I don't find it a great idea. But why not wait? They didn't let me take off 2 years of school so I could travel the world.

[Chulo]

On one hand I applaud the little girl for having the drive and focus and apparently, sailing ability, to think that she could do this.

On the other hand as a parent I'd have to say there's no frigging way I'd let one of my kids do this until they were older and had more life experience under their belt.

I can understand the idea issue with a normal kid wanting to do it, but obviously this girl is alot more experienced than the average person. The story itself acknowledges that she is "experienced" and it sounds like she would be alot more prepared than most adults.

I think the authorities did the right thing by stepping in.
With the government now telling parents what they can do and cant do, why dont we just take parental rights away and keep kids in government institutions so they can be "taught the right things" and "treated the right way"
Did the parents do something criminal?

[California Joe]

Chulo, it's 2 f*cking years. She's 13...In 17 months, when she all of a sudden gets her period and freaks the f*ck out because her Mom isn't there and reenacts the whole Carrie shower scene by herself in a little boat...

There's probably more to this anyway, the state tends to step in when they see parents being retarded like those ****s that don't get their kids medical treatment etc...

[ting]

Kudos to the dutch authorities. The child has rights. A child can not care for it's own rights. If a parent is unable or unwilling to protect the childs rights the government should step in.

Lets see what the shrinks say. However I have serious problems seeing why she should sail around the world alone. If she wants too she can go when she is an adult.

[Evolv5]

Maybe it's best she gets examined by a professional sailor. To see if she could actually cope with it.

Otherwise I suggests she goes with a parent(s).

[BearInBunnySuit]

I can understand the idea issue with a normal kid wanting to do it, but obviously this girl is alot more experienced than the average person. The story itself acknowledges that she is "experienced" and it sounds like she would be alot more prepared than most adults.

Sorry, experience just doesn't cut it for me when we are talking about a 13-year-old. I remember when I was 13 and even taking a trans-pacific flight all by myself as a passenger was a big accomplishment for me.


With the government now telling parents what they can do and cant do, why dont we just take parental rights away and keep kids in government institutions so they can be "taught the right things" and "treated the right way"
Did the parents do something criminal?

Not yet but if something happened to that girl during the solo sail, then it would be a different issue.

[Derbedeu]

Also, going two years without an school at 13 years of age is criminal IMO. Let her at least finish high school and then she can do what she wants.

[khukuri]

Freedom of movement prevails, if she wants to sail around our blue planet, she must be able to do so. Dutch authorities behave like the Talebans. Shame on them. Holland = Nazis.

Such a shame that they put a hindrance for the dreams of this girl. I hate it when others set out for you what is right or wrong...

[MichaelF]

In this case, someone needed to exercise some common sense. It just happens that it turned out to be the State, rather than the parents.

[Holmes85]

I agree with the State's decision. No matter how much experience or knowledge, she is still a kid.

[TheGaffer]

She has undertaken some long trips already, and has already sailed around the world with her parents. Most experts believe she is up for the trip.

But the people trying to ban this just want to divert all the attention to this instead of to all the mistakes they've made with Child Abuse and stuff. So instead of going after the real criminals, they just want to ban a kid from realizing her dreams.

Oh well, thats Holland for you.

[2Sheds_Jackson]

Chulo, it's 2 f*cking years. She's 13...In 17 months, when she all of a sudden gets her period and freaks the f*ck out because her Mom isn't there and reenacts the whole Carrie shower scene by herself in a little boat...

There's probably more to this anyway, the state tends to step in when they see parents being retarded like those ****s that don't get their kids medical treatment etc...

My thoughts exactly. And what happens if she meets a mer-man along the way? One with the human genitals and fish upper half? And he's all "oh baby, you're the only one for me..expose your egg sac immediately!" Are we, as a society, ready for the consequences of that?

Honestly, this is just stupid if you ask me. First off, in this day and age, it's not that much of an accomplishment. It's primarily not about sailing skill, but about being grown tall enough to reach the tie-off cleats. And if anything did happen - she's 13 for chrissakes. You can't let a 13 year old endanger themselves by smoking, or drinking, or driving, or walking downtown alone to buy a roll of paper towels. What do the parents do if something stupid happens - like she slips and whacks her head and is passed out for 4 hours, laying on top of her legs, requiring them to be amputated? "Ooops honey we thought it would be fun for you?"

I'd be interested to see of the people who posted, which are parents and which are not. For the record, I'm one and there's no way in hell one of my kids would be left alone like that at 13.

[Kaplanr]

. . .
Otherwise I suggests she goes with a parent(s).

Now we're back to normal or typical development. What rational sane 13 year old wants to do anything with a parent, except take their money? I'd rather have (pick your torture) than have done anything with them at that age. Of course it hurt no end when I didn't get to play with my dad in a father/son golf game that year.

I don't disagree with the state's position, though I think in the US the burden of proof on the state would have been tougher. Let's say she was permitted to go, or a court rules that the state had no compelling reason to block her going and she sails. At some point she's injured or even killed. Are the parent's negligent?

[ting]

I am not a parent.

edit: But I am mentally thirteen:grin:

[Derbedeu]

I'm not a parent either, but it's common sense to me. At 13 I pretty much thought I knew everything, and was capable of anything. In retrospect though, I was quite an idiot! Luckily I had two good parents to make sure I didn't do anything too stupid.

[DaGreatRV]

By law she is still required to go to school, man I couldn't even get a friday off before a vacation. :roll: Why should she be allowed to take 2 years off?

Anyways, kids of her age need to go to school. period.


By my uneducated guess, I think because of the divorce situation that both parents try to win her favor by letting her do what ever she wants.

When you are thirteen a year in your life feels way longer than when you are an adult. We can say wait a 'few years longer' with ease, it's over before you know it. But I guess it feels diffrent to her.
She should just wait till she finishes highschool.

[brainplay]

Such a shame that they put a hindrance for the dreams of this girl. I hate it when others set out for you what is right or wrong...

On one hand I applaud the little girl for having the drive and focus and apparently, sailing ability, to think that she could do this.

Gotta wonder how much of this is her and not her parents talking.

Telling the little girl that they're going on the most awesomesss kewlest boat ride thats so awesome Miley Cyrus will be jealous will make any kid jump at the chance. Versus telling them: We're going on a really long boat ride that might take us through massive storms, risk our lives, and your mom and I might have to eat you to survive if the food spoils but we still love you honey bunny.

[Chulo]

Sorry, experience just doesn't cut it for me when we are talking about a 13-year-old. I remember when I was 13 and even taking a trans-pacific flight all by myself as a passenger was a big accomplishment for me.

and I was flying transatlantic solo by the age of 9 and by the time i was in 8th grade i had to take care of 30 or so other kids from my dorm that were in grades 3 to 7 as we flew.

I have a classmate that went on a motorcycle with his dad in 10th grade from England to the southern tip of India.


Not yet but if something happened to that girl during the solo sail, then it would be a different issue.but it didnt happen. So just to be safe and keep and to keep all the IF from happening, i do think we should take all children way from parents and keep them in a government institution.

[Macs.]

Yeah, the goverment shouldn't do ANYTHING. They should let people do whatever they want.

So I have *** with my children - BIG DEAL YOU NAZI GOVERMENT.

[Chulo]

Yeah, the goverment shouldn't do ANYTHING. They should let people do whatever they want.

So I have *** with my children - BIG DEAL YOU NAZI GOVERMENT.
yea, its got to be one extreme or the other.
The question I am asking in this case is not if what the kid wants to do is right or wrong, smart or stupid. Rather it is about the sphere of Governance that the court is interfering on.

[Gleipnir]

Children should not be free to do what they want. I begged my parents to let me do all manner of things and if they had let me there is a good chance I would be dead or in the best case, homeless. I also begged them to let me drop out of school.
Thank God they knew what they were doing. I certainly didn't.

What's the big deal about waiting until she is finished with school?

[Holmes85]

yea, its got to be one extreme or the other.
The question I am asking in this case is not if what the kid wants to do is right or wrong, smart or stupid. Rather it is about the sphere of Governance that the court is interfering on.

The government is interfering, because they see a situation where this young girl could likely get herself killed. But back to your comment, doesn't the law require that she attend school, which she would be skipping out on if she took this adventure. I'm pretty sure that enforcing the law is within the sphere of Governance.

[Victory]

I think the authorities did the right thing by stepping in.

x3 (Or x4, x5, whichever it is.)

-Vic

[JJHH]

What's the big deal about waiting until she is finished with school?

An 18 year old does not attract as much attention as a 13 year old when it comes down to sailing solo around the world..

http://img383.imageshack.us/img383/5691/attentionwhoreposter.jpg (http://img383.imageshack.us/i/attentionwhoreposter.jpg/)

[Connaught Ranger]

Put it this way if she wanted to be a brain surgeon at 13, no matter how many exams she took, would you be confident in letting her operate on your brain?

[Holmes85]

Put it this way if she wanted to be a brain surgeon at 13, no matter how many exams she took, would you be confident in letting her operate on your brain?

Or if she was going to be your airline pilot.

[Panchito12]

I'm sure the Somali pirates would welcome a solo, 13 year old girl sailing by.

[Universal_Soldier]

save her from herself

[BearInBunnySuit]

and I was flying transatlantic solo by the age of 9 and by the time i was in 8th grade i had to take care of 30 or so other kids from my dorm that were in grades 3 to 7 as we flew.

You must have been a very mature kid to be entrusted with so much responsibility. When I was 14 and had to travel with 2 younger cousins, we ended up hating each other at the end of the flight (Honolulu to San Francisco). Of course it was their fault since they did not give me the due respect that I deserved.


but it didnt happen. So just to be safe and keep and to keep all the IF from happening, i do think we should take all children way from parents and keep them in a government institution.

I get the point you are trying to make but in a sense, deciding how much the government can intervene in our personal lives is a subjective issue like child-rearing is. I tend to err on the side of caution when it comes to my kids so perhaps I am more receptive to the idea of government involvement in these matters.

[Derbedeu]

Of course it was their fault since they did not give me the due respect that I deserved.


Of course. I'm sure they'd corroborate this if asked. :D ;-)

[brainplay]

and I was flying transatlantic solo by the age of 9 and by the time i was in 8th grade i had to take care of 30 or so other kids from my dorm that were in grades 3 to 7 as we flew.

We're discussing one issue of possible bad parenting. No need to add other examples. :|

[Chulo]

We're discussing one issue of possible bad parenting. No need to add other examples. :|
I think what people are missing is a metanarrative of the rest of the world and a contextualized understanding of culture and circumstance.
Is someone a bad parent because they cant afford to send their child to school or feed their child 3 times a day? Who says you have to eat 3 times a day? who says that the only type of education comes from schools? Is someone a bad parent when they homeschool over government school?
Are you going to go to parts of Asia or Africa and take the kids from "bad" parents because they are out working in the fields?
Are you saying my parents were "bad" parents because they gave me responsibilities they knew i could handle, freedom that i could respect and trust that was not misplaced?
Are you saying that people that do not conform to your thoughts and ideas of what is right/wrong are bad and irresponsible?

[timetraveller]

Didn't see this posted up yet...

I'd be interested to hear people's opinions on this.


If she was American who's to say the outcome would be very different consider i reckon she would be allowed ,

What was the age of the boy that flew a cessna from the east to west during the 80's or early 90's alone ? 15 wasn't he ? It made headline news in the Uk i remember

Anything goes in America by the looks of things ...

[C.Fodder]

The girl and/or the parents just want to get her in the record books, until a twelve year old beats them. Then an 11 year old then a 10 yr old etc.etc...

For me this is safety of the child versus ego/s, and the record, if achieved, shouldn't be recognized.

As for the authorities stepping in, an ounce of prevention and all that.
Can you imagine the outrage if she dies all alone at sea.
And whose Navy will have to risk it's ships and crews to help her in a storm ?

I have respect for the power of an angry ocean, seems some others do not. :roll:

[MichaelF]

It's all fun and games until she tries to run the Somali coast....

[gaijinsamurai]

She's 13. No way in Hell should she be allowed to sail solo.

[BigDukaroo]

I think what people are missing is a metanarrative of the rest of the world and a contextualized understanding of culture and circumstance.
Is someone a bad parent because they cant afford to send their child to school or feed their child 3 times a day? Who says you have to eat 3 times a day? who says that the only type of education comes from schools? Is someone a bad parent when they homeschool over government school?
Are you going to go to parts of Asia or Africa and take the kids from "bad" parents because they are out working in the fields?
Are you saying my parents were "bad" parents because they gave me responsibilities they knew i could handle, freedom that i could respect and trust that was not misplaced?
Are you saying that people that do not conform to your thoughts and ideas of what is right/wrong are bad and irresponsible?

So, you'd have no problem with a twelve year old flying you from NYC to Frankfurt, Germany on a commercial airliner? If it matters, said minor does have experience flying aircraft..they did it once with their parents.

[ren0312]

Kudos to the dutch authorities. The child has rights. A child can not care for it's own rights. If a parent is unable or unwilling to protect the childs rights the government should step in.

Lets see what the shrinks say. However I have serious problems seeing why she should sail around the world alone. If she wants too she can go when she is an adult.

How does she plan to sail through the Gulf of Aden and Cape Horn alone?

[ren0312]

It's all fun and games until she tries to run the Somali coast....

Or the roaring 40s, via the Clipper Route.

[ren0312]

So, you'd have no problem with a twelve year old flying you from NYC to Frankfurt, Germany on a commercial airliner? If it matters, said minor does have experience flying aircraft..they did it once with their parents.

So by that argument you could justify child soldiers?

[Chulo]

So, you'd have no problem with a twelve year old flying you from NYC to Frankfurt, Germany on a commercial airliner? If it matters, said minor does have experience flying aircraft..they did it once with their parents.
That is not the issue in this case. But if the 12 year old was experienced and certified, then why not?
Sticking to the facts we are given in this story, it says she is "experienced" and i would take that to mean more than just hanging out on a boat. The story points out that she was born on a boat, which might be an interesting tit-bit or a point that the family is more experienced with maritime situations than most families. BUT we dont have enough information to know her experience and capability as a sailor, so from your post it sounds like you assume her "experience" to be insufficient.

But if you read my post, the point i make is the role of government and encompassing powers of state over welfare and constraint of libertarian values.

[ren0312]

That is not the issue in this case. But if the 12 year old was experienced and certified, then why not?
Sticking to the facts we are given in this story, it says she is "experienced" and i would take that to mean more than just hanging out on a boat. The story points out that she was born on a boat, which might be an interesting tit-bit or a point that the family is more experienced with maritime situations than most families. BUT we dont have enough information to know her experience and capability as a sailor, so from your post it sounds like you assume her "experience" to be insufficient.

But if you read my post, the point i make is the role of government and encompassing powers of state over welfare and constraint of libertarian values.

So in principle, you have nothing against child soldiers?

[Chulo]

So in principle, you have nothing against child soldiers?
When did child soldiers start to become an issue?

[ren0312]

When did child soldiers start to become an issue?

My point is that should 13 year olds be allowed to enlist provided they do so out of their own free will? And besides there is the point as to whether the brain is even fully developed at age 13, and will she use GPS or will she just use a compass, a chronometer, and a sextant?

[Chulo]

My point is that should 13 year olds be allowed to enlist provided they do so out of their own free will? And besides there is the point as to whether the brain is even fully developed at age 13, and will she use GPS or will she just use a compass, a chronometer, and a sextant?
Well my point to your question (which is totally not my initial question) is that since when did a child soldier become an issue. It is with the changing social culture and economic improvement of societies that changed the definition of when one is a child or what even defines a child. I do have issues with child soldiers, but that is due to an intrinsic value on life.

Your question is not if she is smart enough, but is she prepared enough? My question (again) is "what is the role of the Governmental sphere in the Family sphere"
If you agree with the Government making the right choice on the basis that it is their right and duty to, then im sure you would not have issues with this story where UK to put CCTV Cameras into Private Homes (http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/showthread.php?t=164182)
since it would be the same situation where the government is acting for the good of society.

[ren0312]

Well my point to your question (which is totally not my initial question) is that since when did a child soldier become an issue. It is with the changing social culture and economic improvement of societies that changed the definition of when one is a child or what even defines a child. I do have issues with child soldiers, but that is due to an intrinsic value on life.

Your question is not if she is smart enough, but is she prepared enough? My question (again) is "what is the role of the Governmental sphere in the Family sphere"
If you agree with the Government making the right choice on the basis that it is their right and duty to, then im sure you would not have issues with this story where UK to put CCTV Cameras into Private Homes (http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/showthread.php?t=164182)
since it would be the same situation where the government is acting for the good of society.

I do agree that the government should do more to protect children from abuse, that can lead to a loss of life, as for whether that will require putting CCTV in the homes of some people, that is something that should be up for debate.

[Chulo]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Declaration_of_the_Rights_of_the_Child

Somalia and the United States are the only United Nations members that haven't ratified it, so I guess people from those countries have another view on the issue.
ah, only if politics were as simple as signing something that all people agree on

[orgullo_mexicano]

the authorities were in the right. she cannot drop the books and go sail the world for years.

[orgullo_mexicano]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Declaration_of_the_Rights_of_the_Child

Somalia and the United States are the only United Nations members that haven't ratified it, so I guess people from those countries have another view on the issue.
whats the point of signing it? most nations dont abide by that declaration anyways.

[Holmes85]

Here's some more info from *******: http://www.*******.com/article/oddlyEnoughNews/idUSTRE57R25820090828


By Aaron Gray-Block (http://blogs.*******.com/search/journalist.php?edition=us&n=Aaron.Gray-Block)
UTRECHT, Netherlands (*******) - A 13-year-old Dutch girl's plans to become the youngest person to sail solo around the world were temporarily blocked on Friday when a court placed her under state supervision for two months.

Laura Dekker, who was born on her parents' boat in New Zealand and spent her first four years at sea, had intended to begin a two-year voyage on September 1 on her 8.3 meter (27 ft) yacht Guppy. "I'm not scared because I know that I can do it and my boat is good," she said in an interview with state broadcaster NOS, when asked about the court ruling. "...It's basically stayed about the same, only it will take a little longer," she added.

In a case that captured the attention of the sea-faring Dutch, child welfare authorities said it would be irresponsible to let her depart. A court in Utrecht agreed the trip posed risks to Dekker's psychological development. The court stopped short of removing custody from her parents, who support her planned trip, and she will stay with her father, who will share custody with the state.

The court ordered a psychologist and child protection authorities to examine how she would cope alone on the boat. The ruling came a day after British 17-year-old Mike Perham became the youngest person to sail around the globe single-handed after nine months at sea. Dekker's lawyer, Peter de Lange, said he was confident her trip would go ahead. "She is happy with the ruling, and now we can prepare this (journey) in a mature and responsible way," De Lange said. Her father, an experienced sailor, was in court for the verdict, but did not speak to reporters.

Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende told a weekly news conference the risks and Dekker's schooling must be taken into account. "I can very well imagine that from various perspectives there are great concerns," he said.

CHALLENGES AT SEA
Dekker said in the interview she would tell investigating authorities how she grew up to give them an idea of her abilities. She stressed the longest time she would be alone at sea would be three weeks since she would often call into port.

She shrugged off concerns about her schooling because she plans to study via distance learning.

Caroline Vink, a senior adviser at the Youth Institute in the Netherlands which advises the Dutch government, said the biggest question was whether a 13-year-old could understand the consequences of her decision. "Two years out of school will have an impact on her normal development," she said. "It is wonderful to have dreams, but they have to be realistic."

Presiding Judge M. Oostendorp said a hearing would be held on October 26 to examine the findings of the inquiry into the teenager's ability to cope with the challenges of a trip. A court spokeswoman said if the psychological assessment showed Dekker unable to cope, she could be placed under permanent supervision of welfare authorities.


(Editing by Charles ****)

[martinexsquaddie]

no hell no :).
bit like kids wanting ccw no just not old enough finish school then you can go risk your neck.
13 year old on a boat in the south atlantic just say no.

[Arnie100]

The parents should also have their heads examined...

[JJHH]

An interesting NY Times article..




Dutch Teen in Battle to Sail Solo Around World

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) -- Thirteen-year-old Laura Dekker wants to become the youngest person to sail solo around the world, and her parents think that's a great idea.

But the Dutch Council for Child Protection is so concerned about the dangers of the marathon voyage it has asked a court to grant it temporary custody of Laura so it can do what her parents refuse to: Halt the trip.

Judges at Utrecht District Court will announce Friday whether they will scrap Laura's record-breaking plans. In the meantime, the legal battle has ignited a wide-ranging debate in this traditionally seafaring nation about the role that parents should play in their children's risky adventures.

The rat race to become a so-called ''super child'' -- the youngest to accomplish some grueling feat -- can be fueled by ambitious parents, laser-focused children with talent, or youngsters with a deep need to please or be praised, psychologists say. Dutch social workers fear that could be an issue in Laura's case, for she lives with her Dutch father who is divorced from her German mother.

''Laura has divorced parents and it is very normal for a child of this age to be very loyal to the parent (he or she) is living with,'' Child Protection spokesman Richard Bakker told The Associated Press on Tuesday. ''How much does she identify herself with her father, who is a good sailor?''

Laura and her father appeared at a court hearing Monday to discuss the council's request, but the mother did not show up, Bakker said.

Record-breaking attempts by children can become memorable personal triumphs but also run the risk of turning to tragedy -- with the inevitable recriminations for having allowed it to happen.

In an editorial Tuesday, the Dutch daily De Volkskrant warned that the young sailor was unwittingly putting herself in significant danger.

''She simply does not have the experience to anticipate the problems and possible crises that await her,'' the paper wrote.

Besides the physical hazards, experts also warn that being alone for so long at such a young age could hinder the child's emotional development.

''A 13-year-old girl is in the middle of her development and you don't do that alone -- you need peers and adults,'' said Micha de Winter, a professor of child psychology at Utrecht University.

Adults can make choose to be alone, he added, ''but for children it is not good.''

''Particularly the absence of parents at such a crucial time of the child's development ... the risks are serious,'' he told AP.

Laura was born in New Zealand while her parents were on a round-the-world sailing trip and spent the first four years of her life on the ocean. She was not available for comment Tuesday.

Yet speaking recently to a Dutch children's news show, Laura said she had been sailing solo since she was six and began dreaming of sailing around the world when she was 10.

''I asked my parents if I could -- please -- start now,'' she said.

''In the beginning, they asked if I was sure I really wanted to do it,'' she said. ''They have sailed around the world so they know what could happen and that it's not always fun, but I realize that too. But I really wanted to do it so my parents said, 'Good, we'll help you.'''

The trip means Laura would have to drop out of high school and teach herself while at sea or in port. Dutch authorities have to give permission for such a plan but say such home schooling must be supervised by an adult.

Laura's lawyer, Peter de Lange, said authorities should just let her chase her dream in her 26-foot boat, Guppy.

''There is no legal debate about her (sailing) skills,'' he told The AP. He said both of her parents tried to discourage Laura before she won them over.

Laura hopes to set sail in September and plans to take two years, resting in ports to avoid bad weather.

Zac Sunderland, a 17-year-old from Thousand Oaks, California, grabbed the youngest solo record last month when he completed a 28,000-mile trip on his 36-foot boat in 13 months.

British sailor Mike Perham, who is a few months younger than Sunderland, is expected to snatch that record away when he completes his own round-the-world voyage in the coming days, docking in the southern English city of Portsmouth.

Sunderland thinks adults should trust more in the abilities of teenagers.

''There's so much more potential to what young people can do. Go out there and do your own thing,'' he told a crowd of well wishers as he completed his voyage July 16.

Sunderland also said he was humbled by meeting people around the world who live in such poor conditions.

As for physical dangers, the American teen admitted he was tracked by pirates while sailing from Australia to the Cocos Islands and had to call Australian authorities in to scare the hijackers off.

''I had this boat following me all over the place and circling,'' Sunderland said.

Laura is the latest in a long line of children seeking to put their name in the record books, sometimes with disastrous consequences.

The Guinness Book of World Records would not comment specifically on her case but said it stayed away from many such records.

''(We have) a standard policy that does not sanction, endorse or encourage attempts by minors (people under the age of 16) on records which are dangerous or potentially life-threatening,'' Guinness spokesman Damian Field said.

In 1996, 7-year-old Jessica Dubroff died along with her father and a flight instructor when her plane crashed in Cheyenne, Wyoming, as she attempted to become the youngest person to fly coast-to-coast in the United States.

The National Transportation Safety Board concluded the crash occurred because the girl's flight instructor took off in bad weather in a bid to keep up with ''media commitments'' about the record-breaking flight.

The child-pilot phenomenon ended with her death, as the U.S. Congress quickly passed a bill banning record-setting attempts by unlicensed pilots.

A Nepalese boy, Temba Tsheri, lost five fingers to frostbite in an aborted attempt to climb Everest in 2000. A year later at 16, he became the youngest climber at the time to reach the summit of the world's highest mountain.

In India, where breaking records is a national obsession, a 4-year-old boy, Budhia Singh, became a national celebrity when he attempted to run a 43-mile marathon in May 2006.

But his coach was later charged with torturing the child after Singh's mother said she discovered scars on her son's body. The coach was shot dead last year before the case reached court.

Winter, the child psychologist, said parents need to step up and warn their children of risks they are taking.

''As adults, you have a very important responsibility to oversee more aspects than just the (child's) dream,'' he said. ''I'm not saying children shouldn't have dreams, but sometimes dreams are just dreams.''


Source:http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/08/25/sports/AP-SAI-Netherlands-Young-Sailor.html?_r=2&scp=1&sq=laura%20dekker&st=cse

This is her personal website: http://www.lauradekker.nl/English/Home.html

[oldsoak]

I say send her out. She'll drown or survive. If she drowns , ask her folks it the way she would have wanted to go.
c0cks.

[svendejong]

[quote]The girl and/or the parents just want to get her in the record books, until a twelve year old beats them. Then an 11 year old then a 10 yr old etc.etc...

For me this is safety of the child versus ego/s, and the record, if achieved, shouldn't be recognized.

As for the authorities stepping in, an ounce of prevention and all that.
Can you imagine the outrage if she dies all alone at sea.
And whose Navy will have to risk it's ships and crews to help her in a storm ?

I have respect for the power of an angry ocean, seems some others do not. [\quote]

I agree to the fullest with this.
If she wants to sail the world she can do it when she's older.
The oceans will still be there, she will have more life experience that will help her cope with whatever she encounters on her trip.


And I do have a kid (nr 2 otw in 3 weeks :-) )

[Laconian]

I would allow it if there was a mother ship w/i say an hour's response time to assist in something that goes awry (paid for at the parent's expense) then sure. If they mean letting a 13-yr old sail ALONE around the world, not just no but F**K NO!

And her dismissing concerns by saying she'll be in port every three weeks or so is proof that she isn't ready.

The state has a perfect right to exercise power in this case: it does it all the time by committing those people that demonstrate a lack of ability to care for themselves.

[oldsoak]

I agree. Whenever I describe "freedom" I always assume that it will be practiced by the rational and law abiding, not someone trying to push boundaries or promote anti-social behaviour. Thinking that a 13 year old is going to be safe at sea ( which regularly catches expereinced sailors out ) shows the parents are not taking the risks seriously enough and therefore not being "good" parents. If she goes to sea and gets into trouble, some peeps are going to have to risk themselves to sort her out. Its bad enough if they have to do this for people who work on the sea for a living, nevermind some bird brain on an ego fest.

[CenterMass72]

why are we even discussing this. the dutch gov't was right in stepping in. there is no way in hell that kid is sailing around the world in a 27-foot boat alone.

[Yoram777]

She also had a New Zealand passport,
she said that if she wouldn't be allowed to go here, she would emigrate to NZ and go from there.

Unfortunately for her, the Children’s Commissioner in New-Zealand already warned that she would get problems in NZ as well,
and could expect a similar treatment there as in Holland.

She also had problems in the UK.
She once crossed the channel by herself but the authorities in the English port of Lowesoft wouldn't allow her to sail back alone,
and her father was supposed to come and get her but at first he refused.

She was then temporality placed in an English children's home until her father finally did came to pick her up,
but after that he let her sail back alone anyway..


I think the goverment did the right thing, letting her cross the channel ok, but around the globe at 13? thats that's just too irresponsible.

[oldsoak]

There are also lots of legal issues regarding this. As the sole occupant, she is in charge of the boat, therefore its captain and responsible for everything ragarding that vessel. Whats the legal pov on having a minor in charge of an ocean going vessel on the high seas ?
"sorry I caused a collision, but as I'm a minor you can do feck all to me ?"
No wonder the Dutch authorities say b*llox.

[JJHH]

She also had a New Zealand passport,
she said that if she wouldn't be allowed to go here, she would emigrate to NZ and go from there.


The girl also has a German passport so I wonder what the German authorities would say..

[3rdMillhouse]

By 13 she doesn't even have the slightest clue of a what "globo solo sail" means.

[Bia]

Yeah..... No!

Thirteen year olds fear little... logic is an odd concept at such a young age.

Excellent she has skills... she could try it with supervision and attempt everything herself... with like a chaser boat following close behind... nothing wrong with trying... just not alone.

[2Sheds_Jackson]

I think what people are missing is a metanarrative of the rest of the world and a contextualized understanding of culture and circumstance.

But the rest of the world marries off their girls at 9, starves to death en-masse regularly, has *** with virgins to cure AIDS, butchers albino children and wears their body parts as good luck charms, and generally sh*ts in their own cereal bowl. Yes, given that context, it's difficult to find fault with damn near any dumbass thing that people would like to do. I think that looking to them for cultural guidance puts us all in a one-way race to the bottom.



Is someone a bad parent because they cant afford to send their child to school or feed their child 3 times a day? Who says you have to eat 3 times a day? who says that the only type of education comes from schools? Is someone a bad parent when they homeschool over government school?
Are you going to go to parts of Asia or Africa and take the kids from "bad" parents because they are out working in the fields?

Like you said- it's about context, right? If a parent doesn't have the ability to reduce risk for a child, then we can hardly hold them accountable. But if they do have the ability to reduce that risk - and they choose not to, then yeah, I would call them a bad parent.



Are you saying my parents were "bad" parents because they gave me responsibilities they knew i could handle, freedom that i could respect and trust that was not misplaced?

Maybe they were, I don't know. Parents often put too much responsibility on children. Sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn't. If mom gets tired driving on a long cross country drive - why not let the 11 year old drive for a bit on the highway? Not much traffic - what could happen? What's so hard about following the white line with the cruise control on? Well, it might work out fine, or maybe another driver will do something stupid, the kid will make a bad decision, and might kill them all. There's a reason we have all sorts of laws regarding the personal assumption of risk and liability.

My point is this; kids are not small adults. In addition to the fact that they're not as physically capable as adults, they don't have our mental abilities. They lack the ability to plan, to understand consequences, to make good decisions, and to control impulses to the same level that an adult does. To me, it's hugely irresponsible to put her in a situation where she could be at risk due to those shortcomings.

[chauncy republicans]

To me, it's hugely irresponsible to put her in a situation where she could be at risk due to those shortcomings. So? If your not one of her parents, your just armchair QBing somebody's style of parenting. Go get a job, or a hobby, or something. The situation is nobody's business but the parents, you people are just as bad as royal watchers, and equally insincere might I add, only looking to pass criticism on somebody else so you can feel better about yourselves. I wonder how many of you are obese, and allow your children to lay around fattening up on Dorito's all day long?

[toki]

So? If your not one of her parents, your just armchair QBing somebody's style of parenting. Go get a job, or a hobby, or something. The situation is nobody's business but the parents, you people are just as bad as royal watchers, and equally insincere might I add, only looking to pass criticism on somebody else so you can feel better about yourselves. I wonder how many of you are obese, and allow your children to lay around fattening up on Dorito's all day long?


.......................

[chauncy republicans]

Josef Fritzl = Power hungry socialist government's scapegoat of a lifetime.


CHILDREN!
DON'T TRUST YOUR PARENTS, ONLY YOUR FUHRER...

SPQA

[toki]

Josef Fritzl = Power hungry socialist government's scapegoat of a lifetime.


CHILDREN!
DON'T TRUST YOUR PARENTS, ONLY YOUR FUHRER...

SPQA
..............................

[BigDukaroo]

So? If your not one of her parents, your just armchair QBing somebody's style of parenting. Go get a job, or a hobby, or something. The situation is nobody's business but the parents, you people are just as bad as royal watchers, and equally insincere might I add, only looking to pass criticism on somebody else so you can feel better about yourselves. I wonder how many of you are obese, and allow your children to lay around fattening up on Dorito's all day long?

Nobody's business? If the thirteen year old gets lost at sea, which I guarantee is going to happen, who do you think is going to be paying for the cost of the search & rescue team that will be sent out to look for her? Her parents?

It's everyone's business when she decides to put the lives of others at risk for frivolous reasons.

[Arnie100]

If that happens (God forbid it doesn't), that's when the parents are gonna get slammed for being criminally irresponsible! And then people are gonna wonder how come the Dutch authorities didn't prevent it from happening.

[Dercius]

Kudos to Dutch authorities, no matter what they say about her capabilities and experience, she is only 13, and has no fvcking idea about what really goes on in the real world. If she goes with their parents, its ok for me, but on her own????? what are her parents thinking about??? hyppie trash ;) Just imagine during her journey she arrives to Bangkok or any other place where children are ******ly used and abused by the mafias, then just another one lost never to be heard off again. Is so important for them that she can say she is the youngest one ever to have done it???

[Chulo]

But the rest of the world marries off their girls at 9, starves to death en-masse regularly, has *** with virgins to cure AIDS, butchers albino children and wears their body parts as good luck charms, and generally sh*ts in their own cereal bowl. Yes, given that context, it's difficult to find fault with damn near any dumbass thing that people would like to do. I think that looking to them for cultural guidance puts us all in a one-way race to the bottom.


Well the examples you give happen to be illegal actions. Things happen and people have some screwed up ideas, but it doenst necessary make that culture invalid. We have people in America microwave their kids, it doent mean it is an example of what America is. Given the context of the examples you use, those would not be actions generally accepted by their own society.
So your statement that "The rest of the world" is not true.
And I didnt say we should look to anyone for cultural guidance, though i believe every culture can contribute something and learn something from other cultures

[JJHH]

News on an Australian 16 year old solo sailer who collided with a ship on her first night at sea..




Teenage Australian solo sailor crashes into ship

Crashing a tiny yacht into a massive bulk carrier would seem to be more than just a setback to most people, but not to an Australian teen-ager seeking to become the youngest woman to sail solo around the world. Skip related content

Jessica Watson, 16, was conducting sea trials in her 10-metre (32 foot) yacht when the collision with the ship occurred in the early hours of Wednesday on her first night at sea.

"The whole incident gives me confidence -- wow, I can actually handle this," Watson told reporters. "It could have happened to anyone. I'm unlucky I suppose, but you also learn from it."

The mast and deck of Watson's pink-hulled yacht were damaged but she made it safely back to land.

Investigations were underway to determine why the bulk carrier did not stop, maritime authorities said, but it appeared likely the massive ship had not even seen Watson's tiny boat.

Watson was on her south from northern Queensland state to Sydney when the accident happened. She plans to start her bid to sail 23,000 nautical miles around the world from Sydney.

Her record attempt follows concerns in the Netherlands, where a court last month intervened to stop a 13-year-old girl from attempting to sail solo around the world, placing the girl temporarily under state supervision.

In late August, 17-year-old Briton Mike Perham set a record as the youngest person to sail solo around the globe after he spent nine months at sea.

In July, 17-year-old U.S. sailor Zac Sunderland arrived in Southern California to complete a gruelling 13-month solo circumnavigation.

Despite Watson's setback, her record bid had strong support from Australian around-the-world sailor Ian Kiernan.

"It is good for the community to have these examples of courage and adventure. It can help others lift their standards and ambitions. So I support adventurism," he told Australian television.

Source: http://uk.news.yahoo.com/22/20090909/tsc-uk-australia-yacht-011ccfa.html

[hulaku]

News on an Australian 16 year old solo sailer who collided with a ship on her first night at sea..

Already a thread on that

http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/showthread.php?t=164712

[Gleipnir]

Just read that she has been cleared to sail- and it will be a reality tv show. Go figure.
The camera team will be in a faster boat behind hers along with an experienced sailer.

[tercio67]

She will finish this schoolyear first and then sail.
She came up with this revised plan at the hearing in court, after having been evaluated, that was to determine if she was mentaly capable to undertake this solo trip.
Aparently she was deemed capable, and the revised plan allows for a safety net of sorts.

[JJHH]

She will finish this schoolyear first and then sail.

AFAIK, nothing has been approved yet by court?

[Eye]

From the one side claiming that state has more to tell about children than their parents is completely totalitarian way of thinking, but letting thirteen years old child to sail alone around the world is an exaggeration.

[Eye]

If the thirteen year old gets lost at sea, which I guarantee is going to happen, who do you think is going to be paying for the cost of the search & rescue team that will be sent out to look for her? Her parents?


Do you think that cost of searching for adult sailor lost in the ocean is much lower?

[JJHH]

Do you think that cost of searching for adult sailor lost in the ocean is much lower?

Erhhh, BigDukaroo is referring to the sailing capabilities of a 13 year old which are likely less developed than the capabilities of an experienced adult sailor..

[2Sheds_Jackson]

Just read that she has been cleared to sail- and it will be a reality tv show. Go figure.
The camera team will be in a faster boat behind hers along with an experienced sailer.

Well I'm fine with this arrangement...although it completely negates the accomplishment on her part. Why even bother? Oh yeah, money.

[JJHH]

it completely negates the accomplishment on her part.

I totally agree.

[Macs.]

Well I'm fine with this arrangement...although it completely negates the accomplishment on her part. Why even bother? Oh yeah, money.

That's like saying car races make no sense because everyone is wearing a seat belt. It doesn't really make a difference, does it ? It's not like this is a test of dying.

[Violet Fashion by Mindy]

She should just go and sail anyway and give the guvernment a big FU!

[Eye]

Erhhh, BigDukaroo is referring to the sailing capabilities of a 13 year old which are likely less developed than the capabilities of an experienced adult sailor..
Yes, I know, but some adult person also makes some dangerous attempts to cross new borders of human capabilities. Andrew MaAuley died when he tried to cross Tasman sea in kayak. Isn't it highly probable that somebody sailing through the ocean in kayak will need help of rescue team? Yes it is. So why nobody forbade him to do it?

[JJHH]

That's like saying car races make no sense because everyone is wearing a seat belt. It doesn't really make a difference, does it ? It's not like this is a test of dying.

The public is a bit tricked. For example Michael Perham, the youngest person ever to sail round the world. He was alone on a boat but his father was there just behind him on another boat.

IMO, you qualify for solo sailing if you sail alone; meaning not in a group with another or more boat(s).

[Rossdobby]

Its a tricky issue however if the girl thinks she can do it she has the training and expeirence. Her parents give her permission then I say that the state should have no say. Although i would say she should wait 3 years till she is 16 then she can make an informed decision because you can't jut turn around half way through.

[WKD]

Yes, I know, but some adult person also makes some dangerous attempts to cross new borders of human capabilities. Andrew MaAuley died when he tried to cross Tasman sea in kayak. Isn't it highly probable that somebody sailing through the ocean in kayak will need help of rescue team? Yes it is. So why nobody forbade him to do it?

Well why don't we just let 13 year olds drink, vote, ****, join the army and take legally binding contracts?

THEY'RE JUST LIKE ADULTS. LET'S JUST GENERALISE AWAY ALL PRECISION AND EVERYTHING LOOKS THE SAME.

It's not hard to work out if you could be bothered enough to think it through. Obviously you're not.

[Rossdobby]

Im 19 Still technically a teenager but an adult too. I have had the same mindset I have now since I was 17. I can make good decisions I am task oriented. I set goals and I achieve those goals. Before that time I had my head up my ass I was constantly in trouble at school, home and in public. Poor habits bad grades that sort of thing I always new what the right decision was but for whatever reason I ignored it. I would say i did this to test my self and to gain an identity.

This girl is 13 she is most likely at a higher maturity level then most people her age. The question is if she is physically and emotionally strong enough to do this. She should be allowed to do this if she is evaluated by professionals and found capable. With her parents consent of course. I think they understand the risks its a way of life for these people. I say let her do it.

If she fails? Natural selection at its worst.

[manberries]

A child is told what to do because they are incapable of making their own decisions properly. To imagine this child is able to understand the risk, and all the lifetime she could lose for this stunt, is ridiculous. This is why we have parents. Parents are there to use their greater knowledge to help guide the child due to that child's lack of experience and knowledge.

I am a 100% supporter of keeping the parents in power of their child, and reducing government influence on that child as much as possible. However, certain situations require government support or intervention. The real issue here is, are those parents truly right minded and sane in their declaration that the child is prepared for such a trip. I cannot take one side or the other without knowledge of the parents. Perhaps only they can see this child's true potentional and are correct to believe she is capable of the feat. Yet, it is also equally likely these parents desire the fame, fortune, and stardom their child could bring them from such an act. Need I remind us all of child pageant mothers? If the parents are truly sincere, I must say allow the child to do so. Without such risk and daring few things we enjoy today would exist. Sure, her trip won't personally bring about much, but maybe she will inspire another young person make a risky but great invention. Although, should the parents be clearly (for a lack of a better word, evil) then the Government is in the right to preserve this child's safety. Actually, the only argument I have trouble with (should we assume the first is the truth) is the lost school time. That one makes my opinion much harder to claim. I am left on the fence due to that argument alone.

[khukuri]

Ive seen people at that age and younger doing some crazy dangerous **** that required more skill, judgement and experience than many professional athletes could do themselves.


People are judging to much by their own abilities at that age, some people simply cant accept that there are people who have attained special skills and abilities further than their own. There is no "magic" limit of when you are old enough to make decisions, that's just some made up bs. Of course its less likely that you do at that age but with proper traning, if you know what you are doing you do, whether you are ten or twenty. Im not saying that this girls knows what she is doing, I dont know that, what I do know is that disqualifying her based on her age is not right.


By 13 she doesn't even have the slightest clue of a what "globo solo sail" means.

Maybe when you were 13 you had limited understanding of things, doesn't mean that she had same problem as you. She is a skilled sailor, are you?


To imagine this child is able to understand the risk, and all the lifetime she could lose for this stunt, is ridiculous.



Why is it ridicules, when I was 13 and did extreme sports I understood fully what I was doing and the consequences of it. Just because you are 13 doesnt mean you are retarded, if you know what you are doing and are skilled age matters little. Ive seen younger climbing wizzkids taking much sounder and safer decisions than some people in my old uni club. She is 13, she is not deciding public policy, raising kids or getting marries, she is doing one isolated activity that requires extreme skill and judgement of weather etc.


GO GIRL KICK ASS

[Universal_Soldier]

I heard that was a secrete ploy to catch Roman Polanski, but now that he's caught no need for the girl to go sailing. :)

[digrar]

That's like saying car races make no sense because everyone is wearing a seat belt. It doesn't really make a difference, does it ? It's not like this is a test of dying.

It's a massive safety net. Having a support boat takes away more than half of the mental element of the lone sailor against the elements. Yeah it will still be a huge achievement for her, but in my opinion it's a non event compared to other kids who have gone and done it by themselves, even if they were a couple of years older.

[WKD]

Ive seen people at that age and younger doing some crazy dangerous **** that required more skill, judgement and experience than many professional athletes could do themselves.


People are judging to much by their own abilities at that age, some people simply cant accept that there are people who have attained special skills and abilities further than their own. There is no "magic" limit of when you are old enough to make decisions, that's just some made up bs. Of course its less likely that you do at that age but with proper traning, if you know what you are doing you do, whether you are ten or twenty. Im not saying that this girls knows what she is doing, I dont know that, what I do know is that disqualifying her based on her age is not right.



Maybe when you were 13 you had limited understanding of things, doesn't mean that she had same problem as you. She is a skilled sailor, are you?





Why is it ridicules, when I was 13 and did extreme sports I understood fully what I was doing and the consequences of it. Just because you are 13 doesnt mean you are retarded, if you know what you are doing and are skilled age matters little. Ive seen younger climbing wizzkids taking much sounder and safer decisions than some people in my old uni club. She is 13, she is not deciding public policy, raising kids or getting marries, she is doing one isolated activity that requires extreme skill and judgement of weather etc.


GO GIRL KICK ASS

You're right, I'll let my 13 year old run with the bulls in Paloma.

GO GIRL KICK ASS! OTHERWISE YOU'RE ****ING DEAD, YEAH THAT'S RIGHT, YOU'D BETTER RUN.

Sublime to the ridiculous. You're definitely at the wrong end of the scale.

[2Sheds_Jackson]

Well the examples you give happen to be illegal actions. Things happen and people have some screwed up ideas, but it doenst necessary make that culture invalid. We have people in America microwave their kids, it doent mean it is an example of what America is. Given the context of the examples you use, those would not be actions generally accepted by their own society.
So your statement that "The rest of the world" is not true.
And I didnt say we should look to anyone for cultural guidance, though i believe every culture can contribute something and learn something from other cultures

Those are examples of mine are from indigenous cultures existing within other cultures that have been imposed from outside. Those acts I mentioned are certainly not "illegal" in those traditional cultures, they're time tested, and still widely practiced by the people even though they may be against a law that somebody else wrote.


That's like saying car races make no sense because everyone is wearing a seat belt. It doesn't really make a difference, does it ? It's not like this is a test of dying.

Racing is definitely a test of not dying. Risk matters. It's why we care at all.

Hey, I can go do a sh*tty ass lap in an F1 car on an empty track, and I'd be willing to do it this weekend. But I sure as hell couldn't win a race,and I wouldn't be willing to try. If I had to go that fast, I'd definitely bend something...probably myself.

Risk is everything in these firsts. Risk and danger is why every tom **** and harry hasn't done it yet. As it is now this girl is gonna go do a nice slow lap in an F1 car with a chase car behind her that can put the brakes on by remote control...whooptie friggin doo. :|

[Abschaum]

How will she go to school?

[Difool]

How will she go to school?

She would have to take a year off.
On the other hand she would learn other important things a school cannot teach.

[Eye]

You're right, I'll let my 13 year old run with the bulls in Paloma.


Like khukuri has wrote not every 13 years old has the same skills and level of maturity. I have read that she has spent almost all his life on sailing with her parents, so she is much more experienced sailor than most of adult Sunday yachtsmen.

[WKD]

Like khukuri has wrote not every 13 years old has the same skills and level of maturity. I have read that she has spent almost all his life on sailing with her parents, so she is much more experienced sailor than most of adult Sunday yachtsmen.

And you missed the point. Well done.

So I'll ask you, why wouldn't you let your 13 year old run with the bulls? They're fit, they have a lot of experience running and they're aware of the risks.

My friends have all hunted from a young age. They should have been allowed to join the army at 13.

Kids have different levels of maturity. I see no reason why a 12 year old girl can't get married if her parents allow it.

This is all exactly the same as BMX racing of course. Some kids have more skill and experience.

The post of yours that I originally replied to was


Yes, I know, but some adult person also makes some dangerous attempts to cross new borders of human capabilities. Andrew MaAuley died when he tried to cross Tasman sea in kayak. Isn't it highly probable that somebody sailing through the ocean in kayak will need help of rescue team? Yes it is. So why nobody forbade him to do it?

So, why do you think?

Try really hard now. You can do it.

[Eye]

So, why do you think?

Try really hard now. You can do it.
It's not easy issue to establish at what age we become adult and responsible. John A. Fisher joined Royal Navy when he was 13 years old and it wasn't rare those times. I suppose it was even much more dangerous task than solitary oceanic cruise on modern yacht.
And even if she is not able to make such decision on her own she has her parents permission, and who if not parents has the best knowledge about their child capabilities.

[eskachig]

John A. Fisher joined Royal Navy when he was 13 years old and it wasn't rare those times. I suppose it was even much more dangerous task than solitary oceanic cruise on modern yacht.Most likely not actually, and anyhow there was a culture of that at the time, young people had structure, other young people, and were closely mentored at all times.

This isn't just very very unsafe (about as safe as letting a 13 year old hitchhike her way around the US for a year), but it will also affect her development and social skills dramatically. Hell, even home schooled kids often have trouble.

And even if she is not able to make such decision on her own she has her parents permission, and who if not parents has the best knowledge about their child capabilities.The very fact that every civilized nation has a plethora of agencies dealing with these issues should tell you that parents are not always ready or willing to make the best decisions for their children.

[manberries]

Ive seen people at that age and younger doing some crazy dangerous **** that required more skill, judgement and experience than many professional athletes could do themselves.


People are judging to much by their own abilities at that age, some people simply cant accept that there are people who have attained special skills and abilities further than their own. There is no "magic" limit of when you are old enough to make decisions, that's just some made up bs. Of course its less likely that you do at that age but with proper traning, if you know what you are doing you do, whether you are ten or twenty. Im not saying that this girls knows what she is doing, I dont know that, what I do know is that disqualifying her based on her age is not right.



Maybe when you were 13 you had limited understanding of things, doesn't mean that she had same problem as you. She is a skilled sailor, are you?





Why is it ridicules, when I was 13 and did extreme sports I understood fully what I was doing and the consequences of it. Just because you are 13 doesnt mean you are retarded, if you know what you are doing and are skilled age matters little. Ive seen younger climbing wizzkids taking much sounder and safer decisions than some people in my old uni club. She is 13, she is not deciding public policy, raising kids or getting marries, she is doing one isolated activity that requires extreme skill and judgement of weather etc.


GO GIRL KICK ASS


Well, I am glad and all that you have such a high opinion of yourself as a child. However, just like any other child you were not doing extreme sports, but being an idiot for a rush that you didn't understand. You were not life prophet at age 13, nor are you now.

[eskachig]

Well, I am glad and all that you have such a high opinion of yourself as a child. However, just like any other child you were not doing extreme sports, but being an idiot for a rush that you didn't understand. You were not life prophet at age 13, nor are you now.There are some young teenagers performing amazing feats, actually. And even this girl - I don't doubt her actual ability to pull this off, a lifetime on the seas probably gave her plenty of skill. It's still a bad idea, and I think the child services people were right in this case.

[khukuri]

Well, I am glad and all that you have such a high opinion of yourself as a child. However, just like any other child you were not doing extreme sports, but being an idiot for a rush that you didn't understand. You were not life prophet at age 13, nor are you now.

13 years later Im doing the exact same things I did back then for the exact same reasons. Its called adventure and fun, and not necessarily for the adrenalin rush which is something people like you, ignorant from these activities think people like me always do it for. Its far more complex than that, sailing around the world or climbing isnt some jackass activity you find on mtv.

But hey, ignorance is bliss

[manberries]

There are some young teenagers performing amazing feats, actually. And even this girl - I don't doubt her actual ability to pull this off, a lifetime on the seas probably gave her plenty of skill. It's still a bad idea, and I think the child services people were right in this case.

My point was never about the lack of skill to do this feat. My point was the lack of the 13 year old child to have the knowledge and experience to properly make such a huge decision. As seen in my post before last, this was my reasoning why someone other than the child must make the decision. I also specifically cited the reality of inspirational figures pulling of great and dangerous feats early in life. It is not that I fully agree that she should not be allowed to do so, but only that she cannot make this decision on her own. I can't imagine anyone in their right mind would think that she is ready for such a decision. Perhaps khukuri also things she is wise enough to smoke, drink, and have *** with older men as well.

[Connaught Ranger]

It's not easy issue to establish at what age we become adult and responsible. John A. Fisher joined Royal Navy when he was 13 years old and it wasn't rare those times. I suppose it was even much more dangerous task than solitary oceanic cruise on modern yacht.
And even if she is not able to make such decision on her own she has her parents permission, and who if not parents has the best knowledge about their child capabilities.

Even so, John A. Fisher was part of a unit, and not off swanning around the world on his lonesome. He would have been given extensive training and supervision over his duties. Boy soldiers and sailors were a common phenomenon in those times.

[Connaught Ranger]

Just read that she has been cleared to sail- and it will be a reality tv show. Go figure.
The camera team will be in a faster boat behind hers along with an experienced sailer.

Then she is not sailing alone.

[brainplay]

So I'll ask you, why wouldn't you let your 13 year old run with the bulls? They're fit, they have a lot of experience running and they're aware of the risks.

A fit 13yr old and a fit 18yr old are a wide range apart in strength and body development. Running a sailboat for a gist around the coast is one thing. Tacking in a storm or pulling yourself back into the boat in rough seas only by your lifeline are neither easy nor safe for well developed and fit adults.


My friends have all hunted from a young age. They should have been allowed to join the army at 13. Kids have different levels of maturity. I see no reason why a 12 year old girl can't get married if her parents allow it.

Hunting is no where near the same as the military. Is your 13yr old friend carrying a flak, SAPI, 2days hydration and food, and a full ammuntion load for his weapon in full dozens of kilometers? Didn't think so.


Boy soldiers and sailors were a common phenomenon in those times.

If you look at history notes you'll also notice their service was heavily regulated. 13yr old boy infantrymen and able bodied seamen were a rarity. 13yr old messengers, assistants, drummers and other "light duty" jobs were very common.

[WKD]

It's not easy issue to establish at what age we become adult and responsible. John A. Fisher joined Royal Navy when he was 13 years old and it wasn't rare those times. I suppose it was even much more dangerous task than solitary oceanic cruise on modern yacht.
And even if she is not able to make such decision on her own she has her parents permission, and who if not parents has the best knowledge about their child capabilities.

Ha. The Royal Navy is/was a structured, regulated military hierarchy were he would have been under constant supervision and a lot of mentoring. And given that Fischer would have gone to sea in a military vessel with a couple of hundred other people on board it's pretty much the exact opposite of what this girl is doing.


A fit 13yr old and a fit 18yr old are a wide range apart in strength and body development. Running a sailboat for a gist around the coast is one thing. Tacking in a storm or pulling yourself back into the boat in rough seas only by your lifeline are neither easy nor safe for well developed and fit adults.

Hunting is no where near the same as the military. Is your 13yr old friend carrying a flak, SAPI, 2days hydration and food, and a full ammuntion load for his weapon in full dozens of kilometers? Didn't think so.

If you look at history notes you'll also notice their service was heavily regulated. 13yr old boy infantrymen and able bodied seamen were a rarity. 13yr old messengers, assistants, drummers and other "light duty" jobs were very common.

Yeah I know. You're actually agreeing with me. Go back and read all my posts and you'll see it. Context is a great thing.


13 years later Im doing the exact same things I did back then for the exact same reasons. Its called adventure and fun, and not necessarily for the adrenalin rush which is something people like you, ignorant from these activities think people like me always do it for. Its far more complex than that, sailing around the world or climbing isnt some jackass activity you find on mtv.

But hey, ignorance is bliss

So what exactly where these extreme sports of yours? I am fascinated to here about it. Like wrestling bears and stuff?

[khukuri]

It is not that I fully agree that she should not be allowed to do so, but only that she cannot make this decision on her own. I can't imagine anyone in their right mind would think that she is ready for such a decision. Perhaps khukuri also things she is wise enough to smoke, drink, and have *** with older men as well.


Her parents have made that decision for her, they think she is capable and know her better than the government does. They probably also know more about sailing then the officials that banned the kid from going.

Your comparison with smoking, drinking and having *** is faulty. Of course she is not mature to make decisions like that. That is linked with maturity and life experience. How to sail a boat, if she is skilled and smart enough is not. Two very very different things.



So what exactly where these extreme sports of yours? I am fascinated to here about it. Like wrestling bears and stuff?

Almost, wrestling bears all over the world, solo. Point is, if you are doing an isolated activity, and your skills and experience is enough... You dont need to be wise and mature in all aspects.

[WKD]

Your comparison with smoking, drinking and having *** is faulty. Of course she is not mature to make decisions like that. That is linked with maturity and life experience. How to sail a boat, if she is skilled and smart enough is not. Two very very different things.

Almost, wrestling bears all over the world, solo. Point is, if you are doing an isolated activity, and your skills and experience is enough... You dont need to be wise and mature in all aspects.

No, it's not faulty It's an example of how and why government has the power to limit the activities of minors. To prevent exploitation and damage to those who are limited in their competancy.You're trying to tell me that sailing solo around the world is different to *** and drugs and rock and roll because it only requires skill, not maturity and experience, while at the same time saying she should be able to go because actually she has maturity and experience. Interesting approach, it must be nice to be able to think in right angles like that.

And no, that's not a point at all. Sailing around the world alone is an isolated activity with extremely high personal risk and the sea kills all the time. It's hard to breath water. The isolation is not a supporting factor to your argument, if you have one, because that isolation is one of the factors that greatly increases the risk. See how that works? Maybe not.

And what were your extreme sports mate? I'd be interested in knowing because apparently your 'extreme sports' as a youth means that everyone who disagrees with her trip is an old fuddy-duddy, because it seems that the xtremeness of these sports is exactly equivalent to the risk of solo circumnavigation, ergo she should be able to travel because hell, you did extreme sports. That is your argument isn't it?

[khukuri]

No, it's not faulty It's an example of how and why government has the power to limit the activities of minors. To prevent exploitation and damage to those who are limited in their competancy.You're trying to tell me that sailing solo around the world is different to *** and drugs and rock and roll because it only requires skill, not maturity and experience, while at the same time saying she should be able to go because actually she has maturity and experience. Interesting approach, it must be nice to be able to think in right angles like that.


Semantics... your playing with words.

Decisions regarding the taking or non taking of alcohol, drugs and house mortgages requires skills and maturity that a 13 year old doesn't have because of their age. Sailing, isnt a skill that is necessarily limited by age. With enough experience from sailing trips and training a 13 year can (perhaps) learn enough to do her thing.

Comparing sailing with decision on taking and alcohol and *** is a void example. Two very different things.





And what were your extreme sports mate? I'd be interested in knowing because apparently your 'extreme sports' as a youth means that everyone who disagrees with her trip is an old fuddy-duddy, because it seems that the xtremeness of these sports is exactly equivalent to the risk of solo circumnavigation, ergo she should be able to travel because hell, you did extreme sports.That is your argument isn't it?

You sure like to twist my words in oblivion. I never said I took any risks compared to or did any great things like sail the world solo. My point was to show that at 13 you arent necessarily a retard that cant take own decision or to young to do dangerous activity.

The only things you said right is the old fuddy duddy part, that was spot on. Some of you really cant differentiate between taking decisions and taking decisions. She not going to decide public policy or raise kids, she is a hardcore sailor that "probably" knows her shyte and going to do a hardcore trip. End of story

[OrangeWolf]

Every time I see her on TV I have to say she sounds really mature for her age. But why can't she just finish school, and meanwhile do stuff like sailing to England during the holidays.

[AgentX]

I, an individualist, admire her courage and insist that she pursue her own dreams, not tied down by social creed and stigmata created for and by averages.

[JJHH]

Every time I see her on TV I have to say she sounds really mature for her age. But why can't she just finish school, and meanwhile do stuff like sailing to England during the holidays.

It's the attention my friend..

[tercio67]

How will she go to school?

There is a 'distance-learning' programme available trough sattelite coomms for Dutch children abroad. She aims to use it.

And,

As for her ability to complete her undertaking, she already sailed around the world with her parents. This time she wants to do it alone. Her yourney will be in 'legs' with support in every harbor she enters.

She has been evaluated by experienced sailors that have undertaken similar yourneys for her technical ability.
She has been evaluated by psycologists to determine if she can cope with being alone and the inevitable stress.

The court has ruled that there are no reasons to stop her.

And for finishing school first and then sailing around the world at 18 or so, it is not compatible with her goal to be the youngest to sail around the world.

She will finish this schoolyear and set sail at 14 and finish at 15.
All of you so against this undertaking will probably watch it on tv, slumped on your couch, thinking of the things you didn't do.

[JJHH]

The court has ruled that there are no reasons to stop her.


That development is new to me. Could you show me your source?

[tercio67]

That development is new to me. Could you show me your source?

Mea culpa

After checking it, and re-reading :oops: , the court on monday heard all parties, but took no immediate decision.
The actual ruling will be friday.

[oldsoak]

If a 13 year old is judged to have maturity enough to sail around the world, why is there a problem with child soldiers in the west ?

[Wahnsinn]

If a 13 year old is judged to have maturity enough to sail around the world, why is there a problem with child soldiers in the west ?

Because putting a child in a high risk, high pressure situation that they might not be emotionally ready for is wrong. Wait. . .

Child soldiers and sailing around the world have very little in common. Asking a child to take someones life isn't the same as letting them sail a boat.

[JJHH]

Asking a child to take someones life isn't the same as letting them sail a boat.

Well technically speaking, it is much easier to pull a trigger than to pull three sails..

[Wahnsinn]

Well technically speaking, it is much easier to pull a trigger than to pull three sails..

I didn't mention ease. p-)

[California Joe]

As a parent of a 17 year old and a 14 year old I would have a problem with it. That's just my personal opinion. I agree that she sounds like a driven ambitious person. Good for her. There is plenty of time for grand things from her. She should enjoy being a child.

[manberries]

Her parents have made that decision for her, they think she is capable and know her better than the government does. They probably also know more about sailing then the officials that banned the kid from going.

Your comparison with smoking, drinking and having *** is faulty. Of course she is not mature to make decisions like that. That is linked with maturity and life experience. How to sail a boat, if she is skilled and smart enough is not. Two very very different things.



Almost, wrestling bears all over the world, solo. Point is, if you are doing an isolated activity, and your skills and experience is enough... You dont need to be wise and mature in all aspects.

Pause. "Parents made decision for her...Parents know her better than the Government does". 100% my entire opinion and argument. Parents do know their child better, and so long as an experienced and right minded adult was able to make the rational choice I am all good for it. The school issue still stands, but that is much more of a foggy thing for me than a black and white as was my previous point.

[sujithkochi]

the question is, where do we draw the line?

what if she is allowed and the next time, a 12 year old wants to do the same, to be the youngest person to do solo around the world and the kid's parents are also supportive?

[manberries]

As long as they are sane and it is reasonable that the child truly does that have that skill and strength them go for it. The biggest reason why it is not such a bad thing is that she won't actually be alone. One of the greatest hardships of sailing is the loneliness. Since they are making a reality show about it, she should have support during the entire thing. Better medicine, better food means children stronger and more capable at younger ages.

[JJHH]

Pause. "Parents made decision for her...Parents know her better than the Government does". 100% my entire opinion and argument. Parents do know their child better, and so long as an experienced and right minded adult was able to make the rational choice I am all good for it.

Wait a minute. Ik keep reading in this thread that her parents approve this. Let me get this straight.

Her parents are divorced and the mother doesn't want her to go because she's to young. The mother also doubts whether it's Laura's own idea to sail around the world and believes that her ex-husband has been pushing her daughter to undertake the journey.

Source (in Dutch):
http://www.volkskrant.nl/binnenland/article1285662.ece/Laura_is_gewoon_nog_niet_volwassen

[tercio67]

A Dutch judge has decided that strong-willed teenage sailor Laura Dekker will remain a ward of court at least until the end of the current schoolyear in July. For the time being, this puts the lid on 14-year old Laura's attempt to become the youngest girl to sail the world alone.

article;
http://www.rnw.nl/english/article/judge-blocks-solo-sailing-attempt-14-year-old-laura

and;
http://www.nrc.nl/international/article2401066.ece/Court_rejects_teenagers_round-the-world_sailing_trip

[Connaught Ranger]

Dutch girl missing after thwarted global sail trip.

1 hour 43 mins ago
http://l.yimg.com/i/i/uk/ne/reute.jpg (http://uk.rd.yahoo.com/*******online/SIG=114rh0n4s/**http%3A%2F%2Fwww.*******.co.uk%2F)

Buzz Up!
Print Story (http://uk.news.yahoo.com/22/20091220/tts-uk-dutch-sailor-ca02f96.html?printer=1)


A Dutch teenager who was stopped by welfare authorities from trying to become the youngest person to solo sail the globe has gone missing from her father's home, police said on Sunday.

Skip related content (http://uk.news.yahoo.com/22/20091220/tts-uk-dutch-sailor-ca02f96.html#ynw-article-part2)

Police spokesman Bernhard Jens said relatives in the city of Utrecht had reported Laura Dekker, 14, missing on Friday and authorities in nearby countries had been alerted to her disappearance and asked to monitor airports.

Jens added Dekker's boat was believed to be still moored at its usual place, but Dekker has left her father's home.

"We are concerned because she is 14-years-old and she has to come home," Jens said.

Laura, who was born on her parents' boat in New Zealand (http://uk.news.yahoo.com/fc/australia-new-zealand.html) and spent the first four years of her life at sea, had intended to start a two-year solo voyage on September 1 when she was still 13.

Her plans had captured media attention around the world, but a court blocked her departure and placed her under state supervision, saying the trip posed risks to Dekker's safety.

(Reporting by Aaron Gray-Block)Connaught Ranger.

[Gleipnir]

According to different Dutch newspapers she has taken €3500 and has also left behind a note. Police haven't confirmed these details.
However, her boat hasn't gone anywhere.

[JJHH]

Word is that she became "depressed" when she was blocked.. talking about "mental stability"..

[Connaught Ranger]

All the more reason this little cow was not allowed to do what she wanted, hopefully she will be caught and locked up for her own good.

[AgentX]

She hasn't harmed anyone. Obsessed, but certainly not a threat or a lunatic.

[Connaught Ranger]

She hasn't harmed anyone yet. Obsessed, but certainly not a threat or a lunatic yet.

Fixed it for yaa!!

Any way she will be taken into care when located so its the equiv of a kiddy prison.

[Eye]

She hasn't harmed anyone. Obsessed, but certainly not a threat or a lunatic.
Exactly - I can't see any reason to lock her up - at least not in free country.

[Connaught Ranger]

http://www.rnw.nl/english/article/judge-blocks-solo-sailing-attempt-14-year-old-laura
A Dutch judge has decided that strong-willed teenage sailor Laura Dekker will remain a ward of court at least until the end of the current schoolyear in July. For the time being, this puts the lid on 14-year-old Laura's attempt to become the youngest girl to sail the world alone.
Listen: Laura Dekker's Spokeswoman, Mariska Woertman, speaking to RNW

Laura told Dutch TV earlier this week that she wants to finish her schoolyear anyway before setting off. Yet she said through a spokesperson that she is disappointed about the decision. The national Child Protection Council had asked for the court supervision to be extended because it considers a solo journey across the seven seas too dangerous for the girl. The young sailor's father, himself an experienced yachtsman, approves of his daughter's plan. Her mother initially agreed, but later retraced her steps and expressed her concerns.

Doubts continue

The court in the city of Utrecht earlier confirmed the Agency's reservations about Laura's adventurous plans and blocked her departure in August. The judge ordered the Child Protection Council and a child psychologist to investigate Laura en her parents. The outcome of this scrutiny failed to convince the judge that the journey would be safe. "There are insufficient guarantees for safety, and the arrangements for Laura's continued education are too vague. These factors constitute a threat to Laura's safety and to her development, which are sufficient grounds not to let her begin her trip," the judge said on Friday.

Laura's lawyer Peter de Lange is optimistic about meeting the court's objections, pointing out that they are practical in nature. "Laura will follow a First Aid course, gain extra sailing experience, and her ship will be fitted with even more equipment," Mr De Lange said. Laura's team also suggested a second ship, manned by an experienced sailor, could accompany her along the entire journey.
The youngest girl to sail single-handedly around the world is Australian Jessica Watson. She is 16 and currently crossing the Pacific in an easterly direction, passing Fiji and Samoa.
Laura Dekker (ANP Photo)




http://www.rnw.nl/data/files/imagecache/favolist-3/images/lead/290809%20Laura%20Dekker%20ANP-10671932.jpg (http://www.rnw.nl/data/files/images/lead/290809%20Laura%20Dekker%20ANP-10671932.jpg)

As far as I am aware a "ward of the court" is restricted to where and when they may go, they can even be held in a childrens home or if the need be secure accommodation.

She certainly has not helped her cause by taking over e3,000 and running away at the age of 14. It can be perceived she is a danger to herself by her actions, but again it will be up to the Dutch Social Services to take action.

Connaught Ranger.

[RSone]

Just on the news: she's on St. Maarten, police have detained her, awaiting a return to here.
I'm curious as to how a minor, especially this particular one, succeeded in buying a ticket out of the country...

[Arnie100]

^^OK, well, that settles it for me! No trips for her, I guess.

[Kaplanr]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091222/ap_on_re_eu/eu_netherlands_young_sailor

Young sailor Dekker's dreams dashed

By MIKE CORDER, Associated Press Writer – 1 hr 8 mins ago
THE HAGUE, Netherlands – Just four months ago Laura Dekker was a carefree 13-year-old with an extraordinary dream — to become the youngest person to sail solo around the world. On Tuesday, police hauled her home — clutching a suitcase and guitar — from a mystery trip to the Caribbean, and child care workers sought to remove her from her father's custody.
Dutch judges scuppered Laura's dream in August when they ruled she was too inexperienced to set off in a sailboat on her own. They came to the same conclusion in a second judgment in October, and appointed a guardian to ensure she did not try to set sail anyway.
The decisions, and the media attention surrounding them, sent Laura into a downward spiral that is thought to have led to her running away from home last week and flying, apparently alone, 5,000 miles (8,000 kilometers) to the Dutch Caribbean territory of St. Maarten.
Police are investigating how she managed to get there via Paris with euro3,500 ($5,000) in cash and why she left in the first place. European rules bar children from flying alone on intercontinental flights without permission from a parent. Police interviewed Laura on Tuesday as soon as she landed at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport, but gave no details of what she told them. Laura's lawyer Peter de Lange later told reporters that she sidestepped the European regulations by flying out of Paris on her New Zealand passport. Laura has dual nationality because she was born on a boat in New Zealand while her parents were sailing around the world.

Police are investigating whether she got help boarding the plane. "I don't think she did it alone, but we are not sure," said police spokesman Bernhard Jens. He declined to elaborate and said police had no immediate plans to interview her father, who is divorced from Laura's mother. A family spokeswoman complained that Laura's lawyer was not present for the questioning. De Lange spoke as he waited for a court's decision on youth welfare workers' request to remove Laura from her father's home. He said Laura planned to spend the night at friends of the family.

Laura's grandparents on her father's side blame welfare workers for transforming her. "Since the Bureau of Youth Care got involved, we have seen Laura change from a positive teenager into a child who has built a shield around herself and lost all trust in adults, " **** and Riek Dekker wrote in a letter published Tuesday in the Dutch press.
The letter offered a rare glimpse behind the scenes of a family that has wrapped itself in privacy even while Laura's risky quest ignited worldwide debate about the extent to which parents should allow youngsters to pursue their dangerous dreams. Even in the Netherlands, where liberal parenting is the norm, Laura, now 14, was widely seen as too young to embark on the voyage. The case became a public sensation when child welfare authorities read about Laura's plans in the media and asked Utrecht District Court for an injunction preventing her setting sail.

Life under sail is second nature to the blonde girl born on a boat in New Zealand. Judges examining her case have repeatedly said that nobody questions her sailing ability. On her Web site, Laura says she was sailing a small dinghy across a local lake single-handed when she was six and alone up the Dutch coast and around inland canals when she was 10 — encountering more problems with lock keepers than with battling bad weather.
Even so, the farthest she sailed alone to prepare for her round-the-world voyage was across the North Sea to southeastern Britain and back.

In October, judges said they were so concerned about her ability to cope with the grueling trip that setting sail then would have formed "a serious threat to the child's interests," even though Laura had arranged to have an experienced sailor shadow her throughout her trip. They put her voyage on ice at least until July 2010, and told her to improve her preparations — at the time, she had not taken a first aid course or practiced sleep management techniques essential for a single-handed sailor who can only snatch quick naps throughout the voyage. They also appointed a Bureau of Youth Care guardian to discuss any important decisions about Laura's life with her father. Under Dutch law, Laura is considered a minor until she is 18. The court had said in July that the father realized the dangers of Laura's plans and the necessity to take precautions. "The way he brings up Laura has prompted fierce public debate, but does not mean he is a bad parent," the court wrote.

Laura lives with her father. Her mother has grudgingly given her permission for her to sail, but only if she is convinced her daughter has taken all necessary precautions. The court's refusals to let her sail hit Laura hard, and left her with a "gut feeling" that judges again would prevent her from launching next year as well, her spokeswoman Mariska Woertman said. "For her it was a big disappointment that the judges wouldn't let her go," Woertman said. "For a child of 14 years old it's probably a bit difficult to grasp."

The youngest person to sail solo around the world is 17-year-old Mike Perham of Britain. Australian 16-year-old Jessica Watson, is currently trying to beat Perham's record.
Shortly after he grabbed the record in August, Perham put Laura's quest in perspective.
"It's whether she's got the physical strength, the mental strength and the technical ability," he said. "You know, can she strip an engine blindfolded? You know, can she build boats? Is she an electrician? Is she a mechanic as well? Because you can't just be a sailor to do a trip like this."

[Dercius]

****ing spoiled kid. Lock her up and her hippie parents. Breaking the rules only because it doesnt suit them. Sure their parents had something to do in her little escape.

[3rdMillhouse]

She's in need of a good can of whoop-ass. That's what happens when you over encourage your kids.

[Stefan850]

Best of luck to her in her endeavours.

[RSone]

Clear cut case of f'ed up parenting. She's 14 for crying out loud, and she and everyone supporting this endevour should be bloody well aware of that. Like Mike Perham said, it takes more than being a good sailor to get around the world on your lonesome, and i doubt that someone that young knows everything required as well as having any grasp on how monumental this would be. Besides that, she's legally bound to follow an education untill she's 18, and i don't think some distance learning plan would work out very well.
I was taught how to mountainbike and roadcycle by my dad, and he taught me everything necesary to maintain my equipment. It enables me to grab my bikes and go ride by myself 'in the middle of nowhere' because i know i can fix my stuff, bar some catastrophic failure... If laura can't do that, it'll be a looooong while before any help arrives when she's in the middle of the pacific.
If she truly wants do it, i say she finishes her high school and starts to really prepare(as in get an understanding of the inner workings of a generator,EPIRB, develop muscle strength, navigate on open water without reference points, etc, etc.) so she'll be able to go when she turns 18. Her parents, and especially her dad, need to be psychologically evaluated. It's sheer lunacy to think this child is ready for this endeavour, especially seeing her propensity to run away from her problems, something she won't be able to do when she's all by her self, on a boat, in the middle of nowhere.

[3rdMillhouse]

I say let her go, if she's that damned stupid I say we let mother nature and darwinism take care of her. If she comes back alive, props to her, her genes are worthy of being passed on; on the other hand, if gets kidnapped by pirates and spends the last few days of her life being raped............

[RSone]

I say let her go, if she's that damned stupid I say we let mother nature and darwinism take care of her. If she comes back alive, props to her, her genes are worthy of being passed on; on the other hand, if gets kidnapped by pirates and spends the last few days of her life being raped............

We would have to send the KCT/BBE and she would end up costing the taxpayer a lot of money.
She can go once the law considers her an adult.

[XShipRider]

13 is too young to make a decision of this magnitude. Many very mature, highly experienced people have attempted this feat only to fail. Many more have died or disappeared in the attempt. That's enough in my book to block her from leaving port.

The parents should have wasted little oxygen in explaining the situation to her. How sad it is the State had to intervene at all.

[Arnie100]

Heh, I'm sure it was the parents that bought her that plane ticket...

[RSone]

Heh, I'm sure it was the parents that bought her that plane ticket...
Her dad most likely, since her mom is apparently none to happy with the whole thing.

[Connaught Ranger]

http://uk.news.yahoo.com/22/20091223/tts-uk-dutch-sailor-ca02f96.html


Dutch teenage sailor can stay with father.


30 mins ago
http://l.yimg.com/i/i/uk/ne/reute.jpg (http://uk.rd.yahoo.com/*******online/SIG=114rh0n4s/**http%3A%2F%2Fwww.*******.co.uk%2F)

Buzz Up!
Print Story (http://uk.news.yahoo.com/22/20091223/tts-uk-dutch-sailor-ca02f96.html?printer=1)


A Dutch court allowed teenage sailor Laura Dekker to stay in her father's care on Wednesday after her return to the Netherlands following her disappearance last week. Skip related content (http://uk.news.yahoo.com/22/20091223/tts-uk-dutch-sailor-ca02f96.html#ynw-article-part2)

(http://uk.news.yahoo.com/22/20091223/tts-uk-dutch-sailor-ca02f96.html#ynw-article-part2)
Dekker, 14, went missing last Thursday after welfare authorities thwarted her attempt to become the youngest person to sail single-handed around the world. She was found on St. Martin in the Dutch Antilles and was flown home on Tuesday.


(Reporting by Aaron Gray-Block; Editing by Louise Ireland (http://uk.news.yahoo.com/ireland.html))


Connaught Ranger.

[RSone]

dumb move. her father is a bad influence imo.

[RSone]

So, apparently Laura doesn't have much of a fighting spirit........
From the Algemeen Dagblad site:
http://www.ad.nl/ad/nl/1039/Utrecht/article/detail/452750/2009/12/24/Zeilmeisje-Laura-wilde-voor-altijd-weg-uit-Nederland.dhtml


Utrecht- When Sailing girl(I hate that term, who makes this crap up?) Laura Dekker boarded the plane to Sint Maarten last week, she had only one goal: To never return. This from a letter to her father, which has come into possesion of the AD.

Laura Dekker(14) wanted to leave the Netherlands forever last week(literal translation would be to turn her back on the country forever) as reads a letter to her father, just before she left.
"Dear dad(daddy), i'm fed up with this country. I'm going to pursue my freedom now. I don't want anything to do with 'Nederland' anymore and will never return" Is what she wrote her father, who yesterday received the courts' permission to keep his daugther in his house. The girl ran to Sint Maarten end of last week, but was forced to return, under supervision, to appear in court.

Read more in the ADGeez, stuff gets too hot to handle for ya, so you run away? Looks like she thinks the whole nation is against her.....
What i'm curious about is how on earth did she get a hold of 3000 euros from her(or at least someone she probably knew) debit card account? And how the hell was she able to board an international flight when she's clearly a minor and thus a crime is being comitted(under dutch law, minors cannot fly abroad without supervision)
How did this girl get so messed up? At some level, she has got to realize, even at her age, that this is not improving her chances.........

[tercio67]

What i'm curious about is how on earth did she get a hold of 3000 euros from her(or at least someone she probably knew) debit card account? And how the hell was she able to board an international flight when she's clearly a minor and thus a crime is being comitted(under dutch law, minors cannot fly abroad without supervision)
How did this girl get so messed up? At some level, she has got to realize, even at her age, that this is not improving her chances.........

She planned this and withdrew the money in smaller amounts over some time from her own account (she saved/received a lot of money in anticipation of her solo sail attempt), she then simply boarded a train to Paris and flew from there with an previously booked E-ticket.

And I agree that the only thing she managed to prove is that she is (still too) immature.

[Connaught Ranger]

That's the mentality of a kid who has been allowed to do as she likes all her short life.

[Bia]

She wont be alone... chaser ships would follow close behind all the way.

That plus technology assist...

FAIL.

[Gleipnir]

What i'm curious about is how on earth did she get a hold of 3000 euros from her(or at least someone she probably knew) debit card account? And how the hell was she able to board an international flight when she's clearly a minor and thus a crime is being comitted(under dutch law, minors cannot fly abroad without supervision)
How did this girl get so messed up? At some level, she has got to realize, even at her age, that this is not improving her chances.........

She used a New Zealand passport to travel, this circumvented the law concerning minors. She has dual-citizenship since she was born on a boat there.