Jessica Watson, a sixteen year old Australian, is in the midst of a solo attempt to sail around the world. Fourteen year old Laura Dekker, from the Netherlands, wants to do a similar trip. At stake is the record of being the youngest to circumnavigate the planet alone. A court ruling is blocking Laura Dekker:
“A Dutch court has ruled a 14-year-old girl is not experienced enough to depart on a solo sailing trip around the world.
Laura Dekker has been placed under the guardianship of child protection authorities until next July to prevent the journey she hoped to begin in May.”
link to the article from the CBC
additional link: Dutch court extends supervision on young sailor
additional link: Dutch court blocks 14-year-old’s solo sailing record attempt
additional link: Judge blocks solo sailing attempt of 14-year-old
