14 Year Old Attempts to be Youngest to Ever Sail the Globe
Earlier this year 16 year old Abby Sunderland had to be rescued when her ship was thrashed by rough seas in the Indian ocean. She was at that time attempting to become the youngest person to sail around the world, after a lengthy court battle. Also this year 16 year old Jessica Watson completed a 210 day voyage. Both girls are from Australia and it took more than just willpower to be even to set sail, it took court action.
Now, a Dutch girl, 14 year old Laura Dekker plans on becoming the youngest person ever to sail the globe. This after another court battle that actually had her under the protection of the Dutch courts as they evaluated her psychological state. Like the other girls, Laura grew up on a sailboat and sailing has become second nature to her.
The question remains, should persons so young attempt solo voyages around the world? This is the question the courts ask every time a young person attempts or announces their intent for a solo voyage. This is the question the Guinness Book of Records was considering when they decided that they will not honor any records set for someone wishing to be the youngest person to sail solo around the globe. They don't want to encourage the behavior. News flash Guinness Book - it ain't you that's encouraging these kids.
They are encouraged by their will to explore the world, sail the seven seas. Some people are born to travel the world, born to circumnavigate the seas on the back of a sailboat. That's how they are wired and no court will ever stop them. I guarantee these girls will spend more time at sea in their lives than on land. For being able to accomplish their dreams so young is something that should be looked upon with pride, not disdain.
On Saturday Laura will set sail from the resort city of Portimao at the southwestern tip of Portugal. It should also be noted she plans on making dozens of stops, even returning home to continue her studies before continuing her voyage. I for one wish her a good voyage.
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