The 13 year old Laura Dekker is planning to attempt to sail around the world on her own between 2009 and 2011, according to Algemeen Dagblad reports (dutch). The current record holder is Zac Sunderland of the USA who finished his journey at the age of 17
Dekker's plan has produced a lot of headwind from naysayers who are thinking she is too young, should be in school, and who are in the believe her parents are irresponsible. Her response (dutch) to these comments is one of indifference: “To be honest, I had expected the comments to be even worse. People do not know what they are talking about, so I won't let it get to me.”
If allowed, Laura will be sailing a Hurley 800 called "Guppy", a boat made in Twente. She will send and receive her high school homework using e-mail. Dekker hopes to set sail this September.
The designated route is from Holland south. The crossing of the Atlantic Ocean should start from Marocco. Through the Panama Canal Laura wants to reach the Pacific Ocean. Later on Dekker wants to pass Australia, Sri Lanka and India.
To reach the Mediterranean Sea through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal, the brave girl has to pass Somalia, because of pirates quite often in the new lately, as well. But in this region are dutch warships of the NATO to fight against piracy. They could give her compatriot a helping hand.
Published on: 08/13/2009
Tags: curios, holland, red sea, pacific ocean, mediterranean sea
04/10/2011 | Cat and Dolphin playing together | |
02/22/2011 | New Egypt: Good discounts in Dahab, South Sinai, Egypt | |
09/07/2010 | Rescue 2010: The Lifesaving World Championships in Alexandria | |
02/08/2010 | Eudishow from 12th to 15th February in Bologna Fair | |
02/04/2010 | Update: Mares Nemo Air Quick Connector Recall | |
12/11/2009 | ICON HD: dive computer from Mares gets own website | |
12/03/2009 | New and improved Suunto website | |
11/29/2009 | Dive-Hive SEA LIFE TRACKER: Share your sightings with others! | |
11/24/2009 | From SEEMANN to SUBGEAR | |
11/17/2009 | World wide health careres ask for a little help | |
11/15/2009 | Fusion: New Drysuit from SCUBAPRO | |
11/11/2009 | New fins from SCUBAPRO: Jet Sport Fin | |
10/29/2009 | NHeO: New VR Technology dive computer | |
10/28/2009 | Hobby researcher found remnants of a swimming giant | |
10/17/2009 | Maldives politicians submerge: Special conference on climate change | |
10/14/2009 | Werner Lau in Sharm El Sheikh expands dive training | |
10/12/2009 | SCUBAPRO news: Bungee Straps that fit almost all fins | |
10/11/2009 | Nova Light 230: New diving torch from SCUBAPRO | |
10/03/2009 | Day 13 of the IDC: Looking for a dream job? Try being a dive instructor! | |
10/01/2009 | Day 12 of the IDC: Looking for a dream job? Try being a dive instructor! |