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
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