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Dutch Court Bans 14-Year-Old Girl From Sailing Around World
Laura Dekker will be under child protection authorities until July. But her goal of setting the record for becoming the youngest to circumnavigate the globe could still become a reality.
A Dutch court ruled that the 14-year-old was barred from trying to set a record for sailing around the world Friday.
She will also be under the guardianship of child protection services. Both parents, who are separated, will have to contact officials about decisions about her future.
Dekker will remain in her father’s custody.
Mariska Woertman, a spokeswoman for the family, said that Dekker was “disappointed that the court does not have faith in her to leave now.”
Dekker’s mother was concerned about her daughter’s age, but agreed to the trip if she has an assurance about the safety measures.
Dekker’s father is supportive of the journey. Both parents are experienced sailors.
The youth planned to delay the trip until she found an experienced sailor to guide her in a separate boat in May.
“The good news ? is that we have established Laura is capable of making this voyage,” said Dekker’s lawyer, Peter de Lange. “The record is not her primary goal. Laura just wants to sail.”
British sailor Mike Perham holds the current record. Perham, 17-years-old, completed his trip around the world in August.
It also sparked a heated debate in Netherlands about whether authorities have the right to intervene when guardians approve of trips.
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