A 14-year-old Dutch girl departed from Gibraltar on her quest to become the youngest person to sail solo around the world. The girl, Laura Dekker, set sail in the 38-foot ship Guppy on a trip expected to last a year or more. She left in secrecy to avoid news media attention. A Dutch court released Dekker last month from the guardianship of Dutch child protection agencies that had tried to block her voyage because of fears about her safety.
The trip comes two months after Abby Sunderland, 16, of the United States had to be rescued in the Indian Ocean during an attempt to circle the globe. Earlier this year, Jessica Watson, 16, of Australia completed a 210-day voyage. Any record she claims, however, will be unofficial — Guinness World Records and the World Sailing Speed Record Council no longer recognize records for youngest sailors.
The trip comes two months after Abby Sunderland, 16, of the United States had to be rescued in the Indian Ocean during an attempt to circle the globe. Earlier this year, Jessica Watson, 16, of Australia completed a 210-day voyage. Any record she claims, however, will be unofficial — Guinness World Records and the World Sailing Speed Record Council no longer recognize records for youngest sailors.
