Dutch girl, 14, planning world cruise
- Mon, 22 Mar 2010
Fourteen-year-old Dutch girl Laura Dekker has bought a 37ft Jeanneau Sun Fizz ketch in which she plans to sail solo, on an around the world cruise starting this July.
Meanwhile Australian Jessica Watson, 16, is half way across the Indian
Ocean and on the home run, and Californian Abby Sunderland, five months younger than Jessica is in the'roaring' 40's in the Pacific Ocean and heading for Cape Horn.
Dekker, was forbidden by a children's court from sailing until 1st July.
While the Gin Fizz is now out of production, the French-built yacht has a
fine reputation as a solid and reliable cruising yacht. Laura's new boat is
37-foot aft-cockpit fibreglass ketch designed by Philippe Harlé. It was
produced from 1974 to 1980.
Both Jessica Watson and Abby Sunderland are trying to become the youngest
person to solo circumnavigate non-stop. Abby is not quite two months into her trip.
So Jessica could set a record only to have it broken by Abby a few months later, and Abby could then lose it to Laura, who, even after a 'relaxed' two year odyssey, could still arrive home younger than both.
Have your say!
Latest comments
March 22 12:15
Alex Ward
can someone pleas impose a age limit on solo round the world sailing? as much as it is great to see people interested in solo sailing, at 14 can u seriously have the experience necessary and the mental and physical strength. can people please get real.
March 23 21:09
Grant Rehmer
agreed Alex! this is getting ridiculous... then what, an 8yr will announce she's doing it after Laura Dekker to beat her record?!
safety should come before "beating a record".
this is getting out of control.
March 30 06:13
Das
Always those who accomplish nothing, never run, and never dream ... are there to Poo Poo the endeavors of others. Nevermind, when the ship goes down they will be of no loss whatsoever.
April 06 10:43
Jake
Better to dream of greatness, than to live a life of mediocrity!