Dutch court OKs 14-year-old for world solo sail
Source: Agencies |
July 28, 2010, Wednesday
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A DUTCH court cleared the way yesterday for 14-year-old Laura Dekker to embark on a risky attempt to become the youngest person to sail solo around the world, an adventure that could begin in the next two weeks.
Judges at Middelburg's family court lifted a guardianship order imposed on Dekker last year after she said she wanted to set sail when she was still just 13.
Her plan ignited a worldwide debate on how far parents should go in supporting or encouraging their children's improbable dreams.
"With this decision, the responsibility for Laura lies with her parents," said presiding judge S. Kuypers. "It is up to them to decide whether Laura can set off on her sail trip."
Both of Dekker's parents, who are separated, say they support her attempt.
Dekker was not in court for yesterday's decision. Her lawyer, Peter de Lange, said she was on her boat, Guppy, and would be delighted by the decision.
"She will be unbelievable happy with this," De Lange said. "Justice has been done."
Dekker could set off for her starting point in Portugal within two weeks, he said.
The Council for Child Protection, the Dutch government's umbrella childcare agency, had asked the court to extend for another year a guardianship order that had prevented Dekker from sailing.
In a surprising difference of opinion, the youth protection group looking after Dekker had disagreed with the Council and said she was ready to sail.
Writing on her blog last weekend, Dekker was hopeful the court would lift the order, saying she took comfort from the fact that the welfare workers who have monitored her education and preparations for months believe she is ready.
Dekker and her supporters have plotted a nearly two-year route from port to port around the world - including an alternative path around Africa to avoid the pirate-infested Gulf of Aden if necessary.
Dekker could now become the youngest person to sail solo around the world, beating the mark now held by Australian 16-year-old Jessica Watson.
Judges at Middelburg's family court lifted a guardianship order imposed on Dekker last year after she said she wanted to set sail when she was still just 13.
Her plan ignited a worldwide debate on how far parents should go in supporting or encouraging their children's improbable dreams.
"With this decision, the responsibility for Laura lies with her parents," said presiding judge S. Kuypers. "It is up to them to decide whether Laura can set off on her sail trip."
Both of Dekker's parents, who are separated, say they support her attempt.
Dekker was not in court for yesterday's decision. Her lawyer, Peter de Lange, said she was on her boat, Guppy, and would be delighted by the decision.
"She will be unbelievable happy with this," De Lange said. "Justice has been done."
Dekker could set off for her starting point in Portugal within two weeks, he said.
The Council for Child Protection, the Dutch government's umbrella childcare agency, had asked the court to extend for another year a guardianship order that had prevented Dekker from sailing.
In a surprising difference of opinion, the youth protection group looking after Dekker had disagreed with the Council and said she was ready to sail.
Writing on her blog last weekend, Dekker was hopeful the court would lift the order, saying she took comfort from the fact that the welfare workers who have monitored her education and preparations for months believe she is ready.
Dekker and her supporters have plotted a nearly two-year route from port to port around the world - including an alternative path around Africa to avoid the pirate-infested Gulf of Aden if necessary.
Dekker could now become the youngest person to sail solo around the world, beating the mark now held by Australian 16-year-old Jessica Watson.
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