Laura Dekker’s surprise departure gives the slip to the press
Dutch solo sailor Laura Dekker was born on a sailboat off the New Zealand coast during her parents’ 7 year round the world voyage – so you could say she’s had some experience with the sea.
Now Laura intends to be the youngest person to sail solo around the world and if she follows her published track she’ll be stopping in Barbados after crossing the Atlantic from the Canary Islands. She left Lisbon, Portugal early this morning (Saturday August 21, 2010) in a surprise departure designed to fool the media that hired a local flotilla to take photos.
I guess when she says “solo” that’s what she intends!
Laura is heading for Madeira and after that it will be Gran Canaria. Then comes the big Atlantic crossing to Barbados: 2610 nautical miles.
She would have departed sooner but the Dutch courts had some concerns about a 14-year old girl going off on her own. We’re not saying we’re not concerned for anyone heading out to sea on their own, but judging by what we’ve read Laura Dekker is as well equipped, knowledgeable and capable as anyone could be at any age.
We’ll be following Laura’s progress every step of the way. As you can see she from her published route, she was scheduled to depart from Lisbon on September 5th, but she left early this morning according to The Earth Times article Dutch teenager begins round-the-world record sailing attempt.
We’ll throw up a few other links below as we find them.
10 Aug ― Middelburg, Netherlands ― 51°30N 3°30E
21 Aug ― Lisbon ― 38°42N 9°06W ― 930 nm
05 Sep ― Lisbon
12 Sep ― Madeira ― 32°42N 17°00W ― 530 nm
22 Sep ― Madeira
25 Sep ― Gran Canaria ― 28°00N 15°36W ― 290 nm
05 Oct ― Gran Canaria
07 Nov ― Barbados ― 13°00N 59°30W ― 2610 nm
07 Nov ― Barbados
10 Nov ― Grenada ― 12°00N 61°42W ― 270 nm
Wikipedia article: Laura Dekker, 14-year old solo sailor
Barbados Free Press 
I think that she is stupid. Her parents are even more stupid to give her permission.
too young
VERY UNWISE
People can choose to kill themselves recklessly but at 14?
Good Luck to her in any event.
i wish her the best. but didn’t she learn anything from the other 16 year old girl that they just had to rescue just off the indian coast? when will the people learn? when it’s too late? enough already. her parents should be locked up for child abandonment.
as long as she is not robbed while shes here, like the last guy…
trip isn’t dangerous enough with out the two-legged hazards?
Great parental judgement! – NOT!
Very dangerous, especially given the notoriety of this advanture. She is a 14 year old girl, and I hope there is at least someone in a supervisory position close at hand at all times. Should she not be in school ? Are they going to try and make money from this ?
I find this really stupid…..If she wants to put herself in danger thats awesome. however, when she does goes missing, it takes loads of money and resources for personal to go looking for her.
Good for another reality show. Rescue at high seas.
All too true “Nickster”,,, I remember well the guy who had travelled all over the world on a “Peace Mission” of sorts,,,,,Poor fellow got waylaid,beaten and robbed of his meagre posessions right here in Paradise somewhere in St.Lucy I believe,,,,,,,just goes to show you huh??? “Paradise Lost”……….
I think it’s great courage. She’s really living and making life exciting. My heart’s with you all the way.
I for one, think everyone who makes these negative comments is just plain jealous. This girl has got it made, and is living life to the fullest, just as every young, energetic, person should! She has a dream, and she’s following it. Just so you guys know, stupid would be sitting at home criticizing people who aren’t afraid to live their life and overcome challenges to reach their goals. THAT is being stupid; you should be either supporting them, chasing some of your own goals, or better yet, if your going to be so hateful and negative just SHUT THE F*** UP AND START CRITICIZING YOUR OWN DAMN SELF FOR NOT DOING SH** WITH YOUR LIFE!!!!!!! That’s all i have to say for now.
Look up Kyle Trotman of BU, For his young age this lad did moore than some in their 70’s God sent him here with a mission, he did it and took off. RIP We Love You.
She did it. She has sailed around the world.
Congratulations. Critics and government workers be dammned