Dutch teenager sets sail on record bid
A Dutch teenager hoping to become the youngest person to sail solo around the world has set sail for Portugal, where she will begin her effort.
Last week 14 year old Laura Dekker won a judicial battle when a court released her from the guardianship of Dutch child protection agencies that had blocked her attempts to leave last year when she was still 13.
She initially set sail from her home harbour of Den Osse with her father to complete final preparations before starting the official solo part of her journey in Portugal.
Ms Dekker is planning to spend about two years aboard Guppy, her 8m (26ft) boat, to break the record set in May by Jessica Watson, 16, of Australia.
04 Aug 2010
- From the section World