13-year old girl wants to sail around the world...alone

[papaver]

Well the judge decided that Laura Dekker can leave for her journey. Against her mothers will. And that's disgusting.

It's not the fact that she wants to travel the world that bugs me, it's the fact that she wants to be the youngest who sails the world alone. What will be next? A 7 year old?

[krisl6]

I totally agree. It's getting a bit out of hand. She seems like a bit of a spoiled brat to me and is loving the attention.

[Bike Chick]

Just to bring everyone up to date--saw this on the internet today.

http://www.grindtv.com/outdoor/blog/...ous+cape+horn/

[sfa]

Australian 16 year old completes her round the world solo sail: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...l?hpid=artslot

Interesting that the council that keeps track of speed sailing records eliminated their "youngest" category.

Sarah

[Catrin]

Australian 16 year old completes her round the world solo sail: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...l?hpid=artslot

Interesting that the council that keeps track of speed sailing records eliminated their "youngest" category.

Sarah

That was a wise decision to eliminate that category.

[crazycanuck]

JEssica Watson shouldn';t qualify as the youngest person to sail round the world because...apparently she didn't sail into the northern hemisphere...

[sfa]

That was a wise decision to eliminate that category.

Yes, I hope it'll stop this race that seems to have developed in the last year for younger and younger kids to attempt this. There's an American girl a few months behind Jessica Watson who, assuming she completes her journey in good time, will beat out Jessica by five months in the age war. Then, of course the 13 year old that this thread is about. Maybe by eliminating the category no one will consider letting a 12 year old try this!

[Faster Pussycat]

JEssica Watson shouldn';t qualify as the youngest person to sail round the world because...apparently she didn't sail into the northern hemisphere...

She did, the argument is that she didn't go far enough north and as such sailed less miles than Jesse Martin.

Abby Sunderland has also defered her solo around the world voygage and as such won't be younger than Jessica Watson.

Her record won't be recognised but I still think she has done an amazing job and is an inspiring young woman despite her insistance of her "ordinaryness"

Sydney put on a perfect day for her arrival and she kept the prime minister waiting three hours....then disagreed with his address!

I found it rather amusing that customs had to board Ella's Pink Lady to clear her to dock in Australian waters and dispose of all food etc "just incase" there was something that was prohibited that was picked up on the way. She didn't stop anywhere!

[Blueberry]

Looks like bad news for Abby Sunderland. Here's hoping they find her and she's OK (but the nearest boat is 400 MILES away).

http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/376188...-other_sports/

[Trek420]

thoughts and prayers. Hang on Abby!

http://www.soloround.blogspot.com/

[Blueberry]

thoughts and prayers. Hang on Abby!

http://www.soloround.blogspot.com/

Here's hoping!! At least that is more factual than what is being reported in the media...

[Blueberry]

"Abby is fine!"

http://www.soloround.blogspot.com/

[Trek420]

whew

[NbyNW]

Thank goodness! Sounds like this girl has a good head on her shoulders -- it will be neat to hear her own account of what happened, as well as her experiences on the fishing boat that is going to pick her up!

[Blueberry]

So...idle curiosity (now that we know she's safe) - what will they do with the boat? Will they tow it? Leave it out there? Inquiring minds wander