13-year-old round world yachter taken into care
Aug 28th, 2009
Laura Dekker, the 13-year-old Dutch sailor who was set to attempt a round-the-world solo voyage has been taken into care.Social workers from the Utrecht District in Holland have taken away the rights of the girl's parents to hold sole responsibility for decisions regarding her future.
Although Ms Dekker has been allowed to continue living at her father's residence the government body will share custody of the girl for two months.
The courts are said to be worried about the girl embarking on such a long voyage at a key stage in her development.
"She would be confronted with difficult situations that will challenge her mentally and physically," said judge M Oostendorp, according to AP.
It will now be decided at a later date if she will be allowed to make her record attempt.
Mike Perham, a 17-year-old yachtsman from Britain, set the world record for the youngest ever person to sail solo around the world yesterday (August 27th).
"I would recommend Dream Marine to others. Everyone was easygoing and helpful. I didn’t mind who I talked to. It was all good. Shame having to come back to London afterwards.
Come on Chris… when’s the next one?"
Come on Chris… when’s the next one?"
