14-year-old Laura Dekker sets sail!

[tdw]

Originally Posted by sailingdog

Please note that Laura isn't planning a non-stop circumnavigation, nor is she planning a southern ocean route. Her route is a Panama-canal/Red Sea/Mediterranean route IIRC, and spaced out over almost two years.

I wish her luck but would point out that some of the worst pirate infested waters are along her route and that caution should be taken to avoid incident.

I'm sure I saw a map somewhere showing a proposed route through the med/suez/red sea but that doesn't agree with the route as set out on her web site which is Panama yes but then around Good Hope.

[peptobysmol]

God's speed. Well at least His speed sailing

[smackdaddy]

Well - she's still going:

Teenage Sailor Laura Dekker Nears Halfway Point of Around-the-World Journey

Now comes Cape of Good Hope and piracy. Godspeed chika.

[MARC2012]

Thanks for the update,been planning on checking up on her but keep putting it off.marc

[PCP]

..."the pirate-infested Horn of Africa is unavoidable. "They'll hardly hijack a boat carrying a single girl," says her dad, Dick Dekker. After a pause, he adds: "But maybe Laura is also an attractive target, because she's so well-known?" We'll see. "One of Laura's friends was run over and killed on her way to school," he says. "Accidents can happen anywhere."

Teenage Sailor Laura Dekker Nears Halfway Point of Around-the-World Journey

I guess this pearl of wisdom: "Accidents can happen anywhere." is from his father

Regards

Paulo

[rockDAWG]

Some girls just have all the luck, I wish I were that lucky when I was little. I am not complaining. But looking back, what a few decades have made. Never understand what freedom meant until I got here in America....hahahah.

I would take on this challenge in a heart beat. I would love to learn from this 14 year lady when she come home. Looking at her blog, I couldn't find the equipment list on her boat, and her daily routine (watch and sleep) while crossing. Does anyone have any ideas?