Laura Dekker, the Dutch 14 year old, reportedly set sail on Saturday on her attempt to sail around the world alone, at least according to her manager. Ms. Dekker was originally reported to have departed from Portugal but is now believed to have left via Gibraltar on her 38′ yacht, Guppy. If she completes the voyage within two years she will be the youngest person to have completed a single-handed circumnavigation. Australian teenager Jessica Watson is likely to retain the tile of the youngest to single-hand around the world non-stop as Ms. Dekker is reportedly planning at stopping in as many as 20 ports along the way. Last April Ms Dekker won a court case against Dutch social services who sought to prevent her from making the circumnavigation attempt due to her age.
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I interpret the “completes the voyage in 2 years” part to mean that the authors of the article figure the “youngest yet” based on the completion date rather than the average or mid-voyage date. However, if she’s planning to stop at 20 ports, I think completing the voyage in 2 years may be problematic — most of the classic circumnavigations (unaffected by nonstop or racing tactics) have taken longer. Since most of these voyages were made by people of far greater experience (and presumably knowledge), I’m not expecting above-average speed from Laura Dekker. It would be interesting to see if the changes in boat technology since Slocum, Chichester and the rest might surprise me and give her an edge.
Indeed “set sail from somewhere”; my morning paper says Portimao, Portugal however my Press Release folder says the British Protectorate of Gibraltar. This was because Portugal would not issue a departure “Clearance” to an underage single-hander. Gibraltar has no such restriction. Further my PR folder stated she is planning a landfall at either Spain’s Canary Islands or Portugals Madeira Islands. Which is interesting, should it be the Madeira Islands will she receive a “Clearance” or come up against Portugals underage rules once again. Well her managers are already making money which can only increase so all is well regardless what happens. Now get those cameras working aboard and the website for ‘Real TV’. At least it cannot be worse than that “Whale Wars” rubbish and featuring out of control Kiwi’s.
Good Watch.
Thank you for that perspective, Captain. I was wondering why why Laura reportedly set sail from Portugal with her father aboard and then subsequently departed alone from Gibraltar. it all makes more sense now. And yes, what happens in the Canaries will be interesting.
It will be interesting to see if Ms. Dekker makes it around in the two years. She does seems to have a somewhat different style than the other teenage sailors that preceded her.
Having made this trip myself, I will say that, she can make it in less than two years. I won’t be easy for her, it is a challenging voyage, both physically and mentally. She seems to have had some sailing experience, and this will help her to cope with the challenges ahead
I see she has the option of two routes. I hope she takes the Cape of good Hope route. I think it is the safer of the two, for a solo sailor.
Still would like to know who is going to foot the bill if she has to be rescued.
Not to worry my dear lady you will not be billed personally I assure you. When ‘push comes to shove’ we mariners have taken care of each other for centuries. There are both professional and volunteer marine rescue services worldwide. Do some research on the Internet and you will find some very interesting data. The last young lady was rescued by French fishermen and monitored by the Aussies overhead in aircraft. Also read NAUTICAL LOG articles on this subject.
Good Watch.
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