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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2009
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Dutch Move to Block Teen's Around-the-World Solo Sail

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(Newser) – Dutch authorities have gone to court to demand custody of a 13-year-old girl to block her planned solo sail around the world, reports the BBC. The girl's parents have already been denied permission for her to miss two years of school for the adventure. Laura Dekker, who has sailed since the age of 6, told Dutch TV she has dreamed of such a trip for years. "I want simply to learn about the world and to live freely," she said.

An official recently told parliament that a "solo voyage around the world would not be in the best interests of the child."

Dutch officials have moved in court to make a 13-year-old girl a ward to the state in order to block her planned solo sail around the world.
Dutch officials have moved in court to make a 13-year-old girl a ward to the state in order to block her planned solo sail around the world.   (©HarcoRutgers)
Sailing / SF Bay / OCSC / Olympic Circle Sailing Club
Sailing / SF Bay / OCSC / Olympic Circle Sailing Club   (©tiarescott)
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7 comments
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Silverbow7
Aug 25, 09 2:27 AM CDT
What are the parents thinking? At 18 go and live free, just watch out for pirates. Reply
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riffran
Aug 25, 09 2:38 AM CDT
at 13?.....I think the courts may have a valid case in this..The child may be quite gifted but that is just too risky Reply
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DarkFrancis
Aug 25, 09 5:35 AM CDT
Nope, sorry Miss. Maybe later... Reply
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+1
sully4411
Aug 25, 09 9:04 AM CDT
sounds like fun!! but a terrible idea for a 13 year old girl....how stupid are her parents? --> how stupid is she as a result? Reply
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Revenge_of_Mint
Aug 25, 09 9:29 AM CDT
Kids argument " But all the migrants get to do it at 13!" Again as silverbow7 said turn 18, yes but even experienced adults get lost at sea no place for a 13 yearold. Reply
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