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The court first blocked Laura Dekker’s sailing try in August. |
UTRECHT, Netherlands - A Dutch court ruled yesterday that 14-year-old Laura Dekker was still too inexperienced to be allowed to set off on her quest to become the youngest person to sail solo around the world.
Judges at Utrecht District Court placed Laura under the guardianship of child protection authorities until next July to ensure that she cannot set off on her dream voyage.
The ruling means Dekker can continue living with her father, but her parents must consult child protection authorities about all major decisions in her life.
Dekker and her parents were not in court yesterday, but family spokeswoman Mariska Woertman said the teenager was “disappointed that the court does not have faith in her to leave now.’’
However, Woertman said Dekker was confident she can be ready to sail soon after next July and still set the record as the youngest sailor to circumnavigate the globe.
The Utrecht court first blocked her departure in August out of concern for her safety. The decision sparked a worldwide debate on how much authorities and parents should limit children’s freedom to undertake risky adventures.
Laura’s parents, both veteran sailors, are separated. Laura’s father supported the attempt, but her mother said in a newspaper interview in September she thought Laura was too young.
Presiding judge M. Oostendorp said Laura’s mother has given her blessing “so long as she has assurances about the safety measures. At the moment, as far as she is concerned, they are insufficient.’’
Child protection authorities welcomed the decision.
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