Dutch court halts girl's solo sailing plans
A Dutch court intervened Friday to stop the 13-year-old Laura Dekker from attempting to sail around the world by herself, stripping her parents of sole custody.
|
Laura Dekker's parents support her round-the-world ambition, which sparked concern from child protection officials because of her age. They took the case to court to prevent the solo trip. On Friday the Dutch High Court in Utrecht ruled that the Child Protection Board will share custody over Laura with her parents for two months. The move prevents the parents from permitting Laura to set off on her trip alone, though Laura will remain at home with her father, Dick Dekker, a court official said. During those two months, a child psychologist will assess Laura's mental state and ability to carry out a solo round-the-world journey, a court official said. A guardian will be appointed to oversee the case until the court next meets Oct. 26. |
Laura's parents are happy about Friday's decision, family lawyer Peter de Lange said. He said the parents are especially pleased that the court didn't prevent Laura from making the journey, because they hope she can still proceed with her plans. The teenager was out sailing Friday, de Lange said. She is pleased with the decision and hopes she can still make a solo trip, he said. Laura believes she will be able to convince the court that she is fit to make the trip alone, de Lange said. Just this week, a British teenager, Mike Perham became the youngest person to sail around the world solo. |
Featured articles
Breskens
The Marina dates from the end of the 1940s. The latest development is expansion of the Marine in the direction of Port Scaldis in 1994. This increased the Marina’s capacity to 580 moorings and approximately 80 private fishing boats.
Read more
IJmuiden
Bordered on three sides by the scenic beauty of a wide, sandy beach, the Kennermerduinen Nature Reserve and the North Sea lies the Marina Seaport IJmuiden. You berth at a modern, safe and fully equipped harbour offering a complete range of technical services. In the direct vicinity, you’ll find dining, entertainment and water sports and recreation.
Read more
More marinas
