How Would You Make This Decision?

Last week 17 year old Brit, Mike Perham became the youngest person to sail around the world, traveling 28,000 miles in his 9 month journey. Laura Dekker, 13 of the Netherlands feels she is prepared to break his record. Dekker has had the desire to do this voyage since she was 10 and feels confident about her abilities to do so. "I've sailed a lot at sea, and I've sailed a lot by myself." she said.

There has been a slight setback to her plans however, because Dutch courts feel the voyage is too risky and have placed her under state supervision for the next two months until they can further evaluate whether or not she is ready for the journey. Her 26-foot boat “Guppy” is her means of transportation.

There has been much talk among the news comparing the differences between Perham and Dekker in terms of age and gender. Many say that boys are more fitted to deal with mechanical problems because they are physically stronger. Also brought up is the fact of better decision making by a 17 year old than a 13 year old. It has been said that Dekker is less likely to be able to defend herself from rape, kidnap or other attackers than a 17 year old male or female. Pirates have been known to operate in many regions over the world and when word gets out that a 13 year old western girl is on sail by herself this could be a real money maker for them to capitalize on.

Both her parents who are currently divorced gave her consent to set sail on a 2 year trip around the globe when the judges decided to intervene. Neither her mother nor father will be allowed to make any decision about her for the next two months. She currently lives with her father, where she will continue to stay with frequent checkups by child care officials (and if she is not currently successful, let’s assume she continues her attempts within the next couple of years).

For full article and credits:
http://www.examiner.com/x-14096-Tucson-World-Travel-Examiner~y2009m8d31-Laura-Dekker-13-is-prepared-to-sail-around-the-world-solo-Dutch-courts-delay-decision

Author’s Comments:
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