Since it got international, opinions

[Beskar]

I saw no problem at all, untill the last line when you said "on her own".

If she was with her father/an expert at this sort of thing which was confident it could be done, I think it would be a one in a lifetime opportunity if that is what they really wanted and it would be pretty easy to catch up with school work at that age, so that isn't a problem.

The problem part the part she is on her own, this sets alarm bells off everywhere.

[rvg]

I saw no problem at all, untill the last line when you said "on her own".

If she was with her father/an expert at this sort of thing which was confident it could be done, I think it would be a one in a lifetime opportunity if that is what they really wanted and it would be pretty easy to catch up with school work at that age, so that isn't a problem.

The problem part the part she is on her own, this sets alarm bells off everywhere.

I don't see a problem here. In this day and age she can have a clear line of communication with her father who can shadow her every move in a rescue ship.

[Beskar]

I don't see a problem here. In this day and age she can have a clear line of communication with her father who can shadow her every move in a rescue ship.

Actually, that is possible. What are the rules though?

[Gregoshi]

Who is going to check her homework?

[Evil_Maniac From Mars]

I see no reason why she shouldn't do it. She can go back for an extra year of school if that's a concern. She can be tracked with GPS and be kept in constant link with rescue services and family if necessary. As long as she knows what she's doing, there is no reason why she shouldn't, and certainly no reason for the state to step in. This is a matter for her and her family. My parents would not have let me do this, but I am not her and her parents are not my parents, so it is not my call to make.

[Beskar]

Also,if she is experienced, she has one thing other kids don't have. Access to money and it's this money which makes the world go round.

[Tribesman]

So all this story really started when she sailed into Lowestoft on a day out and some local busybody got upset that there was a teenager on a boat and reported her to the British social services

[naut]

I don't see a problem here. In this day and age she can have a clear line of communication with her father who can shadow her every move in a rescue ship.

Completely agree. Let her go. If they accept and plan for the risks, then of course, let her do it. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity to do something so unique, don't ruin the lass's dream!

What is the current record? 15? 16? It'd take a good 9+ months to complete such a trip, maybe she could delay so as to gain more experience first?

[Seamus Fermanagh]

While my country enshrines the inalienable rights of Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness, only the lives of children have been protected on an individual basis through our laws. Unemancipated minors are not deemed to be at "liberty" but the custodial charges of their parents. The pursuit of happiness is rather subjective definitionally, and therefore cannot be truly denied nor promoted by the law-- and there is no way to insure that the pursuit is successful.

If her parents are willing, and are willing to make the necessary arrangements for her education, I don't believe she could be held back from doing this. I would never allow it for my own child, but their child is not mine.

Also, if she is legally, emancipated, she could do this of her own choice and nobody could gainsay it.

What is the applicable Dutch Law or superceding European Union law?

[Husar]

Looks like her competition is out of the race for now...

[Ronin]

she's 13...which means she doesn´t know all!
now sit down, shut up and do as you´re told before I go upside your head!

if she wants to kill herself she's free to do so after she turns 18.

[pevergreen]

Looks like her competition is out of the race for now...

Did you completely ignore me?

[Jolt]

Did you completely ignore me?

....Hm? I think someone spoke, some hours ago. Not sure though.

In any case, provided that she is tracked 24/7 along her trip, she shouldn't really be in any danger. Taking into account the publicity of this story already, it shouldn't be hard for her to find sponsors to provide for everything she needs (GPS, Satelite Phone or whatever, a crew to monitor her constantly, etc.), as the sponsors will surely get a share of the publicity she'll earn. That being so, she'll be fine and she should be allowed to sail around the world if its really her wish.

[Husar]

Did you completely ignore me?

Missed that, sorry.

[Fragony]

What is the applicable Dutch Law.

We don't have any laws against 13 year old sailing around the world, but going to school is mandatory. She is currently investigated by a shrink if she is psychologically up for it. I say let her go since when are we such pussies we need a 13 year old girl to show us

[Beskar]

What about home-schooling? Since that is basically how it would work for the year.

[Fragony]

What about home-schooling? Since that is basically how it would work for the year.

VERBOTEN, school is mandatory until you are 16. But just because you aren't allowed to do something doesn't mean you should do it anyway, we are dutch we are teh law.

[macsen rufus]

I'm sure if the situation was reversed, and the parents went off sailing, and left her 'home alone', there would be an army of social workers kicking down the door... well, it would be in the UK, I guess the Netherlands wouldn't be much different.

Like BG I've only seen this through the media lens, so don't know how much this is Laura's idea, how much it is pushy parent syndrome. I applaud her guts and spirit and capability, but it's not just natural dangers out there. Better, more experienced, and fully armed yachtsmen have come croppers at the hands of some very nasty people - what they'd do with a 13yo girl doesn't bear thinking about, given the opportunity.

Weighing the worst that could happen (fill the blank with your own twisted imagination) against the best that could happen (15 minutes fame...) then I think it's a crazy idea. It's not like it's going to be a major breakthrough for mankind or anything...

It's teenagers' job to push the envelope and seek danger and all that. It's parents' job to keep them alive 'til they're adults.