Since it got international, opinions

**Rhyfelwyr** · 09-08-2009, 17:36

The parents are behind this. She's too young to sail round the world, don't allow it.

As a minor, there's nothing wrong with the state getting involved. And this isn't one of those 'should the state get involved' discussions revolving around something petty, they want her to sail round the world on her own, that's ridiculous.

**rvg** · 09-08-2009, 19:05

Let the girl sail. It's what she does best, probably better than most grown men.

**Fragony** · 09-08-2009, 19:59

Originally Posted by Rhyfelwyr

they want her to sail round the world on her own, that's ridiculous.

Why.

But you can dance on the waves, salt on your lips, the wind in your hair, if you stand tall you have sealegs my dear.

^-oldie dutch poem

Go Laura, she probably isn't going to survive it but if she does I hope she becomes 18.

**Beskar** · 09-08-2009, 20:05

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** · 09-08-2009, 20:27

Originally Posted by 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.

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** · 09-08-2009, 20:59

Originally Posted by rvg

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** · 09-08-2009, 21:19

Who is going to check her homework?

**Evil_Maniac From Mars** · 09-08-2009, 21:31

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.

**naut** · 09-09-2009, 15:18

Originally Posted by rvg

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** · 09-09-2009, 21:10

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** · 09-09-2009, 23:08

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

**Fragony** · 09-10-2009, 12:08

Originally Posted by Seamus Fermanagh

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

**macsen rufus** · 09-08-2009, 20:40

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.