[UPDATE] Laura Dekker To Finish Record Journey in St. Maarten

Update 10:20 pm EST: Dekker has finished her journey on the French side of St. Maarten. Congratulations to her and her team! Earlier: Laura Dekker, a 16-year old Dutch sailor, has finished her circumnavigation of the globe, approaching the French-Dutch island of St. Maarten today. Dekker, aged 16 years, 4 months, broke Aussie Jessica Watson’s record … Continue reading »

[OPINION] Why Laura Dekker Isn’t Doing the Right Things

Update January 17: A commenter is reporting that news briefs about Laura Dekker “tearing down” the Dutch flag are incorrect, and referred us to this article. It is impossible for us to independently verify either report, but we sincerely apologize if this post is based on incorrect reporting. This post is an advocation for diplomacy … Continue reading »

Laura Dekker Reaches St. Maarten

The Associated Press is reporting that 15-year old Laura Dekker has reached the island of St. Maarten in the Netherlands Antilles after a three-week trip from the Cape Verde Islands. Dekker’s trip has not been without plenty of controversy from both those who encourage the ambition and those who say that it is reckless. This … Continue reading »

Laura Dekker Sets Sail

We reported last week about Laura Dekker’s “travel ban” being lifted. Well, today she set sail. She will sail from the Netherlands to Portugal with her father, then set off from Portugal around the world. I firmly stand by my opinion that she’s not ready, because Abby Sunderland showed us that anything can happen and … Continue reading »

Why Laura Dekker Sailing Around the World is a Very, Very Bad Idea

Just a quick note to clarify something: I respect that people have huge aspirations, and I admire that greatly. It’s wonderful to be ambitious, and, heck, I’m an ambitious person as well. I definitely don’t want to be the one who tramples over someone’s goal, but I would hate to see this girl hurt on … Continue reading »