Episode 2 · Laura Dekker, age 14 — Netherlands
The Kid Who Set Sail Alone
Born on a boat. Had her own boat by six. Decided she'd sail around the entire world alone — and then the grown-ups said no.
15 min listen · ages 11-13
The Kid Who Set Sail Alone
Summary
Laura Dekker was born on a yacht off New Zealand and had sailed her whole life. At 13 she announced she was going to sail solo around the world. Dutch authorities took her family to court — eight hearings over roughly ten months. In July 2010 a court handed the decision back to her parents, and at 14 she left Den Osse in a little red boat called Guppy.
The Story
Laura Dekker was born in 1995 in Whangārei, New Zealand, while her parents were part-way through their own round-the-world voyage. She spent her first years at sea, had her own small boat by six, and was sailing solo by ten.
By 13 she had already sailed alone from the Netherlands to England, and she knew exactly what she wanted next: around the world, on her own.
The Dutch authorities said no. A court placed her under supervision, arguing she was too young and the risk too great. Eight court cases and about ten months later, in July 2010, a family court in Middelburg lifted the order and returned the decision to her parents.
She left Den Osse in front of about a hundred supporters, with schoolbooks on board and her dog left behind on the dock. Her boat was Guppy — an 11.5-metre ketch, painted red.
The voyage covered roughly 27,000 nautical miles with stops along the way, through storms, calm, repairs and long stretches of complete solitude that she had actually wanted.
On 21 January 2012, aged 16, Laura sailed into Simpson Bay, Sint Maarten, to a cheering crowd and a children's sign reading "Welcome back to St. Maarten" — about 518 days after setting out.
Timeline
Sept 20, 1995
Born in Whangārei, New Zealand, during her parents' voyage.
Age 6
Gets her own small boat; sails Optimist, Mirror and later a Hurley.
Age 10
Begins sailing solo.
Age 13
Sails alone to England; announces her round-the-world plan.
Oct 2009 – Jul 2010
Eight court cases over roughly ten months.
Jul 27, 2010
Middelburg court lifts the guardianship order.
Jan 21, 2012
Arrives in Simpson Bay, Sint Maarten, aged 16, after ~518 days.
Key Takeaways
- ✓Bravery isn't the opposite of preparation — it's built on it.
- ✓Adults who worry are usually worrying for a reason worth hearing.
- ✓"You don't have to know that you can do something. You just have to try."
Fun Facts
Photos & Field Notes
Sources
BBC News — "Court says Dutch teenager Laura Dekker can set sail" (July 2010)
Primary source for the July 27, 2010 Middelburg ruling, her mother withdrawing objections, being born on a yacht off New Zealand, and sailing solo from age 10.
BBC News — "Teenager Dekker completes around-the-world sail" (Jan 2012)
Arrival in St. Maarten at 16, the crowd, details of the 11.5 m Guppy, and Guinness's decision to stop recognising "youngest" records.
CNN — "Dutch teen completes historic, controversial solo sail around the globe" (Jan 21, 2012)
The ~27,000-nautical-mile voyage, the October 2009 ruling, the children's welcome sign, and that the voyage was solo but not non-stop.
The Christian Science Monitor (July 27, 2010)
The court's decision, parental approval, and the December 2009 solo sail to St. Maarten.
NBC News / Reuters (2010)
Departure from Den Osse, roughly 100 supporters, schoolbooks aboard, and leaving her dog behind.
Yachting Monthly — "Laura Dekker: 10 years on..." (2022)
Progression through Optimist, Mirror and Hurley boats, her trip to England at 13, and the restoration of Guppy.
Outside Online — "Behind the Scenes of 'Maidentrip'" (2013)
Laura's reflections, including "You don't have to know that you can do something. You just have to try."
Laura Dekker World Sailing Foundation — biography and 2012 blog post
Her own account of the voyage, the "over 10 months / eight court cases" timeline, and her book One Girl One Dream.
Transcript
HostSome kids grow up with a bedroom. Laura Dekker grew up with a boat.
LauraYou don't have to know that you can do something. You just have to try.
HostEight court cases later, a fourteen-year-old pointed a little red boat at the horizon.
Full transcript continues in the show notes.
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