On the cusp of adolescence, while most girls her age were navigating the tempestuous seas of teenage angst, Laura Dekker was embarking on a different kind of voyage. At 13, the New Zealand-born, Dutch-raised teenager embarked on an adventure of epic proportions, with the simple, humble goal of circumnavigating the globe. Little did she know that this voyage, traversing through the trials and tribulations of the vast open seas, would not only change her life but also etch her name into the annals of history.
Laura’s love for the seas began in her early years. Raised by her father, an adept sailor himself, Laura was introduced to the sailing life. “My dad taught me everything about sailing from a very young age,” she recollects. Every day, after school, she was immersed in the intricate world of sailing – understanding boats, navigation, weather patterns. Instead of usual playtime, her hours were filled with maritime education.
It was not long before Laura began undertaking solo trips, each journey fueling her dream to sail around the world. She completed her first solo trip across the North Sea from Holland to England at 13. “When I did that solo trip… I knew I was ready. I knew I could do this.” From that moment, her goal was set, and she began to prepare intensely, reading and learning all that she could about this ambitious endeavour.
However, her path to achieving her dream was not devoid of obstacles. The idea of a young teenager sailing alone around the globe raised several eyebrows and instigated a backlash from authorities. They deemed it perilous and tried to prevent her from embarking on the voyage. But Laura’s resilience was unflinching. She made her case, assuring the court that she was competent and equipped for the journey. She agreed to sail a larger boat with advanced navigation equipment, undertake courses in first aid and sleep deprivation, and continue her education through a correspondence school. After a protracted legal battle, she finally won the approval to sail alone.
In August 2010, Laura began her circumnavigation from Gibraltar, sailing aboard Guppy, her 11-meter, two-masted ketch. Her journey encompassed traversing the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, braving the treacherous waters of the Torres Strait and South Africa’s roaring forties, all to return to her starting point on January 21, 2012.
Her journey was not merely about sailing; it was an expedition of self-discovery and a testament to the human spirit’s resilience. With each sunset watched from the deck of Guppy, with each wave battled and each new port arrived at, Laura grew – not just as a sailor, but as an individual.
She documented her adventures in a book, “One Girl One Dream,” released when she was 19. Her narratives of keeping Guppy afloat amidst storms, the companionship of the flying fish, the dolphins in her wake, and the music from her guitar as the sun descended over the horizon give readers a glimpse into her extraordinary journey.
Laura’s voyage, however, was not without its share of threats. She battled against 65-knot winds, surfed down 8-metre-high waves, and even faced a near-capsizing incident with a whale. “But the greatest danger is to panic,” she says. Despite the challenges, she found peace during the voyage. Her time spent at sea nurtured her love for sailing, and her solitude became her strength. She says, “I was very much at peace. I felt a connection to everything around me. I had time to be at one with the sea.”
Born to parents on their seven-year sea voyage around the world, Laura Dekker was always destined for a life that was far from ordinary. She was raised by her father, living on a boat, learning how to navigate life on the sea from a very young age. Now living in Whangarei, New Zealand, Laura’s story is one of determination, courage, and resilience – qualities that enabled her to brave the mighty oceans single-handedly and achieve her dream.
Laura Dekker’s story is a testament to the spirit of youth and the power of dreams. It is proof that age is not a barrier to achieving greatness. Her journey, as she conquered not just the seas but also the societal norms and expectations, is an inspiration to all dreamers, urging them to break free and chart their course.
Who is Laura Dekker?
Laura Dekker is a New Zealand-born Dutch sailor. She is best known for being the youngest person to sail around the world solo, a feat she accomplished at the age of 16.
When did Laura Dekker set sail on her solo circumnavigation?
Laura set sail on her solo circumnavigation journey on August 2010, at the age of 14, aboard her 11-metre, two-masted ketch named Guppy.
Why did Laura Dekker decide to undertake this journey alone?
Laura had always been passionate about sailing and had the idea of circumnavigating the globe ingrained in her mind from a young age. When she realized that no one could accompany her due to work or lack of interest, she decided to undertake the journey alone.
What were some challenges she faced before the voyage?
One of the major challenges was legal. The Dutch authorities, upon hearing of her plans, tried to stop her. They deemed her too young to sail alone and it took a 10-month court battle for her to finally win the right to sail.
How did Laura prepare for the journey?
Laura promised judges she would sail a bigger boat with advanced navigation equipment, take courses in first aid and coping with sleep deprivation, and enrol in a special correspondence school to ensure she was ready for the solo journey.
What was Laura's route during her circumnavigation?
Laura's journey took her across the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans via the Panama Canal, through the treacherous Torres Strait and around the roaring forties at the tip of South Africa, before finally arriving back at Saint Martin on January 21, 2012.
What were some highlights and challenges during the voyage?
Highlights included meeting a variety of marine life, from dolphins to flying fish, and experiencing different cultures at her various stops. Challenges ranged from battling 65-knot winds and 8-metre-high waves to almost being upturned by a whale.
Who taught Laura to sail?
Laura credits her father for her sailing abilities. From a young age, he would teach her about boats, navigation, and weather conditions after school, essentially fostering her love for the sea.
How did the voyage impact Laura Dekker's life and outlook?
Laura's voyage taught her the value of resilience and the importance of appreciating the little things in life. It also reinforced her belief that children are more capable than adults often give them credit for.
What is Laura Dekker doing now?
As of 2023, Laura Dekker lives in Whangarei, New Zealand, on her boat Guppy. She often travels for public speaking engagements where she shares her experiences and encourages others, especially young people, to pursue their dreams.
