21 January 2012

Laura Dekker - Youngest Ever Solo Circumnavigator

Laura Dekker and her trusty 38ft Jeanneau Ginfizz ketch "Guppy" have today dropped anchor for the last time, completing their circumnavigation, which officially makes Laura the youngest person ever to sail solo around the world.




The following is an excerpt from Laura's Weblog entry of 11th January:

"I have learned very much about myself along the way and I also have learned very much from all the different places and the many different people that I came in contact with in so many different countries. I have learned from the Pacific Ocean and its islands I had only seen in my dreams. I have learned from the Indian Ocean which snapped me out of my world of dreams showing me bad weather, storms, calm winds and what a long crossing is. And so too I am learning from the South Atlantic Ocean with its soft trade winds and smooth sailing..."

When the student is ready, the teacher appears. Laura Dekker was born ready!

So long Laura and thanks for a truly inspirational ride. May you go on to live a long, happy and extra-ordinary life, what-ever you do and where-ever you choose to do it.


2 comments:

  1. Hi, Sam!

    I can see that you are still turning out those beautiful works of art, commemorating Laura's successful RTW.

    And what a great comment you made on your blog: "When the student is ready, the teacher appears. Laura Dekker was born ready!" Very appropriate remark about a remarkable young woman, and her remarkable voyage!!!

    Hope you are doing well!!


    Carol Florida U.S.A.

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  2. Thanks Carol...I hope you're well.

    Yes, Laura did an amazing job. RTW with stops requires a very different set of skills when negotiating your way through all the curly bits of land as you approach each anchorage. Northern Australia in particular would've been a true test for her, which she passed with flying colours. I'd love to sail a short leg with her as she makes her way to New Zealand......dream on, hey :-))

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