Dutch Girl Going Solo

A 13 year old Dutch girl wants to sail around the world! Excellent! just the fact that she wants to do it alone! Damn!

"A 13-year-old Dutch girl's plans to become the youngest person to sail solo around the world were temporarily blocked on Friday when a court placed her under state supervision for two months." Link

Good job court! My vote is for you!

When this issue was raised couple of days ago, it was reported that the parents of the girl supported her and thought it was a great idea. The concerned authorities feared that it was not a good idea letting a child sail solo as it was too dangerous. The matter went to court and the court decided to place her under supervision for two months under a psychologist and child protection agencies to evaluate how she will cope with this adventure. She was supposed to become the 'youngest solo sailor around the world'. The trip would take her 2 years.

I really do not think so. Its a totally bad idea. And here is why.

First. They are attempting to set a world record. 'Child protection' no where figures in this scenario, its all about setting a world record, of amending the Guinness Book of World Records. And that is the whole problem. Yes they will say she is properly trained, yes she says she is all set to go, yes they have provided everything that a sailor might possibly need... but she is a kid and you are her parents! God damn it!

Secondly. She is going solo. No one will be able to help her. She is not physically an adult so the physical strength required for such undertaking is not with her. Even Lance Armstrong needed support staff when he won the Tour de France. And that was on terra ferma! Then she is only 13 years old. You need to be absolutely 100% sure and mentally focussed to achieve such gigantic task. Its not that she'll sail for 24 hours and then come back. Its whole 2 years. I am a mature adult but cant stay away from my family!

She should not be allowed to leave solo. It is not about gender discrimination nor it is about parents inhibiting the 'creativity' factor of their children. Its purely about child protection. So court.. please don't let her leave!