Celebrating Women in Yachting: Laura Dekker Sailing Against the Tide

This month, Heesen honours International Women’s Day with portraits of inspiring Dutch women in yachting. At just 16 years old, Laura Dekker became the youngest person to solo circumnavigate the globe, overcoming intense legal and media opposition to pursue her dream with unwavering determination.

Born to ocean-sailing parents, Laura Dekker’s love for the sea was ingrained from the start. “In the early 1990s, my parents set off on a world voyage aboard a yacht my father built based on a Van de Stadt design. Midway through their journey, I was born in New Zealand.”

When emigrating proved difficult, Laura returned to the Netherlands at age four. “My father, determined to sail around the world again, planned to build a larger boat. After my parents divorced, I chose to live with him—first in a caravan at the shipyard, later aboard the new boat.”

Obsessed with sailing

Laura Dekker has been sailing since she was six, fearlessly taking her Optimist out in all weather conditions. “I was obsessed—sailing nearly every day, even in storms or hail. While my friends preferred calm waters and sunny weather, I was always looking for the next challenge and already dreaming about sailing around the world one day.”

Laura spent summers sailing with her father in Friesland and the Wadden Islands. But at ten, when he was unavailable, she decided to go alone. “At first, my father was hesitant, but he saw my determination and skills. He then spent months teaching me everything about navigation, sailing rules, and seamanship.”

Breaking Boundaries at 13

After two summers sailing through the Netherlands, Laura solo-crossed the Channel to England at 13. It was her first encounter with authorities: a concerned parent alerted the police, leading to her return under her father’s supervision. Despite the setback, she saw it as a victory. “I thought: I could sail to England 100 times, or just keep going and reach the Canary Islands.”

Her plan to sail around the world quickly took shape—she had a seaworthy boat, savings, a mapped-out route, and parental approval. The last hurdle was compulsory education. “I committed to distance learning, and the World School even sponsored my curriculum. But the education officer misjudged my situation and involved child protection. Once they made it public, everything escalated.”

A Global Media Storm

The court stripped Laura’s parents of custody, confiscated her boat, and threatened her with eviction. Overnight, ‘sailing girl’ Laura became world news, sparking intense public debate. “It was surreal. I was no longer seen as a child or even a person—just the subject of a global discussion. My dream, my future, and my home were all at stake. That time was incredibly tough and still affects me today.”

Frustrated by the escalating situation, Laura withdrew her savings, took a train to Paris, and flew to St. Maarten, intending to buy a yacht and disappear. However, an international search warrant led to her arrest and return to the Netherlands.

Sailing into History

After a year of court battles and psychological evaluations—confirming she was fully capable for her adventure—Laura’s parents regained custody. Finally, at 14, she was allowed to set sail. Aboard Guppy, a 12-meter Jeanneau Gin Fizz she had refurbished with her father, she departed from Gibraltar on 21 August 2010. “It was bittersweet—pure joy and relief to finally leave, but also nerve-racking and emotional after everything we’d been through.”

Her journey was both challenging and unforgettable, battling fierce storms with 65-knot winds and enduring long lulls in the Indian Ocean. On 21 January 2012, at just 16, Laura completed her solo circumnavigation.

“There were so many highlights. My first Atlantic crossing, the vast Pacific, and especially French Polynesia—where people live so closely with nature—left a deep impression. My way of sailing made me feel one with the elements. Wind, rain, waves, and currents carried me around the world. That, to me, is the essence of sailing.”

Lessons from the Sea

Beyond a deep respect for nature, Laura’s journey taught her invaluable life lessons. “Traveling so simply—without a fridge, shower, or water maker—made me appreciate what I had. I also learned to never give up; we’re capable of so much more than we think. Most importantly, I realised the beauty of following your heart. In today’s social media world, we often compare ourselves to others. Instead, focus on what you truly want yourself.”

Laura and her husband now pass these lessons on by taking young people on extended sailing trips to Scandinavia, Scotland, or even across the Atlantic. “Many of our trainees struggle with school or life and need a reset. With a maximum of 10 trainees, we create a family-like environment where they participate in all aspects of sailing—cooking, cleaning, navigating, and watchkeeping. When we’re not at sea, they focus on schoolwork. Above all, we help them build independence and confidence. Parents are often amazed at how much their children have grown in such a short time.”

Raising the Next Generation of Sailors

Now a mother of two young sons growing up on a boat, Laura wants to instill in them the same core values. “Above all, I want them to follow their own passion and not be influenced by others’ opinions. I also hope they learn to be kind, selfless, and respectful toward people and nature.”

What if they want to follow in her footsteps and sail around the world at a young age? “I wouldn’t be thrilled—I now realise how brave my parents were and how many sleepless nights they must have had. But if they are well-prepared and capable, I would support them. You don’t raise children to keep them safely on the couch forever. At some point, you have to let them explore the world.”

lauradekkerworldsailingfoundation.com