In 2010, 16-year-old Dutch sailor Laura Dekker became the youngest person ever to circumnavigate the world solo. She completed her amazing journey on January 21, 2012, at the age of 18. Since then, she has gone on to become a public speaker, an author, and an inspiration to many. But where is Laura Dekker now?
Early Life and Career
Laura Dekker was born in Whangarei, New Zealand, in 1995. Her parents were both sailors, and she began sailing with them at the age of five. At the age of six, her family moved to the Netherlands, where she spent the rest of her childhood. She continued to sail, and at the age of 14, she decided to attempt to become the youngest person ever to sail around the world solo.
The Dutch government, however, was not keen on the idea, and they placed a court order on Laura, forbidding her from sailing. The court order was eventually overturned, and in 2010, at the age of 16, Laura set off from Portugal to begin her journey.
Circumnavigating the World
For the next two years, Laura sailed solo around the world. She sailed a total of 27,000 nautical miles, stopping at various ports along the way. Despite facing some rough weather and dangerous conditions, Laura was determined to complete her journey.
In January 2012, she arrived back in the Netherlands after completing her circumnavigation. She had become the youngest person ever to sail around the world solo. Laura was greeted by a crowd of well-wishers, and her achievement was celebrated around the world.
Post-Circumnavigation
Since completing her circumnavigation, Laura has gone on to become a public speaker, giving talks and inspiring others with her story. She has also written a book, One Girl, One Dream, which details her amazing journey.
In addition to speaking and writing, Laura has also continued to sail. She has taken part in various sailing competitions, and in 2013, she was part of the all-female crew that won the Volvo Ocean Race.
Where is Laura Dekker Now?
So, where is Laura Dekker now? These days, she lives in the Netherlands and works as a sailing instructor. She also continues to speak and write about her experiences, and she has become a role model for young people around the world.
In 2019, Laura was the first ever female solo sailor to compete in the Golden Globe Race. The race is a round-the-world race that is held every four years. Although she did not finish the race, she managed to sail for nearly three months, covering 5,500 miles before being forced to retire due to damage to her boat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Laura Dekker known for?
Laura Dekker is known for being the youngest person ever to sail solo around the world. She completed her journey in 2012, at the age of 18.
Where does Laura Dekker live?
Laura Dekker currently lives in the Netherlands.
What did Laura Dekker do after circumnavigating the world?
After completing her circumnavigation, Laura Dekker went on to become a public speaker, an author, and a sailing instructor.
What is Laura Dekker's book called?
Laura Dekker’s book is called One Girl, One Dream.
What race did Laura Dekker compete in?
In 2019, Laura Dekker competed in the Golden Globe Race, a round-the-world sailing race.
What is Laura Dekker's current occupation?
Laura Dekker’s current occupation is sailing instructor.
How old was Laura Dekker when she circumnavigated the world?
Laura Dekker was 16 years old when she began her circumnavigation of the world. She completed her journey in 2012, at the age of 18.
Where did Laura Dekker begin her circumnavigation?
Laura Dekker began her circumnavigation from Portugal in 2010.
How far did Laura Dekker sail during her circumnavigation?
Laura Dekker sailed a total of 27,000 nautical miles during her circumnavigation of the world.
What did Laura Dekker do after her circumnavigation?
After completing her circumnavigation, Laura Dekker went on to become a public speaker, an author, and a sailing instructor. She has also taken part in various sailing competitions, and in 2013, she was part of the all-female crew that won the Volvo Ocean Race.
Has Laura Dekker ever competed in a round-the-world race?
Yes, in 2019, Laura Dekker competed in the Golden Globe Race, a round-the-world sailing race.
What is Laura Dekker's book about?
Laura Dekker’s book, One Girl, One Dream, is about her experiences sailing solo around the world.
What was the name of the boat that Laura Dekker sailed during her circumnavigation?
The name of the boat that Laura Dekker sailed during her circumnavigation was Guppy.