<P> Laura Dekker ( Dutch pronunciation : ( ˈlʌuraː ˈdɛkər ) ; born 20 September 1995 ) is a New Zealand born , Dutch sailor . In 2009 , she announced her plan to become the youngest person to circumnavigate the globe single - handed . A Dutch court stepped in , owing to the objections of the local authorities , and prevented Dekker from departing while under shared custody of both her parents . In July 2010 , a Dutch family court ended this custody arrangement , and the record - breaking attempt finally began on 21 August 2010 . Dekker successfully completed the solo circumnavigation in an 11.5 - metre ( 38 ft ) two - masted ketch , arriving in Simpson Bay , Sint Maarten , 518 days later at the age of 16 . </P>
<P> Laura Dekker ( Dutch pronunciation : ( ˈlʌuraː ˈdɛkər ) ; born 20 September 1995 ) is a New Zealand born , Dutch sailor . In 2009 , she announced her plan to become the youngest person to circumnavigate the globe single - handed . A Dutch court stepped in , owing to the objections of the local authorities , and prevented Dekker from departing while under shared custody of both her parents . In July 2010 , a Dutch family court ended this custody arrangement , and the record - breaking attempt finally began on 21 August 2010 . Dekker successfully completed the solo circumnavigation in an 11.5 - metre ( 38 ft ) two - masted ketch , arriving in Simpson Bay , Sint Maarten , 518 days later at the age of 16 . </P>
16 year old dutch girl sails around the world
16 year old dutch girl sails around the world
Laura Dekker
Laura Dekker