A court in the Netherlands ruled Tuesday that 14-year-old Laura Dekker may attempt to sail solo around the world if her parents agree, dpa reported
The court lifted public guardianship over the girl that had been imposed by the Child Protection Council of Utrecht a year ago, arguing the girl's social and emotional development would be endangered if she was permitted to her solo-sailing attempt.
The Dutch court ruling now lifts the guardianship, setting the stage for Laura Dekker to try to become the youngest person ever to sail solo around the world.
The current record as the youngest to sail around the world solo is held by Jessica Watson of Australia, who completed her voyage last May 15, three days before her 17th birthday.
After her parents had already given their approval for the attempt, Laura Dekker plans to embark on her voyage in two weeks' time for the lengthy voyage. She turns 17 in September 2012