Simpson Bay:--- What was supposed to be a joyous moment for 16 year old Laura Dekker and St. Maarten became a nightmare for local reporters on Saturday afternoon when the Dutch 16 year old completed her trip around the globe. Laura Dekker came into the media spotlight when Dutch authorities tried to stop her from sailing alone at age 13.
Laura Dekker sailed into St. Maarten shortly after 3pm Saturday afternoon escorted by the Coast Guards through the Simpson Bay Bridge to the St. Maarten Yacht Club. Scores of reporters representing the local and international media gathered at the St. Maarten Yacht Club to record the historic event but that was made almost impossible by the foreign security guards at the dock. Local reporters were pushed away from the dock where Laura docked her sailboat "Guppy" to greet her relatives and friends. However, certain foreign media representatives that were mainly Caucasian were allowed to get as close as possible to the 16 year old who is now considered a celebrity since she is the youngest sailor to sail the globe in one year and one day. Despite the achievement, it will not be recorded in the Guinness Book of records due to the controversy surrounding her sailing alone at such a young age.
Laura Dekker set out to sail single handedly a year and one day ago around the globe. She managed to complete the 27, 000 miles trip on Saturday evening when she sailed through the Simpson Bay Bridge.
Several persons mainly of Dutch origin jumped and cheered as Laura stepped on the dock at St. Maarten Yacht Club. Hardly smiling Laura waved to the onlookers and those that supported her dreams of becoming the youngest sailor to sail around the world. When Laura saw her young sister Kim she jumped off her sailboat and gave her little sister a tight and long hug as her parents looked on.
Laura Dekker who just celebrated her 16th birthday told reporters that she spent 41 days on sea when she left South Africa to sail to St. Maarten. She seemed disoriented when responding to questions that were posed by reporters. Looking somewhat dazed, she asked several times, "What was the question again?" It was obvious that the teenager was tired from the long journey. Shortly after the press conference, her mother and sister jumped on board the sailboat and gave the teenager a meal and a coca cola.
Her biggest fear along her journey was the whales that splashed water on her boat, while she enjoyed seeing the dolphins. "There were moments where I asked myself what the hell I am doing out here in the ocean but I never thought of giving up. It's my dream and I wanted to do it. I also learned a lot while on sea, especially how to take care of myself. While I saw mostly water, waves, and birds.
Laura said her focus now is to complete her studies probably in the Netherlands but she wants to move to New Zealand where she would be able to concentrate on sailing. When asked why she wanted to move she said I can sail in New Zealand but that is not possible in Europe.
Her manager told reporters that Laura and her family will be spending at least 10 days on St. Maarten before sailing to Bonaire where she will continue working on her book. Shortly after that, the family will fly back to the Netherlands.
Minister of Education Dr. Rhoda Arrindell greeted Laura at the Simpson Bay dock where she gave her a lengthy speech and presented her with the St. Maarten flag.
Below is the full speech by Minister Arrindell.
What is a teenager doing sailing solo around the world like a modern-day Marco Polo? Many, like I, a mother and an educator, thought this was a dangerous adventure, too dangerous for a young girl who should be in school. I guess the point Laura Dekker was trying to make, apart from setting a new world record, is precisely that: we–the authorities, who knew little to nothing about sailing–saw her enterprise as too dangerous.
Today I am compelled to ask when will we, as adults, refrain from projecting our own fears on our youth, and thus stop contaminating their brave minds with cowardice? When will we allow them to soar like eagles rather than chirp around like chickens?
I ask these questions not because I think I have the answer as an adult, but because I know that we adults are always conflicted by what we believe to be best for our children and helping them to fulfill their dreams as they see them, especially when we fear they might be put in danger.
Laura Dekker has conquered her own fears, if she had any, and dissolved ours, which we tried to impose on her in an attempt to dissuade her from embarking on a historic, record-breaking circumnavigation which basically started right here on St. Martin, and also ends here today, as a testament to the determination, iron-will, and sailing skills of this young lady.
But, just so that the world should know, when Laura was reported missing in The Netherlands, and was found here on our island, it was not because we chose to harbor her from her family or from the Dutch authorities. I can say that without any equivocation, because coincidentally, I am also acting as Minister of Justice today, in the absence of my colleague, attorney Roland Duncan.
And as Minister of Education, also with responsibility for Sports and Youth Affairs, I must stress that compulsory education is the law of the land; it is enshrined in the Constitution of St. Martin and it is being rigorously implemented. This means, Laura, that you have no excuse for not finishing your studies, and I really look forward to the day of your graduation from school. As a matter of fact, the record you must achieve now is that of completing your studies. I am gladdened by the fact that you have already made that commitment to yourself.
But none of this can detract from the significance of your heroic feat. You did not allow anyone to steal your dream. You fought legal battles, defied all the odds, braved some treacherous seas, to arrive here today, with your head high, your eyes beaming with joy and satisfaction, and everyone around you proud of your accomplishment.
Your quest began right here on St. Martin and rightfully ends here, too. Yours, I believe, is the first world record that started and ended on our island. It would, therefore, be fair to say that in you, St. Martin has its first world record.
May I, therefore, seize this opportunity to appeal to you to help make sailing more attractive to our youth by encouraging them through your own life story to practice this sport. We are surrounded by water, and there is no reason why we should not be producing world champions in sailing. I am sure with your celebrity status, you will be able to convince your peers on the island to dedicate themselves to sailing.
Congratulations and welcome back home, Laura!
Click here to view more photos of Laura Dekker as she sails into St. Maarten.