Teen ends globe-circling voyage in St. Maarten

[The Straight Story]

Teen ends globe-circling voyage in St. Maarten

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten (AP) – Laura Dekker set a steady foot aboard a dock in St. Maarten on Saturday, ending a yearlong voyage aboard a sailboat named "Guppy" that apparently made her the youngest person ever to sail alone around the globe, though her trip was interrupted at several points.

Dozens of people jumped and cheered as Decker waved, wept and then walked across the dock accompanied by her mother, father, sister and grandparents, who had greeted her at sea earlier.

Dekker arrived in St. Maarten after struggling against high seas and heavy winds on a final leg from Cape Town, South Africa,

Dekker claims she is the youngest sailor to complete a round-the-world voyage, but Guinness World Records and the World Sailing Speed Record Council did not verify the claim, saying they no longer recognize records for youngest sailors to discourage dangerous attempts.

Dutch authorities tried to block Dekker's trip, arguing she was too young to risk her life, while school officials complained she should be in a classroom.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/story/2012-01-21/teen-sails-globe/52723684/1

[Bonhomme Richard]

1. I can't imagine what that would be like.

After 4 days on a sailboat away from the slip I begin to get antsy.