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Dutch court extends supervision order for Laura Dekker, who is a ward of the state, amid concerns for her safety A Dutch court has extended a supervision order on a 14-year-old girl, further delaying her quest to become the latest and youngest teenager to sail solo around the world. Laura Dekker was made a ward of the state last year amid concerns that her plan to set sail aboard her small yacht would endanger her physical and social welfare. She was 13 at the time. The decision comes after 16-year-old Abby Sunderland had to be rescued in the Indian Ocean after a similar attempt last week, prompting widespread criticism of her parents for allowing her to undertake such a dangerous journey alone. Sunderland’s voyage ended when waves snapped her mast, prompting a 20-hour international rescue operation. In Holland, Dekker has taken on an intense period of training to try to convince the authorities she is capable of completing the journey, her lawyer Peter de Lange told the court. She has passed a first aid diploma, become accustomed to lack of sleep and arranged to do schoolwork online. But the court in the southern Dutch city of Middelburg ruled that she should remain under state supervision for at least another month. Social workers had asked for a two-month extension of the order. Under the conditions of the ruling, Dekker has been allowed to live at home but her parents have had to consult child protection authorities about all major decisions. Dekker lives with her father, who is encouraging her record-breaking plans, while her mother has objected. The couple are separated. Last December, out of apparent frustration at the court order, Dekker fled alone to the Dutch Caribbean island of St Maarten. When she returned two days later, she was interviewed by the police. The unofficial record for the youngest round-the-world sailor belongs to 16-year-old Australian Jessica Watson , who completed her voyage last month. Netherlands Sailing Matthew Weaver guardian.co.uk

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Legal ruling delays 14-year-old’s attempt to sail solo round the world