Column-Logbook for the Algemeen Dagblad
Thursday, August 26th, 2010

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Each week in her column-logbook for the Algemeen Dagblad Laura Dekker will relate her journey around the world aboard her sailboat Guppy on her attempt to become the world's youngest circumnavigator.
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"I have only seen two sailing ships and one school of dolphins"


After fighting the governmental instances for a year I have come this far - I am now on my way and going solo. On the first day at sea after departing from Gibraltar the entire situation still seemed somewhat surreal. But after one week at sea the penny has finally dropped. En route to the Canary Islands I have only seen two sailing ships and one school of dolphins. Otherwise it is all only water and that is just great. I feel free and I enjoy the peace that I needed so much. The sailing itself is going exactly as I knew it would. I am busy all day hoisting the sails and adjusting my course, but I am also busy with cooking and then sleeping. The time just flies by. Unfortunately, I got sea sick on the first day from the rolling of the boat. Every sailor experiences this at the beginning of a journey and that is something that you just have to accept. Happily I soon felt better thanks to a strong wind coming from behind and so my trip to the Canary Islands went a lot faster than I had planned. One night on my way I had to use the engine. And so I reached my destination Wednesday in the afternoon. I would rather not say where I am exactly because I am somewhat tired of the whole circus that has surronded me lately. It is not without reason that I headed for Gibraltar at the very last minute and quietly started on my voyage from there. I am now lying in a big harbour with my sailboat just one among many other local boats and no one has noticed me so far. I have not met any other Dutch people yet. Of course I will miss my parents, my sister, my dog Spot, my grandparents and my friends from time to time, but I am too happy about departing to be really homesick. On the contrary, I want to sail further away. All in all I must say that it doesn't feel so bad here with the sun, the sea and the wonderful view. I plan to go explore the island in the coming days. More about this next week!

Laura