Column-Logbook for the Algemeen Dagblad
February 10, 2011
Translation for Zeilmeisje Laura Dekker on Facebook
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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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Not happy with one of NATO Chief of staff


I have been in Bonaire for a few days now but just today I heard about the Chief of staff of the NATO naval headquarter in Great Britain, Hank Ort message discouraging sailing yachts from going through the Gulf of Aden and he namely mentioned me afterwards. What he said was that boats that are on 'unnecessary sailing trips' should not expect protection from NATO. He made this statement after getting a request for protection by thirty boats planning to sail in a convoy across the Red Sea. I think it sad that NATO won't provide help to small boats. It shouldn't be too difficult just to be on standby for a convoy and to intervene if one of the yachts asks. It is too bad that people are getting less helpfull to others and think about their own only. Aso I feel it is a bit strange that I was singled out by Hank Ort. Sure it has come to my mind that I am doing something a bit special but I still I do not quite understand all the attention I get about it. For example, a short time ago a bird pooped over my boat and this was immediately reported by the media including the foreign media. This is nuts, really! I think it is the same with Hank Ort mentioning me specially even though there are hundreds of people sailing around the world and through the Gulf of Aden. Incidently yesterday I talked with New Zealanders who have sailed into the Gulf of Aden and they made no mention of pirates. Please don't get me wrong, I am not saying that there are no pirates, but it is not like there is a 99% chance of an encounter. And I believe that if NATO would be on the standby, yachts could be sailing the Red Sea in safety. Well, I am finished ranting about this now. Anyway everything is going very well for me now. I will go on a tour of Bonaire with other sailors soon, I really am curious to see more...

Regards, Laura