Dutch girl banned from solo sail

Sailor Laura Dekker from the Netherlands will not be able to start her record attempt until summer 2010.

The court in the Netherlands reckons that Laura should not be allowed to sail around the world for the sake of her safety.

They said Laura has good sailing skills but might not be able to cope with the lack of sleep on the trip.

Laura is disappointed by the decision but hopes to start her record breaking attempt next year.

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The court is going to be responsible for Laura's care until the end of her school year in July 2010.

She will still live with her Dad but it will be up to the judges when she can finally set sail.

Laura Dekker

The court was worried that even if Laura managed the trip safely, she would still miss out on a lot of school work.

Laura is not the only one wanting to break this record.

Record breakers

Earlier this month, Jessica Watson, a 16-year-old Australian girl, began her attempt to become the youngest person to sail solo and unassisted around the world.

At the moment the record is held by British teen Mike Perham who completed the round-the-world journey aged 17 in August.

But there is still a chance Laura could break the record if she is allowed to set sail next year.