Dutch Move to Block Teen's Around-the-World Solo Sail

Dutch authorities have gone to court to demand custody of a 13-year-old girl to block her planned solo sail around the world, reports the BBC. The girl's parents have already been denied permission for her to miss two years of school for the adventure. Laura Dekker, who has sailed since the age of 6, told Dutch TV she has dreamed of such a trip for years. "I want simply to learn about the world and to live freely," she said.

An official recently told parliament that a "solo voyage around the world would not be in the best interests of the child." (More Dutch government stories.)