It took three years (from 1519 to 1522) to Magellan and his fellows to travel around the world – the first trip ever of this kind. Although Magellan died in 1521 in Philippines and was Elcron who actually finish the trip, this first circumnavigation is related more to Magellan than to Elcron. It must have been a great adventure at that time and surely I would have loved to be onboard.
However, today traveling around the world does not necessary have to take three years, and is simpler and much more affordable than ever before. People of all ages have on their bucket list such a “once in a lifetime” trip.
That’s why when I first read about laura Dekker sailing around the world, I was not surprised at all, I myself want to do that someday (well, maybe not sailing, but cruising). What it did intrigued me, however, was her age – she started when she was 14 years old!!!- and the fact that she sailed solo. Alone on three oceans, no parents accompanying her, no support team, no following ships or boats. Alone in the middle of the ocean on an old cheap sailboat that needed a lot of repairs before she left and during her trip as well. Alone in the middle of storms, reefs, strong winds and big waves, without fancy navigating things, only a gps, wind sign and a paper map. Alone in darkness, facing many challenges. Alone, taking care of herself and her beloved boat, Guppy, with no option to meet someone if she felt like doing so.
But where there is fog around and the bubble really is just as small as your boat, that’s it. That’s your space. It can be a bizarre and scary environment, but in that moment I realized that fighting against those feelings wouldn’t change anything. Laura Dekker, the youngest person to sail around the world
Laura’s ambition was to be the youngest person ever to sail around the world. She did it. It was dangerous, but she won. She started her trip on August 21, 2010 from Gibraltar and arrived in Simpson Bay on Sint Maarten on 21 January 2012, after sailing for 518 days. The circumnavigation included stops on different islands, like Canary Islands, Cape Verde, St Maarten, French Polynesia, Galapagos and on Cape Town as well. If you ask me, tackling the loneliness, the routine and the darkness at nights must have been the most psychologically challenging parts of the trip. There are many adults that are not comfortable with their own company, but this child succeeded to overcome that.
“The biggest risk out there is yourself. I learned to take control of the situation, to not freak out, to just stand there for a minute and think: “Yeah, ok, hang on! What have I got to do?” Laura Dekker, the youngest person to sail around the world
5 lessons Laura taught the world
- Dreams do really come true…if you prepare and plan everything in advance.
- Confront and overcome your biggest fears.
- To be happy to live with the basics of life.
- Instead of fighting the obstacles, embraced and work with them.
- Sometimes one have to wait in order to move forward.
P.s. The documentary of her trip can be watched here.
Wow, Dekkar’s story is definitely incredible! I can’t even begin to imagine sailing on my own!
-Madi xo |
This was quite an inspirational post, and the ideas you talk about like working hard to achieve your goals is such a valid point. But my favorite is ‘Instead of fighting the obstacles, embrace them’. That is something that I work on, but it is a necessary step to do and move forward.
I liked the idea that if you prepare and plan in advance, chances are higher that your dreams come true, as well. I was never a lucky girl, I had to work hard for everything I’ve achieved.
Dreams do really come true…are you prepare and plan everything in advance I agree with this if you want to dreams come true you need to work hard and prepare for it nice post~