The court case of a teenager who wants to become the youngest sailor ever to sail solo around the world has begun in Utrecht.

The 14-year-old girl Laura Dekker was thrust into the media spotlight two months ago when her ambitious plan was first revealed. She was prevented from setting sail for the two-year world trip by the Dutch Child Protection Agency. The Dutch authorities made her a ward of court pending today's court case.

The Dutch childcare authorities are not the only ones to oppose the journey. Laura’s mother spoke out against the trip in the press. She thinks her daughter is a good enough sailor, but is not grown up enough to psychologically face the extreme conditions she is likely to encounter. The mother also believes that her ex-husband has put the idea in her daughter’s head.

The juvenile court will decide whether to turn the temporary measure into a permanent one based on an assessment of Laura and her parents. Meanwhile Laura has been allowed to stay living with her father. The girl's estranged parents are both at the hearing.

Meanwhile a 16-year-old girl in Australia left port to fulfil the same dream at the beginning of this month. Jessica Watson's bid to break the world record as youngest world solo sailor almost fell apart when she damaged her boat after falling asleep. Investigators found that she had not followed basic safety procedures. Her mother has offered to reimburse the costs of a rescue, should it be necessary.

Photo: solo sailor Laura Dekker - ANP