Laura Dekker's parents have launched an appeal to collect money for their daugther to complete her attempt to sail solo around the world. On her website, her father says sponsors are wary due to the controversy sparked by the fact she is only 15, making her the youngest person ever to attempt the feat.

The expedition itself is not threatened, writes Dick Dekker. But there is not enough money to repair any damage the boat might sustain or send someone over from Holland. "It would be nice to make some improvements to the boat or have my parents over", Laura told Radio Netherlands Worldwide.

Commotion
News of her planned trip caused commotion. Many criticised the parents for allowing their daughter, then 14, to undertake such a fraught enterprise. Eighteen months ago, a judge placed her under the guardianship of the child welfare authorities while experts determined whether she was capable of taking on such a challenge. The evaluation was completed earlier this year and Laura set sail in August.

Dick Dekker blames the authorties for the cash shortage. Involvement of child welfare, he claims, scared off potential sponsors. And a lot of money, he adds, went to legal expenses.

Christmas
A further problem is the lack of buyers of the video footage. A planned deal with TV producer Mas Media fell through. To make up for the shortfall, people who visit the site are asked to donate at least 10 euros.

After crossing the Atlantic in several stages, Laura is now on St Maarten. Due to the lack of funds, her father has been unable to join her for Christmas. Instead, they speak on the telephone every day.

Pacific
Laura is planning to cross the Panama Canal into the Pacific early next year. There is some urgency as she needs to be back in Gibraltar, her point of departure, by mid-September 2012 in order to break the current record.

© Radio Netherlands Worldwide