For years here on the ASA blog we followed Laura Dekker’s amazing round-the-world sailing adventures. The Dutch teenager battled the legal system, contended with public opinion, and braved the seven seas on her own. Now filmmaker Jillian Schlesinger is telling the tale.
In case you’re unfamiliar with Laura’s story, here it is in a nutshell: Laura made her mind up at 13 to undertake a solo sailing voyage, and departed on her round-the-world journey in 2010 at the age of 14. This came after a long battle with Dutch authorities who did not want her to take the trip, and even tried to take custody of her. Rather than try to sail non-stop and go for speed, Laura stopped frequently over the next two years as she made her way around the globe, explaining that her purpose was to experience new places and cultures, not to set any sailing records.
She completed her circumnavigation safely in 2012 when she sailed into Simpson Bay at the Caribbean Island of St. Maarten.
This new documentary uses footage shot by Dekker, ranging from beautiful seascapes and personal reflection to thrilling life-and-death sailing adventure. Even in these brief two minutes you get a glimpse of Laura’s charisma, fortitude, and independent, willful mind. The film will be playing at film festivals across the US from January to April. Watch the trailer below, then see click here to see where you can catch it.
Can’t see the video? Click here.
