The term “Youngest Sailing Sensation” could refer to several individuals, but two notable figures are Laura Dekker and Jessica Watson, both known for their remarkable solo sailing achievements at a young age. Additionally, there’s Violette Dorange, who recently gained attention as the youngest finisher of the Vendee Globe race.
Laura Dekker
- Achievement: Laura Dekker became the youngest person to sail around the world alone when she completed her journey in 2012 at the age of 16 years and 123 days[1][2].
- Background: Born in New Zealand to Dutch and German parents, Laura grew up sailing with her family. She began sailing on her own at a young age and bought her first boat at 11[1][2].
- Journey Details: Her solo circumnavigation started on August 21, 2010, from Gibraltar due to legal restrictions in Dutch waters. She sailed over 27,000 nautical miles using a sturdy ketch-rigged boat named Guppy[2][4].
- Challenges Faced: Despite facing legal battles and skepticism from authorities, Laura persevered through challenging seas like those around Cape Agulhas[2].
Jessica Watson
- Achievement: Jessica Watson became one of the youngest people (at that time) to sail solo around the world non-stop when she completed her journey in May 2010 at age 16 years old[3][6].
- Background: Inspired by Jesse Martin’s record-breaking voyage as an eighteen-year-old sailor in 1999, Jessica aimed to break his record by completing a non-stop solo circumnavigation before turning seventeen[3].
- Journey Details: Her journey covered approximately 18,582 nautical miles across three oceans without stopping or receiving external assistance except for minor repairs made during brief stops for supplies[6].
Violette Dorange
- Although not typically referred to as “the Youngest Sailing Sensation,” Violette Dorange is notable for becoming the youngest finisher of the Vendee Globe race at just twenty-three years old.
- She completed this grueling non-stop round-the-world race in ninety days despite being nearly a month behind some competitors like Charlie Dalin who set new records.
Each of these sailors has demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination in pursuing their dreams against significant challenges.
Citations:
[1] https://www.sailingeurope.com/blog/laura-dekker-youngest-sailor
[2] https://www.cruisingworld.com/youngest-solo-circumnavigator-laura-dekker/
[3] https://time.com/6252488/true-spirit-review/
[4] https://www.readtheprofile.com/p/laura-dekker-interview
[5] https://wtop.com/sports/2025/02/frances-violette-dorange-the-youngest-vendee-globe-finisher-is-a-social-media-sailing-sensation/
[6] https://ew.com/movies/true-spirit-fact-fiction-jessica-watson-teagan-croft/
