Laura Dekker

I want simply to learn about the world and live freely.

All the media are horrible.

In England, I met a couple who run a children's home. They were very kind and showed me many nice spots in England.

My parents have sailed around the world; they know what can happen and that it's not always fun, but because I want to do it so much, they agreed and supported me.

I'm still not used to the idea of being the youngest circumnavigator.

I follow my own head. And if I'm determined to do something, then I'll make sure that I make it happen.

I was four when I first stood at the helm on my own.

I am not going to say much about the film 'Maidentrip,' but I won't be representing it, as I am not fully standing behind it.

At sea, I feel comfortable and I come to rest.

Since I was 10 years old, I knew I wanted to sail around the world.

As soon as I get on my boat, something inside me changes. Then I really feel what living is.

I love my parents. But they have their life, and I have mine.

I do not often get lonely, and I never get bored.

I really like boats. If you want to go somewhere, you just take your house with you.

A house is kind of scary.

It was really weird dealing with the media. I had no idea how to handle it.

Over a period of 11 months, I was constantly afraid that Youth Care would lock me up. It was all a frightening and traumatic experience. So often, these terrible memories come to me. I can't ignore them.

I grew up sailing in the North Sea.

When I'm not surfing or sailing, I am to be found at the harbour working on my boat.

As a 13-year-old girl, it was never my intention to be the center of world news.