Dutch teen sailor clears final hurdle

Dutch girl Laura Dekker's bid to become the youngest person to sail around the world solo got final clearance on Wendesday when authorities said they would not appeal a court decision to let her go.

"We have decided not to lodge an appeal," child care council spokesman Richard Bakker said.

"The court made it very clear, and we agree, that Laura's parents bear final responsibility for their child. We have done all that we can do."

The Middelburg district court on Tuesday rejected a request for the extension of state supervision over the 14-year-old, who later said she planned to begin her record attempt within two weeks.

The council had asked the court for a 12 month extension to August next year in a bid to stop Laura's departure, citing fears for her social and emotional wellbeing.

"We still believe that a child of 14 shouldn't be exposed to the unnecessary risks posed by such a solo voyage," Bakker said on Wednesday.

"But we did our best. Thanks to the council's intervention, she is now a year older and wiser and is better equipped than she was initially. Her parents know the risks, and it is now up to them to decide.

"We want to close this book."

Dekker, who has the backing of her parents for the venture, intends to complete the trip at the latest four days before her 17th birthday on September 20, 2012, in order to set a new record.

Her plans to set sail last September were thwarted by the intervention of child care officials and a subsequent court ruling placing her under their supervision.