I was born during my parents’ sea voyage around the world, and always wanted to make the trip myself.
My dad sailed with me from the Netherlands to Gibraltar – that way we could test the boat together and make sure I had her well under control.
I knew then I’d keep going: across the Atlantic and the Pacific, through the Torres Strait on to the Indian Ocean, around South Africa and on to my finish line, Sint Maarten in the Caribbean.
My parents weren’t thrilled with the idea, but after talking to them about it, they became supportive – they knew I’d do it anyway, and thought it would be better to make it as safe as possible.
After learning of my plans, social services got involved to take away my dad’s custody and prevent my voyage.
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