Teen sailor awaits court fate

Dutch welfare authorities yesterday requested a year's extension to their supervision of teenage sailor Laura Dekker, which could scuttle her plans to become the youngest person to circumnavigate the globe solo.

Dekker, 14, had intended to start a two-year voyage last September, but a court blocked her departure and placed her under state supervision, saying the trip was a risk to her safety.

A ruling is due next Wednesday. Dekker also holds a New Zealand passport.