Sailing Uma · video

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Laura Dekker, who completed a solo circumnavigation at age 16, now operates a youth sailing program focused on personal development rather than traditional sailing instruction.10:31 She limits her program to eight to ten students to maintain a personal environment and avoid complex commercial regulations.12:31 Dekker emphasizes that the program uses the challenges of life at sea to help teenagers build self-reliance and teamwork skills.9:12 She currently refits a 45-ton, 77-foot vessel, which serves as both a home and a platform for these youth voyages.25:34 The ongoing renovation includes structural work under the mast, new diesel and water tanks, and a redesigned interior to move sleeping quarters for her children and students.18:20 The vessel features twin engines, which Dekker uses to improve maneuverability through prop walk by running the propellers in opposite directions.35:39 She maintains a conservative cruising speed of six to six-and-a-half knots during passage planning to prioritize comfort over speed.34:13

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