Sydney ? A 16-year-old Australian steered her bright pink yacht out of Sydney Harbor today to start her bid to become the youngest person to sail solo and unassisted around the world.

Jessica Watson’s plan to make a 23,600 mile journey through some of the world’s most treacherous waters sparked a debate in Australia about whether someone so young should be allowed to try such a potentially dangerous feat.

Watson and her family insist she is an experienced and capable sailor, and although she will sail solo and unassisted, she does have a strong support team to help if any dangers arise.

Earlier this year, a Dutch court ordered 13-year-old Laura Dekker to be placed in the custody of child care authorities while her parents argue over whether she should be allowed to attempt to become the youngest sailor to circle the globe.