Laura Dekker, 14, takes questions about her solo sailing ambition during a press conference in August. (Bart Muhl/Associated Press)

A Dutch court has ruled a 14-year-old girl is not experienced enough to depart on a solo sailing trip around the world.

Laura Dekker has been placed under the guardianship of child protection authorities until next July to prevent the journey she hoped to begin in May.

The court decision Friday said plans for Dekker's safety were insufficient and she could not be allowed to set sail.

The Dutch girl planned to circumnavigate the globe over two years on an eight-metre boat named Guppy. Her goal was to become the youngest person to sail solo around the world.

She will be allowed to live with her father but her parents are required to consult child protection authorities about all major decisions in her life, according to the decision by the Utrecht District Court.

Dekker's case has prompted debate on how young is too young for children to attempt such feats. Born on a yacht in New Zealand while her parents were on a round-the-world sailing trip, Dekker spent her first four years at sea. She started sailing solo at six and starting dreaming at age 10 of a solo trip around the world.

'She can sail like the devil'

"I asked my parents if I could — please — start now," Dekker has said.

"In the beginning, they asked if I was sure I really wanted to do it. They have sailed around the world so they know what could happen and that it's not always fun, but I realize that, too. But I really wanted to do it so my parents said, 'Good, we'll help you.'"

Since the courts have become involved. her mother, Babs Muller, has stated she didn't support the trip.

"She can sail like the devil; that's not the problem … [but she] is not yet grown up," she said.

Dekker lives with her Dutch father, who is divorced from her German mother.

With files from The Associated Press