Who is Jessica Watson?
Jessica Watson is an Australian sailor who, at 16, sailed solo, nonstop and unassisted around the world. She returned to Sydney in May 2010, three days before her 17th birthday, after 210 days at sea.
Watson was born on the Gold Coast, Queensland, in 1993. She began sailing as a child and was inspired by stories of solo sailors, including Kay Cottee.
Her voyage began in Sydney in October 2009 aboard Ella's Pink Lady, a 10-metre yacht. During the trip she faced huge storms, including several knockdowns, where the boat was pushed over by waves.
A controversial record
The journey attracted criticism before she set off, with some people arguing that she was too young. During a trial run, her yacht collided with a cargo ship, adding to the debate.
Her voyage was not officially recognized as a world record by the World Speed Sailing Record Council, which had stopped recognizing youngest records and said her route did not cover the required distance. Despite this, she was celebrated as a national hero, and tens of thousands of people welcomed her home.
Watson was named Young Australian of the Year in 2011. Her story was told in the book True Spirit and in a 2023 Netflix film of the same name.
Did You Know?
Watson completed her round-the-world voyage at the age of 16.