Jessica counts down to solo attempt

by Jeni Bone on 18 Aug 2009 You may have seen her 'Pink Lady' S&S 34 at the Sydney International Boat Show, but whether you did or you didn’t witness the pack of media swarming her every appearance on stage and at the marina, you will most certainly have heard of Jessica Watson – aiming to become the youngest person to sail solo non-stop and unassisted around the World.


Alone and at the tender age of 16, Jessica will tackle 22,000 nautical miles over 7-8 months, aiming to break the records set by her inspirational predecessors, Kay Cottee, the first woman to sail solo non-stop unassisted around the world and Jesse Martin, the youngest person to do so.

In the process, Jessica hopes to inspire young sailors, adventurers and everyone with a dream in their heart and draw attention to the cause she is actively involved in, OceansWatch, an organisation that works with the world’s yachting community to undertake marine conservation projects and provide humanitarian aid to coastal communities in developing countries.

Jessica plans to set off from Brisbane in mid-September, returning by April 2010 before she turns 17, taking more than a year off Jesse’s record. Jessica, will take on the notorious Southern Ocean and Cape Horn aboard her 10.4m (34’) sloop.

'It’s only natural that I will be a little nervous and scared when I am out there, but that’s the great attraction of solo sailing – testing yourself to your limits. Mum and Dad are right behind me and I’m hoping to inspire other young Australian girls to live their dreams,' she said.

Jessica has enjoyed support from Australian adventurers Don and Margie McIntyre who are full of praise for the 15 year old sailor. The McIntyre’s, from Tasmania, are well known for their sailing and Antarctic expeditions. The couple donated the yacht to Jessica and provided much of the equipment she will use.

Formerly known as YoungestRound.com, the S&S (Sparkman and Stephens) 34, a classic 10.23m design from the famous Sparkman & Stephens, is emblazoned in sponsor logos and painted bright pink, and now called 'Pink Lady'.
According to experts, the model is known for its seaworthiness, toughness and track record, and it's a boat capable of consistent speeds.

The S&S 34 became famous after Jon Sanders, David Dicks and Jesse Martin used them for their history making solo circumnavigations. S&S 34`s are commonly entered in the Sydney to Hobart and many participate in club racing all around Australia and the world.

'This will be a tough challenge for Jessica, but we really believe she is up to it which is why we’ve backed her spirit of adventure and provided the boat and other support,' Don McIntyre said.

'She has a steely determination and is already a skilled and experienced sailor which puts her in a great position to achieve her goal. Her maturity and organizational skills are way beyond her years,' Don said.

Jessica’s mum Julie and dad, Roger Watson have both left their full-time jobs to support their daughter in her endeavour. Jessica, the second eldest of four children in the Watson family (Emily 17, Tom 13 and Hannah 11) enjoys the full support of her entire family.

Jessica has taken a leave of absence from her studies at Cairns School of distance Education to focus on preparing for the voyage including detailed preparation in navigation, communications and electronics and safety procedures.

Departing from Brisbane, Watson’s course will be North East, up into the Pacific crossing the Equator, then turning way down south to round the treacherous Cape Horn on the southern tip of South America, followed by many months crossing the Southern Ocean in the 50 degree latitudes headed for the southern cape of Tasmania before turning north again and sailing up the east coast of Australia to Brisbane.

More information about Jessica’s amazing voyage can be found at her new website www.jessicawatson.com.au where there is also a link to her blog.


Check out Jessica’s TV interview at:

http://ten.com.au/video-player.htm?vxSiteId=cb519624-44a2-4bf7-808b-3514d34e96e4&vxChannel=Ten%20Featured%20Videos&vxClipId=1427_TNL-sailor-300709&vxBitrate=300&vxTemplate=integrated.swf&vxClickToPlay=false

Note: British teenager Michael Perham is just 11 days from becoming the youngest to sail around the world, beating Californian Zac Sunderland's record by just a couple of months. Australian's Jesse Martin's record, for being the youngest person to circumnavigate the world unassisted and non-stop, still stands, and this is the record that Jessica is aiming for.