Jessica Watson's adventure on the rocks on day 1
by Jeni Bone on 9 Sep 2009
Jessica Watson on Pink Lady SW
16-year old skipper Jessica Watson has crashed and damaged her yacht on her first day at sea ahead of a record solo circumnavigation attempt, limping in to Southport on the Gold Coast to rest and repair.
Watson left Mooloolaba Wharf yesterday on a week-long test run ahead of her world record attempt to be the youngest person to sail solo, non-stop and unassisted around the world.
Watson's sloop, Ella's Pink Lady, hit a merchant ship near Stradbroke Island about 2.30am, less than 24 hours after leaving the Sunshine Coast for Sydney.
She contacted the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), which was monitoring her journey, and was told to turn her motor on and head to Southport.
Jessica collided with the merchant ship about 15 nautical miles east of Point Lookout on Stradbroke Island. It is understood the bulk carrier did not stop after the collision.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau will investigate the crash.
Despite the mishap, Watson's spokespeople say the solo attempt will continue once the rigging is fixed.
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