Teen solo sailors team up for a holiday in the sun

by Lee Mylchreest on 25 Aug 2010 They both became famous for sailing around the world alone.

However now Britain's Mike Perham and Australia's Jessica Watson, whose romance started on a satellite phone and progressed when Mike flew to Australia to greet Jessica on her arrival back after her solo round world journey, have become crewmates for their first holiday together.

Watson and Perham, who has revealed that his next adventure will involve him flying around the world, are racing the small 20-foot open keelboat Lumix at the Audi regatta in the Whitsundays with two friends.

But despite successfully navigating their way around the world by themselves, neither is at the helm.

'I'm doing the bow. It's wet but great fun,' Jessica said.

'It's a little strange [sailing with others] but we think we have it worked out now.'

Watson has had little time out since she returned from her round-the-world odyssey on Ella's Pink Lady in May, and has become a mainstream celebrity in Australia after she wowed Australians with her feat.

She has been named as the face of Tourism Queensland’s Season of Sailing campaign, and her first official duty will be as sailing ambassador at the coming Hamilton Island Race Week in the Whitsunday Islands.

Jessica said she was delighted to be part of the campaign.

She is also Queensland’s ambassador for the World Sailing Championships next year.

'I am happy to encourage more people to take up the sport of sailing,' Jessica said.

'The Season of Sailing offers everyone, from all age groups, an opportunity to get out there and give it a go.'