Jessica Watson puts paid to Hobart media beat up

by Sail-World on 30 Nov 2010 There was a slow news day last week and we were greeted with breathless news headlines from some of the mainstream news titles containing the startling news 'Jessica Watson banned from Sydney to Hobart race.'

Startling it was because Jessica Watson was not banned from the race. She did not enter, as she explains in this statement , published on her website.

'There has been much debate this week regarding whether or not Jessica should be permitted to sail in this year’s prestigious Sydney to Hobart Yacht race. Jessica would just like to clarify the situation.

'The annual competition starts in Sydney Harbour on Boxing Day. Under-age sailors have been exempt from the race since strict safety rules were enforced after the deaths of six crew during devastating storms in 1998.

'Jessica must be 18 before she can compete in it. She has no issues with the rule, set down by the race organisers, the Cruising Yacht Club (CYC) of Australia.

'I have never made an application to enter this year’s race. I am aware of the rules and had always planned to spend Christmas with my family this year anyway,' said Jessica.

'CYC's Commodore Garry Linacre said he would love to see Jessica take part in the race next year.

'I would very much like to see Jessica participate in the race and we will do everything at the club to help her qualify and participate but it will need to be 2011, after she's turned 18,' said Mr Linacre.

'When asked if she was intending to participate in 2011, Jessica did not give too much way, but intimated there could be something exciting in store.

'I have always wanted to do the Sydney to Hobart race and it may well be 2011, but we will wait and see what happens. I don’t want to spoil the surprise, but we may make an announcement on a new project soon,' said Jessica.

For further information, please visit Jessica's website: www.jessicawatson.com.au