Please select your home edition
Edition
X-Yachts X4.3

Now its an 18ft Skiff for Jessica Watson

by Frank Quealey on 1 Feb 2011
Jessica Watson rides an 18ft Skiff - preparing to launch. Photos: Frank Quealey and Ella Bache Frank Quealey /Australian 18 Footers League http://www.18footers.com.au
The fantastic solo Round-the-World deeds of then 16-year-old Jessica Watson have been well documented. They have been subsequently rewarded by the Australian Government last week when she was awarded the honour of being declared ‘Young Australian of the Year’.

The following day, Jess took to the water again when she went for a ride on the ‘Ella Bache’ 18ft Skiff on Sydney Harbour and thoroughly impressed the skiff’s regular skipper Owen Vale.

Vale commented: 'Jessica was great. She showed no sign of anxiety or nerves at stepping on the 18 and we didn’t have to ask her twice whether she wanted to take the tiller. She is without doubt a very capable skipper'.

'Jess loved the sail. Once out on the skiff, she said it was just what she needed. Just to go for a sail on such a beautiful harbour and get away from the cameras and constant public attention'.

(We still managed to get the attached images as a record of her day on the 18).

Vale added: 'She is a special girl with high powers of motivation and determination. Confident, capable and ambitious, without any trace of arrogance. She also has a wicked sense of humour and I was impressed by her strong social and political awareness'.

Australian 18 Footers League representatives who met her on the day were equally impressed.

[Sorry, this content could not be displayed]
[Sorry, this content could not be displayed]
[Sorry, this content could not be displayed]
[Sorry, this content could not be displayed]
[Sorry, this content could not be displayed]
[Sorry, this content could not be displayed]
[Sorry, this content could not be displayed]
[Sorry, this content could not be displayed]
[Sorry, this content could not be displayed]

Flying 18s website
Switch One DesignRolly Tasker Sails 2023 FOOTERB&G Zeus SR AUS

Related Articles

Double Podium For Team Allen
Enzo Ballanger sailed fully equipped with Allen hardware to a Moth Worlds victory Representing Team Allen through its French distributor, XPO, Enzo Ballanger sailed fully equipped with Allen hardware to a dominant victory at the 2025 International Moth World Championship.
Posted today at 11:00 am New concept & programme for the Yacht Racing Forum
An updated concept designed to reflect our delegates' expectations This year, we will merge the conference on the Management and Business of the sport and the Design & Technology Symposium, enabling all participants to attend the entire event.
Posted today at 10:50 am Blind Sailor's solo Round the Island Challenge
Dani A. Pich is aiming to navigate his Patí Català catamaran around the Isle of Wight next week A truly remarkable challenge is underway on the Solent, with blind sailor Dani A. Pich aiming to sail solo around the Isle of Wight in a catamaran dinghy that has no rudder, no centreboard, no boom and is steered by the use of balance and body weight.
Posted today at 9:06 am RORC Channel Race 2025 Preview
The high-stakes opener of the 2025 Admiral's Cup The 2025 RORC Channel Race is the high-stakes opener of the 2025 Admiral's Cup—and the pressure is on. With double points on the table and no discard allowed, this race could make or break a team's Admiral's Cup campaign.
Posted today at 8:42 am 2025 WASZP Pre-Games in Weymouth starts today
131 boats from 18 countries prepare ahead of the main event The 2025 WASZP Pre-Games in Weymouth has become a magnet for the international foiling community. With 131 boats entered from 18 countries, this event is more than just a tune-up—it's a snapshot of the class's spirit.
Posted today at 5:33 am SailGP: Stands go up in Portsmouth
The grandstand is in place and prominent on the Portsmouth shoreline, in readiness for the weekend The grandstand is in place and prominent on the Portsmouth shoreline, in readiness for this weekend's SailGP event, which marks the start of the European circuit for the League's Season 5.
Posted today at 12:22 am America's Cup: Azzurra Challenge
Azzurra's 1983 debut turned Italian sailing into a national interest. Italy has one of the most passionate and enduring histories in the America's Cup. Azzurra's 1983 debut turned Italian sailing into a national interest.
Posted on 15 Jul The Ocean Cleanup's 30 Cities Program
A look at The Ocean Cleanup and its the 30 Cities Program The cliche goes that one should avoid meeting one's heroes, as there's always a chance that the flesh-and-blood person might not live up to expectations. While I've never met Boyan Slat, I'd gladly take this risk.
Posted on 15 Jul Long Beach Olympic Classes Regatta day 3
Mother Nature teases the competitors Mother Nature teased the competitors today and made them wait a bit, but she did not disappoint; the sun came out and a big westerly built to 18-20 knots!
Posted on 15 Jul A century of human endeavour
The Fastnet Race is regarded as one of offshore sailing's most complete proving grounds For 100 years, the Rolex Fastnet Race has been regarded as one of offshore sailing's most complete proving grounds. It is a place where ambitions and dreams meet harsh reality, where skill, endurance and fortitude are severely tested.
Posted on 15 Jul
This site and its contents are Copyright © 2025 Sail-World Sail-World Australia and/or the original author, photographer etc. All Rights Reserved. Photographs are copyright by law. If you wish to use or buy a photograph contact the photographer directly.
If you have any questions about advertising or editorial then please contact our team. If you encounter any technical issues then please email techsupport@sail-world.com
Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy