Jessica Watson

Jessica Rose Watson OAM, born on May 18, 1993, on the Gold Coast, Queensland, began her sailing journey at a young age. Her early life included living on a 16-meter cabin cruiser for five years and being homeschooled, an experience that cultivated her connection to the sea. At age 11, after her mother read Jesse Martin’s book about his solo circumnavigation, Watson developed an ambition to sail around the world herself. By 14, she had started formal sailing training. Prior to her major voyage, Watson accumulated approximately 6,000 coastal and 6,000 ocean miles, along with qualifications such as RYA/ISAF Offshore Safety, RYA Diesel Engine, RYA Radar, and First Aid certificates. This rigorous preparation laid the groundwork for her circumnavigation attempt.

At 16, Watson embarked on a solo circumnavigation attempt from October 2009 to May 2010. While her voyage did not meet the exact distance criteria set by the World Sailing Speed Record Council for an official circumnavigation record, her journey across oceans like the Pacific, rounding Cape Horn, and navigating through challenging conditions, captured global attention. She faced severe storms, including multiple knock-downs where her boat, Ella’s Pink Lady, was submerged, demonstrating her resilience and skill in handling emergencies. Her ability to repair equipment at sea and manage her vessel independently showcased her capabilities under extreme pressure. On May 15, 2010, Watson returned to Sydney Harbour, completing her 210-day voyage to a reception of thousands of supporters.

Following her remarkable journey, Watson continued to engage with the sailing community and received numerous accolades. She was named the 2011 Young Australian of the Year and received the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2012 for her service to sailing and as a role model. Her boat, Ella’s Pink Lady, was acquired by the state and federal governments for permanent exhibition at the Queensland Maritime Museum in Brisbane. Watson has also participated in other sailing races, such as the Mini Fastnet and the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, where she skippered the youngest crew to compete. Beyond sailing, she pursued studies in marketing and communications and served as a Youth Ambassador for the World Food Program.