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Jessica WatsonAustralian sailor
Date of Birth: 18.05.1993
Country:  Australia |
Content:
- Jessica Watson: The Youngest Solo Circumnavigator
- Planned Voyage
- Incident Prior to Record Attempt
- Successful Circumnavigation
Jessica Watson: The Youngest Solo Circumnavigator
Jessica Watson, an Australian sailor from Buderim, Queensland, was the youngest person to sail around the world unassisted as of May 2010. She was recognized as the "Young Australian of the Year" in 2011 and received the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2012. On January 21, 2012, her record was broken by Laura Dekker.
Planned Voyage
Her planned voyage would have taken the following route: Australia - New Zealand - Fiji - Kiribati - Cape Horn - South Africa - Australia. The Equator, per the rules of circumnavigation, would have been crossed near Christmas Island. The estimated duration of the voyage was 8 months, covering a distance of 23,000 nautical miles, with a projected completion date of June 2010.
Incident Prior to Record Attempt
Before embarking on her record-breaking journey, Jessica Watson planned a trial run from Brisbane to Sydney. On September 9, 2009, on the first night at sea, her yacht collided with the 63,000-ton cargo ship "Silver Yang," resulting in the loss of her masts. Watson managed to retain control and return to Southport under engine power.
Successful Circumnavigation
Jessica Watson's circumnavigation took place from October 18, 2009, to May 15, 2010. The voyage began and ended in Sydney. She crossed the Equator on November 19, 2009, near Jarvis Island.
