16 year old Jessica Watson will soon hold the title of the youngest person to sail around the world solo, non-stop and unassisted. She is expected to arrive in Sydney on Saturday the 15th of May to a hero’s welcome.
Jessica needs to cross the finish line at Sydney Heads to officially complete her voyage. She will then cruise down Sydney Harbour before disembarking at Sydney Opera House. Jessica is predicted to cross the finish line at approximately 11:30am local time and arrive at the Sydney Opera House around 12.30pm.
Jessica left Sydney for her record attempt on the 18th of October 2009 and will have spent almost 7 months alone at sea by the time she sets foot on land again on the 15th of May 2010.
Ella's Pink Lady
Organisers are urging Jessica’s supporters to arrive early to secure a good vantage point and to celebrate the remarkable achievements of the courageous teenager. Supporters are encouraged to line the shores or take to the water in Sydney Harbour to show her a much deserved true hero’s welcome.
The historic event will be broadcast live on Network Ten and their digital channel One.
Contact the CharterWorld team for information on chartering a yacht in Sydney or Australia.
Jessica notes her goal is to “Sail solo around the world non-stop, unassisted.
The Route
“I have chosen a route that is a traditionally recognised path and distance for ‘around the world sailors’. As this is a Southern Hemisphere voyage the significant landmarks are the southern tips of the American and African continents, as well as some of the most challenging oceans a sailor will ever face. The entire journey is a mix of amazing experience and unique challenges.”
“There are a few key targets I must achieve to qualify for around the world status. The approximate distance is 23,000 nautical miles (about 38,000 kilometres). I must depart and arrive from the same port, cross all lines of longitude, cross the equator entering into the Northern Hemisphere at least once and round the southern landmarks of South America and South Africa.”
Ella’s Pink Lady
Ella’s Pink Lady is a S&S (Sparkman and Stephens) 34. The classic design from the famous Sparkman & Stephens, is known firstly for its seaworthiness, toughness and track record. It is a boat capable of consistent speeds and one that Jessica can easily handle.
The S&S 34 became famous after Jon Sanders, David Dicks and Jesse Martin used them for their history making solo circumnavigations.
There is now an S&S 34 association and hundreds of other S&S 34 have made and are making successful circumnavigations and offshore passages.
S&S 34’s are commonly entered in the notorious Sydney to Hobart and many participate in club racing all around Australia and the world.
Ella’s Pink Lady is a S&S (Sparkman and Stephens) 34.
SPECIFICATIONS
Length Overall: 10.23m
Waterline Length: 7.37m
Beam: 3.08m
Draft: 1.83m
Contact CharterWorld here for more infomation on chartering a Sparkman_&_Stephens charter yacht.
