Coastalsurvey

Sydney is set to welcome Jessica Watson today when she completes her solo circumnavigation. The 16-year-old set out from Sydney 210 days ago aboard a 34-foot Sparkman & Stevens sloop called Ella’s Pink Lady. Along the 23,000-mile route northeast to the Line Islands and then south around the great capes, Watson faced 12-meter waves, crushing loneliness and six knockdowns.

Jessica Watson midway through the voyage

All appears to be well now, as Sydney harbor authorities prepare to deal with thousands of spectators who will witness Watson’s return. According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Watson is due to tie up at the Operahouse later today.

Jessica Watson is the latest in a series of young sailors to circumnavigate the globe. Last year 17-year-old Zac Sunderland was briefly the youngest person to complete a solo round-the-world voyage, before Mike Perham took that honor just six weeks later. This summer Abby Sunderland (Zac’s little sister) may take the title, but it probably won’t be for long. Thirteen-year-old Laura Dekker has announced a bid to become the youngest solo circumnavigator; see The Deep for more. To retrace Jessica’s voyage see her website.

Update: Home Safe

Despite rough conditions in the Tasman Sea, Watson sailed through the Sydney Heads at 1.55 pm (Aussie east coast time) on Saturday to become the youngest person to circumnavigate the globe solo, nonstop and unassisted.

Sydney turned out a grand welcome with tens of thousands of spectators and even the Prime Minister in attendance. See News Channel 10 for full coverage.