Aussie sailor sells exclusive rights to her story

by Angela Beswick

Around-the-world solo sailor Jessica Watson will sell her story to Rupert Murdoch’s empire, her representatives confirmed.

Print media will be locked out of conducting interviews with the 16-year-old from now until her expected return to Sydney on May 2, the Sydney Morning Herald reported.

5 Oceans Media told the newspaper Jessica has signed an exclusivity contract with News Limited – who make no secret of securing stories by paying for them.

“News Limited has exclusive access to Jessica and her family,” a spokeswoman told the paper.

It is understood Australia’s Channel Ten has secured a similar arrangement for television rights.

Jessica set out in her 11-metre yacht, Ella’s Pink Lady, in October last year – attempting to be the youngest person to sail around the world solo. The trip was expected to take eight months, with a projected return in mid-June.

Having re-entered Australian waters, Jessica hopes to return ahead of schedule.

Reporters will be given one opportunity to put their own questions to the teen, at a press conference the day she arrives in Sydney.



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