Face of inspiration for 2011

by Lauren Peden

IN the wake of her solo voyage around the world, teen sailor Jessica Watson has become the face of the Perth 2011 Sailing World Championships.

Announced a Queensland ambassador by Perth 2011 chairman Ian Campbell last week, Watson’s involvement will target the nation’s youth and generate worldwide interest.

Watson, who arrived home in May after sailing 24,000 nautical miles in 210 days, accepted her appointment while in Perth promoting her new book.

“I get asked ‘what do you like about sailing, why do you do it, what is so great about it’ and the amazing thing is you get out there everyday and it is never going to be the same, there is always going to be a new challenge,” Watson said.

“What the trip was really about for me was really what beats getting to go sailing everyday and it is just those small things – an albatross on the Southern Ocean and the glassy nights where you have the stars reflecting on the water.”

She said getting young people involved in the sport and sharing the message about something she loved would be a rewarding task.

More than 1400 international sailors from around 80 nations will compete in the Fremantle-based event in Decem- ber next year, with athletes vying for a spot at the London 2012 Olympic Games sailing competition.

Campbell said the World Championships and Watson shared the same passion and enthusiasm for the sport.

“Jessica achieved her dream of sailing round the world single-handedly... Perth 2011 also has a dream to host an Olympic qualifying event that will capture the attention of the nation and highlight Perth as a key player in the world of sailing,” Campbell said.

“Jessica has just done something that is like climbing Mt Everest... she is an outstanding achiever and we are going to see the most amazing array of talent down at Fremantle.”


Guardian Express
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