Friend tells of Jessica Watson's brush with death

IT's known as a sailor's graveyard.

So it's little wonder that Cape Horn proved to be the spot where teenage solo sailing sensation Jessica Watson suffered one of the biggest setbacks of her remarkable 210 day around-the-world voyage.


Ferocious winds, high seas and dangerous currents are just part of the perils awaiting those brave enough to tackle the Horn, at the southernmost tip of South America.

But just a few funny phone calls were all that was needed to raise Jessica's spirits after her vessel, Ella's Pink Lady, was battered by the treacherous conditions, English teenage sailor and close friend Mike Perham said.

Mr Perham, 18, who in August became the youngest person to sail around the world with assistance said it was Cape Horn where Jessica had her first brush with mortality.

"When she was knocked down coming around Cape Horn, I knew she hit a low point," Mr Perham said in the latest edition of New Idea magazine.

"She faced her first real mortality attack. We had to get her spirits back up. A few funny phone calls and we were back on track."

Mr Perham was among the first people to greet the 16-year-old Queenslander as she reached the end of her voyage in Sydney on Saturday.

He says they share a "special bond" and described Jessica's mother Julie, as his "future mother-in-law".

But when it comes to romance they were taking it slowly, he added.

"When I first met Jess there was something between us I can't describe," Mr Perham told New Idea.

"Just this connection that felt as though we had known each other forever. I think it comes from sharing some of the same dreams and knowing we are pretty unique teenagers.

"We have this special bond but when it comes to romance, I think we are going to take one day at a time."



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