Jess leads a fine list

AS the Sunshine Coast’s Jessica Watson accepted the prestigious Young Australian of the Year Award last night, she let her fans in on a secret.

The first time the Buderim teenager tried sailing in the open ocean she was “petrified”.

“I was the last person I would have expected to sail around the world and be standing up here,” the 17-year-old said.

“Winning this award shows the youth of today you don’t have to be anyone to achieve anything.

“It could be campaigning for an orphanage in Cambodia, getting a driver’s licence or just passing that maths test.

“Just be yourself. To all the young Aussies out there, dream big and most importantly make it happen.”

The youngster captured the world’s attention during her 210-day odyssey to become the youngest person to sail non-stop and unassisted around the world.

This time last year she was recovering onboard Ella’s Pink Lady from a violent storm in the Atlantic that resulted in four knockdowns.

There was “no sunshine, beach, no taking the day off or barbecue”, she said.

Instead, she celebrated Australia Day getting her “dunny all back together and the stove fired up again after drying out a little”.

A satellite phone call from former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, who passed on a happy Australia Day, brightened up her day.

Jessica sailed into Sydney Harbour to a hero’s welcome on May 15 last year, having finally completed a 23,000 nautical-mile journey seven months after setting off.

She has been in non-stop demand across the globe since.

Yesterday morning, she flew into Sydney from Germany straight from a boat show and a book launch.

There was a quick freshen up before heading to a morning tea at the lodge in Canberra.


Out of her jeans and into a pretty evening dress, she met with Prime Minister Julia Gillard and fellow nominees.

Her mother, Julie, said the media attention at the evening ceremony was “out of this world”.

“It felt like there were about 50 journalists and photographers wanting to talk to her,’’ she said.

“We are so grateful for all the help we have gotten along the way.

“I am so very proud of Jessica.”

Julie said despite the odds being in Jessica’s favour the award came as a surprise.

“She was not expecting it. She didn’t have a speech really prepared,’’ she said.

“Everywhere you turn there are so many amazing nominees who all have brilliant achievements.”

Sunshine Coast Regional Council Mayor Bob Abbot said it would be difficult to find anyone in the world more deserving.

“The Sunshine Coast is extra proud of the award and her achievements,” he said.

“She is a genuine role model. Everyone looks up to her and admires what she has done.

“Her determination and her attitude are inspiring.”

The National Australia Day Council paid tribute to Jessica’s maturity and dignity.

“She overcame a lack of funding and respect, along with her own fears, to circumnavigate the world,” a National Australia Day Council spokesperson said.

“Defying criticism from those who said her task was destined to fail, she sailed through dangerous conditions and some of the world’s most challenging seaways, such as Cape Horn and the Southern Ocean.

“Her courage and determination to defeat all odds is truly exceptional.”

Jessica is also Tourism Queensland’s new sailing ambassador.

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