Jessica is sailing ambassador

by whitsundaytimes.com.au

QUEENSLAND sailor Jessica Watson was announced as Tourism Queensland's newest sailing ambassador at Hamilton Island on Tuesday.

The 17-year-old sailing personality spent seven months at sea on a solo sailing venture earlier this year and now her time in the limelight is set to continue.

Her first official duty was at Hamilton Island Race Week where she is competing in the SB3 class with her boyfriend, 18-year-old Mike Perham.

Tourism Parliamentary Secretary Steve Wettenhall said Jessica captivated the world during her quest to become the youngest person to sail non-stop and unassisted around the world which meant she was perfect to act as sailing ambassador.

"Jessica is a genuine Queensland inspiration and has developed an international profile, which makes her the perfect fit for the season of sailing campaign,” he said.

Jessica's duties will include featuring in a broadcast sailing special promoting sailing in Queensland and blogging about sailing events on her popular website.

She will also be Queensland's ambassador for the world sailing championships next year which aims to get more people involved in sailing.

Jessica will officially launch Queensland's 2011 season of sailing campaign.

The campaign is the latest in a series of innovative campaigns designed to encourage more Australians to escape the winter and make their way to warmer Queensland.

“I am happy to encourage more people to take up the sport of sailing,” she said.

“The season of sailing offers everyone, from all age groups, an opportunity to get out there and give it a go.”

Jessica said she was happy to be sailing with a crew this week after many months of sailing solo.

“It's definitely more fun sailing with crew,” she said.

“I'm here at Audi Hamilton Island Race Week to sail with a bunch of friends and have some fun.”

The fleet of 11 SB3s have been racing north of Plum Pudding Island since Wednesday and will finish tomorrow (Friday), the second last day of Hamilton Island Race Week.