Jessica Watson turns from crash-test dummy to our 'dorky' hero

by Lucie van den Berg

FOR millions of Australians she's an inspirational hero who sailed around the world.

But Jessica Watson insists she is just a "dorky girl" who "makes mistakes".

Her first, most cringeworthy one, was catnapping while her boat crashed into a liner in Sydney on a test run. But since then, she's shown the world she is anything but a typical teen.

Surviving monster waves and months at sea, the 17-year-old arrived back in Australian waters last week after becoming the youngest person to sail around the world non-stop and unassisted - even though that record won't be officially recognised.

The only other person to have achieved such a feat is Melbourne man Jesse Martin, who was with her on a whirlwind promotional trip to the city.

Up to 1000 fans, from 6-70, lined up for an autograph at Melbourne Central.

Mums praised Jessica as a terrific role model for young girls, and even pulled kids out of school for the big day.

Little Kate Keenan presented Jessica with her portrait.

"At our school we had to choose a significant Australian and I chose Jessica Watson. She's really amazing because she sailed around the world solo," the nine-year-old said.

Cameron McDowell, 20, from Warrigal, was also in awe. "She's younger than me. I still live at home with my parents, and I wouldn't be able to survive seven months without my parents."

Jessica admits she is still getting used to her newfound celebrity status.

"It's very overwhelming," she said. "All that time by yourself and suddenly you're surrounded by people."

She describes herself as a timid, quiet girl. "I don't see myself as a hero," she said.

Jessica said the hero's welcome was good because otherwise she probably would have just "sailed into the harbour, stepped off and dismissed it as another day".

She admits she has already been back on board her boat, and is planning to make her last leg the journey home to the Sunshine Coast with some friends.


Herald Sun