Solo sailor Jessica Watson set to make millions when she finishes

by Amanda Lulham

*Tipped to be very welthy teen
*Companies queue to join backers
*Sails the world but no L-plates yet

JESSICA Watson could be one of the country's richest teenagers, with a multi-million-dollar sponsorship bonanza awaiting her return to dry land.

Jessica, 16, who sailed out of Australian waters in a rush of controversy, has entered the home stretch of her journey and will return in late April-early May to a warm welcome and live TV coverage.

There will also be a raft of deals awaiting the Sunshine Coast girl's signature, which could make her the highest-earning Aussie teen.

Her round-the-world odyssey, solo and unassisted, will reap big rewards financially as companies queue to join early backers Ella Bache and One HD.

"We've had approaches from an automotive company but she hasn't even got her L-plates yet," said spokesman Andrew Fraser. "She's old enough to sail round the world but can't drive a car."

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While she still has more than 6000 nautical miles to sail to Sydney Harbour, she is on course to become a global star in the mould of Olympic snowboarder Torah Bright - transcending the confines of sailing to become a poster girl for action and adventure.

Dubbed the "Jessica juggernaut", interest in the teenager is skyrocketing.

Her website receives about one million hits a week and her fan base has extended internationally.

Jessica's book, which she is writing at sea, will be released in late July and coincide with the release of a documentary.

"Our job is to manage and protect the Jessica Watson brand. If done properly, then she will maximise the potential of the commercial opportunities that present themselves," Mr Fraser said.

He has already received more than 20 requests for appearances by Jessica, with various offers flooding in, and staff at 5 Oceans Media are working full-time to cope with demand.

"We have tried to avoid talking about anything but such is the interest now Jess is very excited it is all getting so close," Mr Fraser said.

Interest in a teen - who captured the imagination of a nation at first worried she was too young for a trip that has seen her survive cyclonic force winds, wild seas and terrifying knockdowns - could make her a multi-millionaire.

Yesterday, however, far from the wheeling and dealing surrounding her imminent return, Jessica was happily surfing the Indian Ocean on her little 34-foot yacht, Ella's Pink Lady.

"There's still so many miles to cover across the Indian and then around the bottom of Australia but it really feels like we're on the homeward leg now," she blogged.

Jessica is now about 4000 nautical miles off the West Australian coast, about 6000 nautical miles from the finish of her voyage.




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