Australian teenager Jessica Watson is aiming to become the youngest person to sail solo around the world, joining a growing contest for the “youngest solo circumnavigator” title that two other young sailors are already pursuing.
In June 2008, 16-year-old Californian Zac Sunderland departed Marina del Rey aboard his refurbished 1972 Islander 36. By early June of the following year he had sailed roughly 24,568 miles and was only weeks from home. Sunderland, who turned 17 in March, followed a classic westward route that included Hawaii, the Marshall Islands, Australia, Cape Town and Grenada, transiting the Panama Canal on the final leg back to California.
Last November, British sailor Mike Perham—108 days younger than Sunderland—left Portsmouth aboard an Open 50 racing yacht chartered by his father. Perham chose an eastbound course more like a round-the-world race, spending long stretches in the Southern Ocean and rounding the great capes: Cape Horn, Cape Leeuwin and the Cape of Good Hope. That route is shorter in distance but typically much tougher in conditions. Perham hoped to finish before his 17th birthday but was delayed by violent squalls in the Southern Ocean; by early June he had departed New Zealand and expected to complete his voyage by late July.
Now Jessica Watson of Buderim, Australia, who turned 16 on May 18, has also announced plans to attempt a solo eastward circumnavigation in a Sparkman & Stephens 34, with a proposed departure in mid-September. Watson aims to finish by April 2010—before her 17th birthday—making her a third contender for the record.
“It’s been my dream since I was about 11,” Watson says in an e-mail interview. “Watching Mike and Zac has definitely increased my inspiration. Some people think I thought it up a few months ago, but I have been planning and preparing for years.”
Normalcy beckons for Sunderland
After nearly completing his voyage, Sunderland said he was looking forward to being home and enjoying the stability of one place for more than a few weeks. Speaking by satellite phone while sailing near the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, he described the trip as life changing—an experience that has sharpened his appetite for future adventures. He handled several storms, a diesel failure while navigating reef passages to the Majuro Atoll in the Marshall Islands, and a brief stop in Costa Rica to replace a mainsail after a night of lightning.
Sunderland had strong family support during his voyage. His father, Laurence, who runs Sunderland’s Yacht Management, contributed financially to the refit of Intrepid, and Sunderland plans to write a book about his journey to help cover costs. His mother described being proud but anxious to have him return safely.
Even as he looks forward to finishing high school and returning to a more “normal” life, Sunderland hopes to continue sailing. He notes the financial strain of the trip may force decisions about keeping Intrepid, but emphasizes the journey has been “the experience of a lifetime.”
More on Sunderland’s voyage: www.zacsunderland.com
Perham’s Southern Ocean challenge
By early June, Perham had sailed about 14,900 miles and still faced some 9,100 miles to complete his voyage. He described the experience of sailing his Open 50—named TotallyMoney.com—as exhilarating, especially the long runs in the Southern Ocean and the huge swells that can produce excellent daily runs. The Open 50 has held up well overall, though Perham experienced equipment failures early on, including autopilot and generator problems that forced a stop at Cascais, Portugal, and later coping with a freak wave in the Southern Ocean that rolled the boat past 90 degrees, scattering gear and creating a frightening moment below deck.
Perham, who crossed the Atlantic solo at age 14, acknowledges the mental challenges of such prolonged solitary sailing. He says the voyage has taught him to value friendships and people more deeply. He also remains practical about the record chase: knowing Sunderland may finish before him, Perham pointed out that being three-and-a-half months younger means he only needs to finish within that window after Sunderland’s return to claim a youngest-ever record.
Perham praised Watson’s upcoming attempt and expressed full support, noting that she will sail a smaller, slower boat and face a much longer solo passage. “Eight months is a long time to be on your own,” he observes, “but I’m confident she has what it takes.”
More on Perham’s voyage: www.sailmike.com
The newcomer: Jessica Watson’s preparations
Watson was inspired early by Jesse Martin’s book Lionheart; Martin completed a solo circumnavigation at 18. She began sailing and racing dinghies at age 8 and has been preparing intensively for this voyage. Her parents, Julie and Roger, have taken an active role in organizing the refit, training and logistics. Watson is the second-eldest of four: Emily, 17; Tom, 13; and Hannah, 11.
She will sail a Sparkman & Stephens 34 donated to the project by Australian adventurers Don and Maggie McIntyre, who are helping with training and equipment. The boat is undergoing a comprehensive refit including a new rig, updated wiring and electronics, telecommunications gear and radar mapping systems. Watson says the marine industry and multiple sponsors have provided generous support to ensure she has the necessary safety and navigation equipment.
Although the S&S 34 will have a small three-cylinder engine for occasional use, Watson intends to rely mainly on sail power. Sponsors have contributed to the refit, tracking, and digital presence; she has taken a leave from her studies at Cairns School of Distance Education and plans to return after completing the voyage in April.
Watson describes the intense family involvement as positive and pragmatic: her mother focuses on fitness, nutrition and mental preparation while her father coordinates the refit and team responsibilities to keep the project on schedule and safe.
More on Watson’s upcoming voyage: www.youngestround.com
This article originally appeared in the August 2009 issue.