Jessica Watson: The Youngest Person to Solo Circumnavigate the Globe

Project Scope

Goals

Primary Goal:

Sail solo, unassisted and non-stop around the world.

Secondary Goal

Meet International Sailing Federation’s WSSRC criteria for world record status of round-the-world journeys.

Priorities

Primary Priority

Safety, health and wellbeing of Watson.

Secondary Priority

Achieve record for youngest person to sail around the world solo, unassisted and non-stop.

Alternative Strategies

Due to the nature of this project, it was likely for unforeseen circumstances, dangerous conditions and disadvantageous events to occur and be altered throughout the journey.

If deemed absolutely necessary and in order to remain as safe as possible, the following contingency plans applied:

Seek assistance

Obtain necessary parts for repairs

Dock into a port

Alter the route

Cease circumnavigation

Milestones

January 2008 – Planning begins; spreading the word, gaining community and investment interest, boat purchased and refurbished, training and intense sailing undertaken, multi-skilled support team formed, potential sponsors approached.

13 May 2009 – Expedition formally announced (dates and goals established) and yacht unveiled

7 September 2009 – Ella’s Pink Lady collides with cargo ship whilst in transit from Mooloolaba to Sydney

31 August 2009 – Elle Baché Announced as Major Sponsor

18 October 2009 – Departed Sydney Harbour

19/22 November 2009 – Crossed equator (first time/second time)

25 December 2009 – Passed Point Nemo (part furthest from land)

13 January 2010 – Passed Cape Horn 11 days ahead of schedule

23 January 2010 – Suffered four knock-downs in severe storm

15 May 2010 – Returned to Sydney Harbour

29 July 2010 – “True Spirit” book is published

20 August 2010 – Documentary “210 Days” is released

25 January 2011 – Young Australian of the Year Title

April 2011 – Ella’s Pink Lady jointly purchased by State & Federal Governments for $300, 000

26 January 2012 – Order of Australia Medal

20 August 2012 – Paramount Pictures announces “True Spirit” will be made into a movie

Project Lifecycle, Phases & Tasks

Evaluation of Project Outcomes

References