Jessica Watson returns home

Jessica Watson may not be officially recognised as the world's youngest sailor to circumnavigate the planet unassisted and non-stop, but she was given a colossal welcome when she arrived back in Sydney Harbour on the weekend.

The teenager set foot on terra firma (albeit on shakey legs) after finishing her 210-day voyage, her yacht Ella's Pink Lady covering roughly 23,000 nautical miles.

Having almost finished a book chronicling her time on the open ocean, Watson wrote on her blog: "I'm across the line and have had the most amazing day (mega mega under exaggeration!). I ended up crossing the line a few hours late, to a totally overwhelming welcome, way way beyond anything I'd ever imagined."

Her Sparkman and Stephens 34 vessel took on massive 40-foot swells and Watson had six knockdowns during her journey, but with her marathon voyage now complete she will recuperate with friends and family before hitting the promotional trail. She is already believed to have media deals worth more than $1 million and a documetary is also in the works.

With massive crowds greeting Jessica in Sydney, she was even addressed by the Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, along with a huge regatta guiding her into dock.

Her disembarkation point was on the steps of the Sydney Opera House, a fitting destination for Watson's epic sojourn.

"Thanks again to everyone who's sent me a message and was thinking of Ella's Pink Lady and I out there, it made all the difference," said an elated Watson.
"Well that's it from me because there's fresh food to eat, more hands to shake and pretty soon a big non-rolling bed to sink into. What a day!" concluded the young Australian sailor.

The World Speed Sailing Racing Council (WSSRC) does not recognise voyages for sailors under 18 years of age any more, meaning that Jesse Martin's 1999 voyage can technically never be challenged.

Nevertheless, Jessica Watson is generating a huge amount of interest for her sailing feats and you can be sure we haven't heard the last of the plucky teenager. Check out Jessica Watson.com.au for more details.