At 16, Watson left Sydney Harbour aboard Ella's Pink Lady to attempt a solo, non-stop, unassisted voyage around the world.
On 18 October 2009, sixteen-year-old Jessica Watson departed Sydney Harbour aboard her 34-foot yacht Ella's Pink Lady, embarking on an ambitious attempt to sail solo, non-stop and unassisted around the world.
The departure followed months of intensive training and preparation, including an incident earlier in the year when her yacht collided with a cargo ship during a practice sail — an event that drew public scrutiny and skepticism about whether she was ready for such a dangerous undertaking. Despite this, and significant media debate about the safety and appropriateness of a teenager attempting such a feat, Watson pressed ahead with the support of her family and sponsors.
Her planned route would take her across the Pacific, around Cape Horn, across the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, and back to Australia — a journey of roughly 23,000 nautical miles. The departure marked the start of what would become a 210-day solo voyage that captured national and international attention, testing her seamanship, resilience, and psychological endurance against the world's harshest oceans.
This moment set in motion one of the most celebrated solo sailing adventures of the era, ultimately establishing Watson as a symbol of youthful determination and courage.