When 16 year-old Jessica Watson begins her second attempt at becoming the youngest person to circumnavigate the globe solo, non stop and unassisted later this week, she will do so against a squall of opposition.
There is no greater sporting challenge on the planet than a successful solo circumnavigation.
Freak waves, collisions with oil tankers and cargo ships, striking whales and icebergs in the Southern Ocean, piracy, boat breakdowns, snapped masts in horrific conditions, failed radio communications thousands of miles from land and just plain sheer fatigue and loneliness can and regularly do plague all sailors.
Those challenges exist regardless of age and experience.
More people have stood atop Mount Everest, and indeed, more have made it into space than those who have successfully completed a solo circumnavigation.
The fatality rate of such a sailing attempt is also greater than either of the above pursuits. More people have died attempting a solo circumnavigation than in any other sporting challenge.
Many in society struggle to be philosophical about danger and death, particularly when such risks are being taken by a youngster. But a life lived behind an office desk before a contented retirement, then dropping off the perch after 80 years of life is not a given.
Nor is it a life fit for everybody, and we should applaud and support anyone, regardless of age, who fights against the expected norm to chase their dream, for they provide the rest of us with a rare glimpse of what was once fundamental to the human condition – a lust and curiosity for adventure.
Today’s kids have mobile phones by age 9, their own computers handed out free by the federal government at age 12, video games by the hundreds and manufactured pop songs by the thousands on ipods that were not even conceived let alone invented when those children were born little more than a decade ago.
Many parents are happy to sit their kids in front of parading women and rapping gangsters on Video Hits every Saturday morning yet are the first to pile into a 16 year old girl chasing her dream.
There is a legitimate argument to be made for the abolition of age records in the sailing world, for in some cases they may push a young person to attempt a record claiming voyage before they are genuinely ready.
Completing the voyage is an enormous achievement in itself and Jessica may or may not have the experience, maturity, or physical strength to complete the trip.
Rewarding age records that could encourage damaging parental pressure on a child should be avoided at all costs. In Jessica’s case, however, this is her dream.
Watson’s safety is said to be the primary concern of those who oppose her plans, although it is hard to fathom that those who sit in judgement could possibly believe their concerns outweigh those of Jessica’s proud parents.
She has every conceivable safety measure covered – the rest is down to thorough planning, competent sailing and pure good fortune.
The entire point of such a challenge is that it is dangerous and difficult. Otherwise, why bother?
Teddy Roosevelt’s infamous ‘Man In The Arena’ speech should surely be the motto of every sporting journalist in the nation, yet the majority appear to condemn Watson.
Sport, at its best, is about triumph over trial and tribulation.
Who would run marathons if they were easy? Climb mountains, trek to both poles, cycle for three weeks through the Alps and the Pyrennes, or swim, ride and run for more than eight hours as Craig Alexander did this week to push himself beyond exhaustion to win his second Hawaiian triathalon?
These pursuits are not meant to be easy. It takes a special sort of person, young or old.
Jessica sets sail within days. She may not succeed, but she cannot possibly fail.
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October 16th 2009 @ 6:20am
JK said | October 16th 2009 @ 6:20am | Report comment
It’s not sport…. who is she competing against? she is seeking fame, that’s it. I’m sure there are other things she has’nt done that other sixteen year olds have done. Why does’nt she try around OZ first? she struggled outside Brisbane. I’m sorry I don’t see it, I just see a little rich girl who want’s to be in the spotlight, Paris Hilton with a boat.
October 16th 2009 @ 7:35am
Paul Grenfell said | October 16th 2009 @ 7:35am | Report comment
Foolishness is not Sport. You negelcted to list the huge number of Graves at the bottom of Mt Everest, the bodies of many who have tried to conquer this monolith. Nor have you mentioned the number of lives lost in failed Space attempts. Nor have you mentioned the huge number of lives lost at sea.
She is only 16 for goodness sake. To say she should try to achieve her goal in the face of the Supreme Cost , shows a total disregard and contempt for human life.
October 16th 2009 @ 12:28pm
Matthew Maguire said | October 16th 2009 @ 12:28pm | Report comment
Didnt neglect it at all:
“The fatality rate of such a sailing attempt is also greater than either of the above pursuits. More people have died attempting a solo circumnavigation than in any other sporting challenge.”
Almost 2500 people have summitted Everest and as of 2007, it is believed 203 have died in the attempt. Thousands more (believed to be approximately 5000) have began the climb before aborting.
At last count 438 people have been to space, with 18 deaths.
Only 261 official circumnavigations have been successful, although you could probably add another 30-40 from recent Vendee Globe competitors that, in some lists, are not counted. Various figures are thrown about as to how many have died in the attempt (anything from 27 to 88) and an estimated 70% of those who set out on the journey are forced to abandon the trip after breakdown etc.
That is the very point I was making – that a solo circumnavigation is literally the Everest of sailing. Its death rate is higher, its failure rate well in excess of Everest or space. It is incredibly difficult. That is the point. Before Hilary’s successful summit, how many thought climbing Everest was ‘foolish?’
Because it is a mammoth task for anyone, young or old, to complete, we should somehow discourage any attempt?
And for what its worth, at least two teenagers have summitted Everest and who knows how many young locals have assisted foreign climbers but are not counted in the tally.
As for whether people think she is seeking fame and fortune or not (as if footballers and basketballers etc dont do that?), to pretend sailing is not a sport and that solo journeys are not the ultimate in the sport is ignorant beyond belief. If its not a team sport it doesnt count?
I have just been so frustrated at people sitting behind their computer screens, making judgements on somebody trying to do something significant. Seems like it is no different here though…
October 16th 2009 @ 12:48pm
JK said | October 16th 2009 @ 12:48pm | Report comment
I did’nt say sailing is not a sport, I sail and love it, but you have to compete somehow for it to be a sport, what she is doing is a hobby/pursuit. Fishing is a hobby until a competition, then it becomes a sport, If she was racing someone, yes that would be sport, if she was trying to better a time, that would be sport.
On your comment that it’s the “ultimate”, well that’s down to your opinion, I admire her bravery, but I can’t get past the fact that she has to do it now, obvioulsy as she gets older there is no record, why not just do it for herself, why all the hoopla. I am only guessing, but i’d say she’s spent alot of time thinking about afterwards i.e interviews, book deals etc etc
October 16th 2009 @ 11:03am
Bill said | October 16th 2009 @ 11:03am | Report comment
Jessica and her ‘Team’ are their own worst enemies when it comes to bad publicity and negativity. If they’d only just been more low key there wouldn’t be this amount of criticism. Jesse Martin left a lonely dock in Melbourne with him Mum and two dogs waving goodbye. It wasn’t until he got around Cape Horn that people started gettting interested. You could learn from this Jessica
October 16th 2009 @ 11:06am
Bill said | October 16th 2009 @ 11:06am | Report comment
AND Australian’s don’t like braggers. Jessica’s official website reads – ‘Youngest Round the World’. For heaven’s sake you haven’t done it yet!!!
October 16th 2009 @ 12:39pm
Tom said | October 16th 2009 @ 12:39pm | Report comment
Not sure whether a 16 yr old should be doing this or not but its a bit harsh to slam her for publicity stunts etc. This has only happened because her first attempt ended after just a few days. She originally left with very little public knowledge of who she is or her attempt. Only after the media jumped on it once she returned, has it become a big story.
October 16th 2009 @ 12:56pm
JK said | October 16th 2009 @ 12:56pm | Report comment
Not true, she was in the media prior to her test run , which lasted a few hours. More people jumped on board (pardon the pun) after her accident, because it was clear she was not as well prepared as made out.
I also believe it has polarised the public because they are sick of good money thrown at rescue attempts for people with little regard for those who risk themselves to save them when it goes wrong.
I’m all for pushing the barriers/extemes, but I can’t help but feel she is trying to sprint, without really ever walking or running first. It’s like going for 6.0 mtrs in pole vault, when you have’nt cleared 4.5 first. She wants the gold or nothing, just my opinion.
October 16th 2009 @ 12:56pm
Pippinu said | October 16th 2009 @ 12:56pm | Report comment
The thing is that generally speaking, teenagers have shit for brains.
This was sort of illustrated when her first attempt came to a grinding halt within spitting distance of the Australian coast line.
Now of course people should be allowed to stare death squarely in the eyes from close distance – if they have an understanding of what they are doing.
But is it right that such people expect the taxpayer to fund their inevitable extraction when things go pear shaped?
October 16th 2009 @ 6:34pm
Tom said | October 16th 2009 @ 6:34pm | Report comment
She has already fundraised to cover her insurance – any rescue is already paid for.
As for publicity JK – I didnt suggest she didnt promote her attempt prior to leaving, just that it had very little public traction until it was aborted. You could not possibly compare the debate currently to that of prior to the first attempt.
October 18th 2009 @ 10:43am
Ken said | October 18th 2009 @ 10:43am | Report comment
I don’t believe any insurance company would cover this, and I note that her parents have not exactly been forthcoming with any proof/details.
October 16th 2009 @ 6:42pm
bever fever said | October 16th 2009 @ 6:42pm | Report comment
I am in 2 minds about this … sure it would be great if she does it and good on her for having a go, but who is going to take responsibility if it all goes pear shaped – not her – its her parents who will have to and they will cop it from the media and suburbia, whilst i would imagine her parents intentions are all good its not going to help if something seriously bad happens.
Would not want my kids doing it, far to dangerous IMO, my advice to them, when you are 18 do it.
October 16th 2009 @ 7:21pm
prowling panther said | October 16th 2009 @ 7:21pm | Report comment
She should be strangled, beaten up and then shot (metaphorically of course). She gets into any trouble (which is highly likely), my taxes will be going into a rescue operation. Why can’t she just stay at school or find some sort of paid work??
October 18th 2009 @ 9:31am
Andrew Mann said | October 18th 2009 @ 9:31am | Report comment
if you would like to know she has rescue inserance and it will not cost you anything
i think we should all wish her the bast of luck and if your not going to say some thing nice than just dont say anything
October 19th 2009 @ 6:09am
JK said | October 19th 2009 @ 6:09am | Report comment
Is there insurance that those that will perform her rescue will be not be placed in danger themselves?
October 16th 2009 @ 8:01pm
martin edwards said | October 16th 2009 @ 8:01pm | Report comment
all i can say to you jessica is that you have guts and commitment and you will do it, im 100% shure , dont take any notice of the negative people. when you do things that are against the main streem of australian society the knockers come out. these people have no idea. ive travelled to 57 countries now spending 5 and a half yrs overseas and im going to asi for 7 months next month, i retired at 47 im now 54. people have called me a fool, but these people havent done much , i dont listen and keep going, good luck jessica on your dream, mate you have guts , you will suceed, martin, ps im reading a book on a kiwi girl that sailed solo round the world from england in 1978 , her name is naomi james, on express cruisader, she had problems with her sailomat stering gear and ha to pull into port a few times and was aided. if you want this book i will send it to you. it took her 9 moths and she sailed back to england a hero ,
October 17th 2009 @ 3:04pm
B.C. said | October 17th 2009 @ 3:04pm | Report comment
Martin, in all of your 54 years it appears you have travelled far and wide. I am sure that you are very wise and worldly but it is such a shame that you never paid much attention to your grammar, spelling and punctuation.
October 17th 2009 @ 2:27pm
Chris said | October 17th 2009 @ 2:27pm | Report comment
No it should not be applauded. Basically she’s saying “look at me, I have a sailing boat, and I’m going to circumnavigate the world for no particular reason – not for charity, not to raise awareness for anything”. How many kids do you know have their own sailing boats? Hardly any, I know I don’t, and i went to private school and maybe one guy had his own sailing boat out of the 1500 or so guys in my school. All it means is that her parents are wealthy enough to buy her her own sailing boat.
I’m sure sailing is tough and it takes guts to sail the high seas facing a myriad of dangers, but how many of us will actually get the opprtunity to sail around the world in our own sailing boat? none because not all our parents are willing to spend money for us to go sailing let alone get sailing lessons. Kids her age around the world still face tougher challenges and not because they choose to undertake these challenges but because they are victims of circumstance.
Not to mention that this has been done before by some kid who was 17 years old a couple of years ago, Jesse Martin i think his name was, who I’d like to point out did it without all this media fanfare. If she is already claiming to be the youngest already according to her website she is clearly doing it for vain reasons.