Jessica Hobart-bound with youngest crew

Jessica Watson is a shining light for all young people, and the rest of us, capturing our imaginations and inspiring many to try the sport of sailing.

Fresh from claiming the title of the youngest person ever to sail solo and unassisted around the world just last year, she was recognised for her outstanding and exceptional achievements when she was named Young Australian of the Year for 2010.

Now Jessica is taking on a new and testing challenge. In December this year, again sponsored by Ella Baché, she will compete in the Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race at the helm of ‘Ella Baché another Challenge’. Jessica will skipper the distinctive boat, manned by the youngest crew to ever compete in the race – none of them over 21.

The minimum age to compete in the event is 18 and Jessica reached this landmark on 18 May (the eve of this year’s Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show).

“It has been a busy process selecting our crew, but I am absolutely delighted to be working with such a dynamic and motivated group of young sailors,” said Jessica, who added that all of them had bonded well and were looking forward to their 12-week training starting in October in the lead up to the event. Another famous young name joining the crew is Mike Perham from the UK, another solo-circumnavigator.

The yacht is a Sydney 38, which will has been painted her trademark pink and will be sure to stand out on the harbour come race day, 26 December. The crew hopes to be competitive in the Sydney 38OD division and compete for handicap honours, depending on weather patterns.

For a preview of Jessica’s pink yacht, featuring artwork by John Hallas, Chairman of Ella Baché, visit www.jessicawatson.com.au