Jessica Watson OAM is an Australian sailor.
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Watson left Sydney on October 18, 2009, and headed northeast, crossing the equator in the Pacific Ocean before crossing the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. She sailed back into Sydney Harbour on May 15, 2010.
During the circumnavigation, Watson survived seven knockdowns and 210 days alone at sea to emerge as the youngest person to sail solo non-stop around the world at age 16.
On completion of the voyage, Jessica Watson wrote a book about her experience, titled True Spirit which was published by Hachette Australia and released on July 29, 2010.
Watson also filmed a documentary while at sea. It was narrated by Sir Richard Branson and premiered on ONEHD on August 16, 2010, before being released on DVD along with a CD album on August 20, 2010
Jessica was named Young Australian of the Year in 2011 and was awarded the Order of Australia Medal in 2012.
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A film adaption of Jessica’s story is set to be released on Netflix on February 3, 2023.
Jessica Watson Parents: Meet Roger Watson, Julie Watson
Roger Watson and Julie Watson are the parents of Jessica Watson.
Originally from New Zealand, Roger Watson and Julie Watson married in 1986 and moved to Australia in 1987.
Upon arrival Jessica’s father Roger started work as a boilermaker and 18 months later went into real estate. While her mother Julie worked in Brisbane as an occupational therapist.
Roger Watson and Julie Watson share four children; Hannah Watson, Jessica Watson, Emily Watson and Tom Watson.
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