Jessica Rose Watson is an Australian sailor who was awarded The Medal of the Order of Australia after attempting a solo circumnavigation at the age of 16 from 18 October 2009 to 15 May 2010. Although she circled the planet, she did it in a narrow range of latitudes that resulted in her voyage falling short of the distance criterion of 21,600 nautical miles (40,000 km) for a circumnavigation – the equivalent of the circumference of the Earth at the equator – by nearly 2,000 nautical miles (3,700 km); Watson was nevertheless named 2011 Young Australian of the Year and awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2012 for "...service to sailing and to youth through the achievement of sailing solo and unassisted around the world [sic], and as a role model for young Australians". As of November 2022, she resides in Melbourne. Netflix produced a film, True Spirit (2023), about Watson's voyage.
Jessica Watson becomes the youngest person to sail, non-stop and unassisted around the world solo.
On May 15, in the year 2010, Jessica Watson becomes the youngest person to sail, non-stop and unassisted around the world solo. This event is recorded as a Historical Events event in the history of May 15, a notable event in this corner of history.
Key Facts
- This event took place on May 15, 2010 (AD era).
- It is categorised as a Historical Events event in recorded history.
- Referenced in 1 Wikipedia article.
- Wikipedia source last updated on 24 April 2026.
On This Date in History
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