Yacht record hopeful passes major landmark
Nov 30th, 2009
The 16-year-old Australian schoolgirl hoping to become the youngest person in the world to single-handedly sail a yacht non-stop around the world has reached a major milestone in her trip.Jessica Watson and her 33-ft vessel Ella's Pink Lady rounded Kiritimati Island - also known as Christmas Island - last week (November 24th).
Shore team member Bruce Arms said that passing the island was a bigger feat than crossing the equator, which she also achieved last week.
"Jessica has displayed really impressive seamanship and patience in rounding this landmark," he explained, adding that wind and sea conditions had not been as favourable as she had hoped.
The expert said that the way Watson rounded the island was a fine display of sailing expertise and showed how skilled the record hopeful is.
She will now head for Cape Horn - the southernmost point of South America at the tip of Chile.
Christmas Island is used as a stopover for flights from Hawaii to Fiji. Those visiting the island might want to pack their camera to take a photograph of the shack and hand-painted sign that constitute its international air terminal.
Posted by George Clifford
"I would recommend Dream Marine to others. Everyone was easygoing and helpful. I didn’t mind who I talked to. It was all good. Shame having to come back to London afterwards.
Come on Chris… when’s the next one?"
Come on Chris… when’s the next one?"
