—–Around—the—Globe—— Watson returns as 'Australia's newest hero' (ABC news) Teen sailor Jessica Watson has completed a triumphant return to Sydney, with thousands of people on land and water giving her a hero's welcome. After a 210-day journey of a lifetime, the 16-year-old from Queensland's Sunshine Coast has become the youngest person to sail around the world, solo, non-stop and unassisted. Just two days shy of her 17th birthday, Watson sailed her 10-metre yacht Ella's Pink Lady up Sydney Harbour, the same spot she left from almost seven months ago. Battling six-metre swells and a ripped main sail, the final leg of her journey took several hours longer than what was predicted. She disembarked at the Opera House, made an emotional reunion with her parents, and then met the official welcome party including Mr Rudd and NSW Premier Kristina Keneally. Mr Rudd told Watson she has done the nation proud. “Jess, welcome back to dry land, welcome back home to Australia,” he said. “You may feel a little wobbly on your feet just now but in the eyes of all Australians you now stand tall as our newest Australian hero. “At 16 years old, you are a hero for all young Australians, you are also a hero for all young Australian women, you do our nation proud. This is a great day for our country.” More——– http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/05/15/2900405.htm —-ALSO—- Australian teenager finishes round-world solo sail (Reuters) Accompanied by a flotilla of supporters' boats, Jessica Watson, 16, sailed through the harbour entrance around 2 p.m. (0400 GMT), at the end of a controversial seven-month journey. Watson is the youngest person to sail solo, non-stop and unassisted around the world. She returned home three days short of her 17th birthday. However, her voyage is not expected to qualify officially as a record because of issues about her route and young age. Her backers, including her family, have also come in for harsh criticism, with some experienced yachtsmen opposing the voyage. Prime Minister Kevin Rudd proclaimed her “Australia's newest hero” after thousands watched her yacht Ella's Pink Lady dock at the Sydney Opera House. Her arrival was delayed by choppy seas and a torn sail. Watson said she was just an “ordinary girl who believed in her dream”. More——– http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE64E0D920100515 http://www.reuters.com/resources/r/?m=02&d=20100515&t=2&i=107560156&… added by: remanns
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