A proven partner for record breakers
Jessica Watson from Queensland’s Sunshine Coast is no doubt one 16-year-old that is going places!
After months of planning, she is committed to her mission to become the youngest person to sail solo, non-stop and unassisted around the world.
Inspired by Kay Cottee, the first woman to sail solo non-stop unassisted around the world and then by Jesse Martin, the youngest person to since do so, Jessica has set her sights on shattering the record.
In the process, Jessica hopes to inspire young sailors, adventurers and everyone with a dream in their heart.
The journey which is expected to take some 240 days and take in some 22,000 nautical miles is being undertaken in a S&S (Sparkman & Stephens) 34 named Ella’s Pink Lady.
The S&S 34 is a classic design with a proven pedigree, it is known firstly for its seaworthiness, toughness and track record and is also the same design in which Jesse Martin sailed solo around the world in Lionheart.
As part of her extensive trip preparations, Ms Watson’s support team knew that an update of the original industrial-quality auxiliary engine and propeller was an essential requirement for the epic journey.
In discussing their requirements with other yacht owners and marine servicing personnel along the coast, the Yanmar brand was no doubt the preferred brand and a logical choice, said Power Equipment Pty Ltd – distributors of Yanmar Diesel and Gori Propellers in Australia, PNG and the South Pacific. The distributor said it is pleased to support Jessica in her endeavours and have partnered with her to supply a new 29hp Yanmar 3YM30 engine model complete with a high-quality two-blade folding type Gori Propeller.
“Yanmar and Gori Propeller are a natural choice.
As supply partners they both are world-class brands with a well proven heritage and history aboard many other history-making ocean voyages,” said Power Equipment. “After many hours of trials during trip preparations, Jessica is ecstatic with the performance of the new Yanmar engine and propeller and the results achieved compared to the original engine.”
“The most significant change I immediately noticed was the ease of starting, lack of exhaust smoke and super silent operation, something that I will really appreciate as the engine will be relied upon for battery charging during the voyage,” said Jessica.
“It’s an exciting time and I can’t wait to get out there now. It has been an intensive few months of preparation, but thanks to all my supporters and hard-working team, we are almost ready to go,” she said.
Jessica is, however, aware that many tough weeks and months lay ahead, but with that in mind she is still in high spirits and remains focused on her goal and achieving the world record of being the youngest person to sail solo around the world.
“No doubt the confidence of knowing that the Ella’s Pink Lady has a high-quality purpose-built marine auxiliary engine aboard will be very re-assuring to Jessica and her team as she attempts to achieve her goal,” Power Equipment said.
Power Equipment said it wishes Jessica the best of luck for her journey.
For more information or to keep up to date on Jessica’s voyage, visit www.jessicawatson.com.au