Global solo sailor Watson banned from Sydney to Hobart race due to age
By ANIThursday, November 25, 2010
MELBOURNE - Jessica Watson, who sailed solo around the world, has been banned from participating in this year’s Sydney to Hobart race because of her age.
The 17 years old has revealed her next big adventure will be roughly 205 days shorter than her epic round-the-world odyssey but will still take her into some of the most treacherous and dangerous waters in the world, just off mainland Australia.
But because of her age, the intrepid adventurer is banned from competing in the famed Sydney to Hobart ocean race until next year.
This time she wanted to be accompanied by other teenagers and young sailors who will get to share in her dream.
“It’s the same thing again. To get out and show the world what young people can do,” News.com.au quoted her as saying about her decision to contest the race.
“But I’ve always wanted to do this race so it will be very exciting…. n the wake of the deadly 1998 race which claimed the lives of six men, rules were passed banning sailors under 18 from competing, meaning Watson will be forced to watch from the sidelines when the 99-strong fleet in the 66th Sydney to Hobart race sets sail on Boxing Day.
“It is kind of weird not to be allowed to go after sailing round the world,” Watson admitted.
“But there is so much to organise, we need all the time we can get,” Watson added. (ANI)
