Aussie Teen Sails Into History

The Australian teenage sailor Jessica Watson has finally achieved her dream of becoming the youngest person to sail around the world, solo, non-stop and unassisted.

After a 210-day journey, the 16-year-old from Queensland's Sunshine Coast today sailed her 30 ft yacht Ella's Pink Lady up Sydney Harbour, the same spot she left from almost seven months ago.

But this time, instead of bidding her farewell, thousands of people - some who were no doubt sceptical of the teen's endeavours - have lined the foreshore to welcome her home, Australia's ABC reported.

As she made her way up the world famous harbour, Watson was flanked by a flotilla and a crowd cheering loudly, waving banners with messages of support.

Her name also appeared in sky writing above the harbour.

Watson greeted the crowd from the deck of her boat as she prepared to head for the Opera House.

She faced calls to abandon the trip late last year after she collided with a bulk carrier off the south-east Queensland coast.

At that point, many questioned Watson's ability and maturity, and whether her parents were doing the right thing in letting their daughter go. Even the Queensland Premier was urged to stop her.

Despite the controversy, Watson, supported by her family and manager, remained determined to embark on the voyage.

Apart from encountering wild winds, large swells and several knockdowns - one where her mast was pushed 180 degrees into the water - Watson's journey from then on was with few major setbacks.

She crossed the Equator and rounded the notoriously tough Cape Horn, withstanding 40-knot winds and a four-metre swell.

Watson said it was a dream come true to pass Africa's cape. "This week has just been a dream come true. It is exciting to be at the half way point, but we still have a long way to go, so it is business as usual again," she said.

But it was conditions closer to home that proved some of the toughest.

Sailing the Southern Ocean, from Cape Leeuwin and around Tasmania, Watson's yacht was knocked down several times while battling wild storms.

"The last few days have been a bit tough (yes that's an upgrade from the usual interesting!), with strong headwinds, messy seas, lots of lightning and a few high drama moments," Watson wrote on her blog.

"With this weather keeping me on my toes, there's no way I'm relaxing in the slightest." Ready for land

As the 16-year-old neared the end of her voyage in April, she admitted the time at sea alone and the rough conditions were taking a toll.

"Even though the conditions weren't at all the worst we've been through, for some reason or another the uncomfortable motion and my damp bunk really got to me, making me pretty moody and a little homesick," she wrote on her blog.

Despite being alone, Watson said she never felt lonely, but confessed she was certainly ready to come home.

"Love it out here still but I think enough is enough."

© NewsRoom