Who Is Jessica Watson? Age, Biography and Wiki
Jessica Watson was born on May 18, 1993, in Gold Coast, Australia. As of 2025, she is 32 years old. Jessica gained international fame as a remarkable sailor, becoming the youngest person to sail solo, non-stop, and unassisted around the world at the age of 16 in 2010. Her journey captivated audiences worldwide, leading her to become an inspirational figure for many young adventurers.
| Occupation | Autobiographer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | May 18, 1993 |
| Age | 32 Years |
| Birth Place | Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia |
| Horoscope | Taurus |
| Country | Australia |
Popularity
Jessica Watson's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Jessica Watson stands at a height of 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm) and weighs approximately 130 pounds (59 kg). Her athletic build reflects her adventurous lifestyle, as sailing demands both physical and mental endurance. Specific measurements such as bust, waist, and hip sizes are not publicly available, as Jessica tends to keep her personal life private.
When south of Australia, Watson suffered a lot of bad weather. In this part of the journey, she had at least three knockdowns (where the mast hit the water), one of them with the mast deep into the sea, but escaped serious damage and injury. The swells she experienced in the Great Australian Bight were up to 12 metres in height, higher than at any time before.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Jessica comes from a supportive family that encouraged her maritime pursuits from a young age. She has not publicly shared details about her romantic relationships, although there have been rumors regarding her dating life. In 2025, she is believed to be in a happy relationship, but specific details about her boyfriend have not been disclosed, as she prefers to maintain a degree of privacy surrounding her personal life.
The second of four children of New Zealand–born couple Roger and Julie Watson, who moved to Australia in 1987, she has dual Australian and New Zealand citizenship. She has an older sister (Emily) and younger brother and sister (Tom and Hannah).
All four took sailing lessons as children, and the family went on to live on board a 16-metre cabin cruiser for five years, the children being home schooled via distance learning. Later they lived on a purpose-built double-decker bus for some time.
When Watson was eleven and they were still living on the boat, her mother read Jesse Martin's book Lionheart: A Journey of the Human Spirit to the children as a bedtime story. This led to Watson forming the ambition, at age 12, to sail around the world too. She started sailing when she was 14 years old.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Jessica Watson's net worth is estimated to be around $1.5 million. Her income primarily stems from her sailing endeavors, motivational speaking engagements, book sales, and brand partnerships. Jessica has also pursued various business ventures, contributing to her financial growth.
Career, Business and Investments
Jessica's sailing career skyrocketed after her historic journey around the world. In addition to sailing, she has authored several books, including "True Spirit," which chronicles her adventures. Beyond her maritime pursuits, Jessica has invested in charitable endeavors and environmental projects, reflecting her commitment to sustainability and marine conservation. Recently, she has also explored ventures in digital media, using her platform to inspire future generations.
During her journey others expressed their support for her attempt. Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said in a public speech on 26 January that "Jessica Watson ...
is an extraordinary young Australian." According to ABC News, competing circumnavigator Abby Sunderland congratulated Watson on rounding Cape Horn, "She's done an amazing job and I hope the rest of her trip goes as well as it has so far."
Social Network
Jessica Watson has a vibrant presence on social media, where she connects with her fans and shares updates about her life and career. She is active on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, where she posts about sailing, her adventures, and her advocacy work. Her ability to engage with her audience has helped her maintain a solid fan base, particularly among young adventurers and aspiring sailors.
Watson's journey has been criticised, particularly after the collision with the freighter.
Barry Tyler of Pacific Motor Yacht magazine wrote, "like the majority of the seafaring world [I] consider it irresponsible, cavalier and indeed ignorant to attempt such a feat, at such a tender age and with so little trans-ocean experience." Questions about her experience were also expressed by Phil Jones, the CEO of Yachting Australia, and by Gran
t Wharington, the skipper of Skandia, with Wharington stating that he had been impressed by Watson when they had met, but that he had advised her to gain experience by undertaking a number of shorter solo passages before attempting the circumnavigation, although she chose not to follow his advice.
A more general concern was raised by the Australian Childhood Foundation, who questioned whether a 16-year-old girl would have the ability to fully understand the risks that such a venture would involve.
Education
While Jessica gained an early education in sailing, she also pursued academic studies, completing her high school education alongside her sailing career. Her passion for learning has continued as she engages in various workshops and training programs related to sailing, business, and public speaking.
During a test run sailing from Brisbane to Sydney, on her first night after leaving Brisbane, Ella's Pink Lady collided with the Silver Yang, a 63,000-tonne bulk carrier at about 02:00 am on 9 September 2009 near Point Lookout. Watson's boat was dismasted in the collision. She was able to retain control and return the boat to Southport under motor.
