Jessica Watson crosses equator

JESSICA Watson has crossed the equator, a major milestone in her around-the-world sailing adventure.

About 6.17am Jess, a 16-year-old school girl from Buderim, crossed the line.

She is attempting to become the youngest person to sail solo and unassisted around the world.

To celebrate crossing the equator Jess had a party on board her yacht, Ella’s Pink Lady, hooking up via satellite phone to relatives in New Zealand.

Jess’s mum, Julie Watson, said reaching the milestone had boosted her daughter’s confidence as she sets sail towards Chile’s infamous Cape Horn.

“She rang us when she crossed and was really excited and, surprisingly for Jess, really emotional. She had a few tears,” Mrs Watson told the Daily.

“Jess has travelled about 3000nm now, which is a big achievement for any sailor.

“Making it to the equator has provided a huge confidence boost. Jess knows she can do it.”

Jess is now looking forward to making the journey to Cape Horn, which will take about a month, and preparing her yacht for the potentially volatile conditions.

“After crossing the line I'll be sailing north another 200nm up around Kiribati Island, my rounding point in the northern hemisphere, then south back across the line and on to Cape Horn,” Jess wrote on her blog.

“I'm becoming more and more nocturnal lately because it's so much easier to get anything done when it cools down after the sun sets.

“It was good to get a few extra catnaps in while I've still got plenty of open water and nice conditions.”

Read more about Jessica Watson.