Jessica Watson's Solo Voyage: What Boat Did She Use?

Jessica Watson, OAM, is an Australian sailor who, at the age of 16, embarked on a solo circumnavigation of the globe. Her boat, a 10.23-metre (33.6 ft) Sparkman & Stephens model S&S 34, was named Ella's Pink Lady. The yacht was obtained and refitted with new equipment, including a new galley, reconditioned diesel and water tanks, and a rebuilt electrical system. Ella's Pink Lady played a crucial role in Watson's journey, with the young sailor praising its performance and the peace of mind it gave her during her challenging voyage.

Jessica Watson's boat was a Sparkman & Stephens model S&S 34

Watson's boat, named Ella's Pink Lady, underwent extensive refitting and customisation to prepare it for her solo circumnavigation. The refitting process included installing a new galley, reconditioning the diesel and water tanks, and completely rebuilding the electrical system. Watson was deeply involved in preparing the boat and made sure it was equipped with the best available gear.

Ella's Pink Lady featured a Yanmar 3YM30 engine and a two-blade Gori folding propeller, which impressed Watson with its performance and reliability. The boat also had a self-steering windvane system nicknamed "Parker" after the chauffeur in the Thunderbirds television series.

The S&S 34 has a proud history of successful circumnavigations. It is a sturdy and reliable boat that has proven its capability for both racing and cruising around the world. Watson's choice of boat reflected her commitment to safety and performance during her record-breaking solo voyage.

Ella's Pink Lady played a crucial role in Watson's journey, providing her with the necessary tools and stability to navigate the challenges of sailing solo around the world. The boat's performance and customisations contributed significantly to the success of Watson's endeavour.

It was named Ella's Pink Lady

Jessica Watson's boat was named Ella's Pink Lady. Watson was involved in the preparation of the boat, which was a Sparkman & Stephens model S&S 34, the same design used by Jon Sanders, David Dicks, and Jesse Martin in their circumnavigations. The boat was obtained and refitted with new equipment under the supervision of skilled and experienced sailors Don McIntyre and Bruce Arms. The refitting included a new galley, reconditioned diesel and water tanks, and a complete rebuild of the electrical system.

Ella's Pink Lady was sold to the Queensland Maritime Museum for $300,000 in 2011. However, in recent years, the boat has been left abandoned and covered in mould, with reports suggesting it has started leaking. Despite this, Ella's Pink Lady remains a significant part of Jessica Watson's remarkable journey and continues to inspire other young adventurers.

The S&S 34 is a well-respected boat design, with a proud history of successful circumnavigations. Watson's choice of boat was influenced by Jesse Martin's book "Lionheart: A Journey of the Human Spirit," which inspired her ambition to sail around the world. The S&S 34's sturdy construction and seaworthy capabilities made it a reliable choice for Watson's solo voyage.

The preparation and refitting process for Ella's Pink Lady was extensive. The original rig was solid, and David Lambourne was brought in to build a new mast with a unique profile, ensuring its strength and durability. The electrical system was completely replaced, and new safety and navigation equipment were installed, including solar panels, wind generators, radar, autopilots, and various communication devices. The hull was cut back, epoxied, and painted pink, and all skin fittings, valves, and hoses were renewed. A new rudder and tiller were fitted, and the cockpit was modified to improve water tightness and drainage.

The team involved in the refit included volunteers from across Australia, who contributed their expertise and even purchased tools with their own money. The mood was described as infectious, with people going the extra mile to support Watson's endeavour. The final product was a testament to the hard work and dedication of all involved, and Ella's Pink Lady became a symbol of Watson's determination and the support she received from the sailing community.

The boat was refitted with new equipment before the voyage

Jessica Watson's boat, Ella's Pink Lady, was refitted with new equipment under the supervision of Don McIntyre and Bruce Arms, both skilled and experienced sailors. The refit began with a truck ride to a shed in Buderim, Queensland, where everything on the boat was stripped from the structure. Even the brand-new engine was removed, as a Yanmar 30hp with Gori folding prop were considered superior replacements. The benchmark was set: if it wasn't exactly what Watson wanted, it had to go.

The hull was cut back, epoxied, and painted pink. All skin fittings, valves, and hoses were renewed, and keel bolts were X-rayed and one was replaced. A new rudder and tiller were fitted, and new cockpit drains were designed and installed. All chainplates were removed to be checked, and new rear lower gussets were glassed in, along with extra chainplates. A new watertight bulkhead was also glassed in forward of the chain locker to hold the new inner forestay chainplate, and the anchor locker was filled with foam and sealed, creating a great crash compartment.

The electrical system was completely rebuilt. The diesel and water tanks were reconditioned, and a new galley and head were installed. All deck gear was removed and replaced with new equipment, and the dodger was rebuilt. The boat was also fitted with new rigging, sails, and safety gear.

The refit was a collaborative effort, with volunteers from around Australia pitching in to help. Watson herself was deeply involved in the preparation of the boat, ensuring that the final product met her exact specifications.

Ella's Pink Lady was sold to the Queensland Maritime Museum for $300,000

Jessica Watson, OAM, is an Australian sailor who, at the age of 16, embarked on a solo, unassisted, and non-stop journey around the world. She ventured through the Pacific, crossed the equator, passed Cape Horn in South America, crossed the Atlantic, passed the Cape of Good Hope, and sailed through the Indian Ocean. For her vessel, Watson chose a 10.23-metre (33.6 ft) Sparkman & Stephens model S&S 34, the same design used by Jon Sanders, David Dicks, and Jesse Martin in their circumnavigations. Watson named her boat Ella's Pink Lady.

Ella's Pink Lady played a pivotal role in Watson's journey, accompanying her through treacherous waters and challenging conditions. The boat's performance, particularly its Gori folding propeller, impressed Watson, who praised its handling in various sea conditions. After Watson's successful voyage, the fate of Ella's Pink Lady was uncertain until April 2011, when it was announced that the Queensland Maritime Museum in Brisbane would be the boat's permanent home.

However, in December 2020, concerns arose about Ella's Pink Lady's condition. The boat, once a vibrant symbol of Watson's voyage, had been left outside the museum, exposed to the elements. Eerie photographs revealed a vessel covered in mould and showing signs of leakage. Adrian Seiffert, Director of Marine Auctions and Valuations, stated that the boat's value had diminished significantly due to its prolonged time out of the water.

The deterioration of Ella's Pink Lady sparked discussions about its worth and the challenges of maintaining such a historic vessel. Despite the physical decline, Ella's Pink Lady remains a testament to Watson's achievement and continues to hold a place in the hearts of those inspired by her journey.

The Yanmar 3YM30 engine powered the vessel

Jessica Watson's boat, Ella's Pink Lady, was powered by a Yanmar 3YM30 engine. The engine was part of a comprehensive refit of the vessel before Watson's solo circumnavigation. The Yanmar 3YM30 engine was considered a superior replacement for the original engine, and it proved its worth during Watson's journey.

Watson's voyage was an ambitious attempt to become the youngest person to sail solo around the world. The 16-year-old set off from Sydney in 2009, and her journey lasted 210 days. She covered a distance of 23,000 nautical miles, facing challenging conditions in the Southern Ocean and near Cape Horn.

Ella's Pink Lady is a Sparkman & Stephens 34 yacht, the same design used by other circumnavigators such as Jon Sanders, David Dicks, and Jesse Martin. The yacht was purchased and refitted with new equipment under the supervision of skilled sailors Don McIntyre and Bruce Arms. The refit included a new engine, a Yanmar 3YM30, which was chosen for its superior performance and reliability.

The Yanmar 3YM30 engine played a crucial role in Watson's successful voyage. In her blog and video diaries, Watson mentioned that the engine always started reliably, even in challenging conditions: "The Yanmar engine has really proved itself and has never once not fired up first go." This reliability gave Watson peace of mind and contributed to the overall success of her journey.

In addition to the engine, other key components of the refit included a two-blade Gori folding propeller, a new galley, reconditioned diesel and water tanks, and a complete rebuild of the electrical system. The boat was also painted pink, giving it a distinctive appearance.

The preparation and attention to detail that went into the refit of Ella's Pink Lady, including the choice of the Yanmar 3YM30 engine, were crucial to the success of Watson's record-breaking voyage. The engine's performance and reliability contributed to Watson's achievement of becoming the youngest person to sail solo around the world.

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