Exploring The Unique Vessel: The Pink Lady Boat

Ella's Pink Lady is a Sparkman & Stephens 34-foot yacht, named after Jessica Watson, who became the youngest person to sail solo and unassisted around the world in 2009/2010. The Pink Lady is now part of sailing history and resides in the Queensland Maritime Museum, Brisbane, after the Queensland and Commonwealth governments jointly purchased the yacht.

Ella's Pink Lady is a Sparkman & Stephens 34 yacht

Watson bought the boat in 2009, when she was just 16 years old, and set out to become the youngest person to sail solo, nonstop, and unassisted around the world. Her journey began in Sydney, Australia, on October 18, 2009, and ended on May 15, 2010, a few days before her 17th birthday. The voyage took 210 days and covered 23,000 nautical miles.

Ella's Pink Lady was extensively refitted by Watson with new equipment and 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. Watson was deeply involved in the preparation of the boat and even named the self-steering windvane system "Parker" after the chauffeur of the pink Rolls-Royce in the Thunderbirds television series.

The Queensland Maritime Museum in Brisbane has become the home for Ella's Pink Lady after the Queensland and Commonwealth governments jointly purchased the yacht. The museum features a replica of the yacht's cabin, allowing visitors to experience a glimpse of what Watson endured during her journey.

It was sailed by Jessica Watson, the youngest person to sail solo and unassisted around the world

Ella's Pink Lady is a Sparkman & Stephens 34-foot yacht, well-respected for its seaworthiness, resilience, and track record. The same American design has been used by other solo round-the-world sailors.

Jessica Watson, the youngest person to sail solo and unassisted around the world, sailed on Ella's Pink Lady. She embarked on her journey from Sydney, Australia, on October 18, 2009, and returned to Sydney Harbour on May 15, 2010, a week before her 17th birthday. Her journey took 210 days and covered 23,000 nautical miles.

Jessica Watson's journey was not without challenges and controversy. During a test run sailing from Brisbane to Sydney, Ella's Pink Lady collided with the Silver Yang, a 63,000-tonne bulk carrier. Watson's boat was dismasted in the collision, but she managed to retain control and return to Southport under motor power. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau's report on the collision found that Watson had been taking a nap during the incident and had failed to spot the Silver Yang on her radar. Despite this setback, Watson persevered and successfully completed her journey.

Ella's Pink Lady was purchased by the Queensland Maritime Museum and is now on display there. The yacht has become a part of sailing history and an iconic Australian image, symbolizing gutsiness, tenacity, and heart. Jessica Watson's courageous journey and achievement continue to inspire people, particularly young Australians, to chase their dreams and push the boundaries of what is possible.

Watson bought the yacht for $20,000 and sold it to the Queensland Maritime Museum for $300,000

Ella's Pink Lady is a Sparkman & Stephens 34-foot yacht, purchased by Watson for $20,000. The yacht was originally bought by Don and Margie McIntyre in 1984, and later sold to a young man with a dream that he never fulfilled. This is the man from whom Watson bought the yacht.

Watson refurbished the yacht extensively in 2009, with the help of McIntyre and Bruce Arms, both skilled and experienced sailors. The yacht was refitted with a new galley, reconditioned diesel and water tanks, and a complete rebuild of the electrical system. Watson was deeply involved in the preparation of the yacht, which she painted pink.

Ella's Pink Lady was sold to the Queensland Maritime Museum for $300,000 in 2011, where it remains on display. The Queensland and Commonwealth governments jointly purchased the yacht, which has become part of sailing history.

Watson made history as the youngest person to sail solo and unassisted around the world in 2009/2010. Her journey took 210 days and covered 23,000 nautical miles.

Ella's Pink Lady was refitted with new equipment under the supervision of Don McIntyre and Bruce Arms

Ella's Pink Lady, the yacht used by Jessica Watson to become the youngest person to sail solo and nonstop around the world, was refitted with new equipment under the supervision of Don McIntyre and Bruce Arms. McIntyre and Arms are both skilled and experienced sailors who ensured the boat was ready for the challenging voyage ahead.

The refit process was extensive and involved stripping everything from the structure, including the engine. A new Yanmar 30hp engine with a Gori folding prop was installed, along with new skin fittings, valves, hoses, and keel bolts. The rudder and tiller were replaced, and new cockpit drains were designed and installed. The chainplates were checked, and new rear lower gussets and extra chainplates were added. A new watertight bulkhead was also installed, creating a crash compartment in the anchor locker.

The electrical system was completely rebuilt, with new conduits, batteries, alternator and regulator controller, inverter, solar panels, wind generator, circuit breakers, lights, sailing instruments, radar, autopilots, VHF, HF radio, and more. The galley was redesigned, and the diesel and water tanks were reconditioned.

The hull was repainted pink, and a new dodger was constructed to keep the skipper dry and safe. The rig was also upgraded, with a new mast designed by David Lambourne, who has extensive experience in solo around-the-world racing. New Ullman sails were added, providing confidence and security during the voyage.

The total cost of the refit is not disclosed, but it is mentioned that a similar boat could be refitted for a solo circumnavigation on a budget of $100,000. The work on Ella's Pink Lady was a collaborative effort, with many volunteers contributing their time and expertise to support Jessica Watson's historic voyage.

The yacht was sponsored by Ella Baché

Ella's Pink Lady, the yacht that carried Jessica Watson on her solo voyage around the world, was sponsored by Ella Baché. The Queenslander set off on her journey in 2009, at just 16 years old, and became the youngest person to sail solo and unassisted around the world.

Ella's Pink Lady is a Sparkman & Stephens 34-foot yacht, known for its seaworthiness, resilience, and track record. The same design has been used by other solo round-the-world sailors. The yacht was purchased by the Queensland and Commonwealth governments and is now on display at the Queensland Maritime Museum.

Ella Baché, a skincare and beauty company, sponsored Watson's voyage and gave their name to the yacht. The company was founded by Ella Baché, a pioneer in the beauty industry, who created the first skincare salon in Australia. The company has a strong connection to Australia, with Ella Baché migrating to the country in 1936 and establishing her business in Sydney. The company is known for its innovative skincare products and treatments, and its support for women in business and entrepreneurship.

The sponsorship of Ella's Pink Lady by Ella Baché is a testament to the company's commitment to empowering women and promoting their achievements. Watson's journey was a testament to resilience, courage, and determination, values that align with Ella Baché's brand and mission. The company's support for Watson's voyage not only contributed to her success but also helped inspire and encourage other young women to pursue their dreams and challenges.

Ella Baché's sponsorship of Ella's Pink Lady has left a lasting impact on sailing history and women's empowerment. The yacht, now on display, serves as a reminder of Watson's remarkable achievement and the support that made it possible. The sponsorship showcases Ella Baché's dedication to uplifting women and their stories, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of sailing and beyond.

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