Jessica Watson approaches Cape Horn danger zone

Brlsbane

Sophie Elsworth
January 12, 2010 12:00am
TEENAGE sailor Jessica Watson expects to reach the most dangerous part of her solo around-the-world voyage on Wednesday.
The 16-year-old said yesterday she was only a few hundred nautical miles from the tip of South America, which is infamous for its strong winds and enormous waves.
"We've still got about 270 nautical miles till Cape Horn and if the wind behaves as expected, we are aiming for the rounding some time on the 13th," she blogged. "Rounding the Cape is sure going to be a huge milestone!"
Jessica's parents, Roger and Julie, left the Sunshine Coast last week to fly to South America.
The teenager (pictured) is hoping the weather will allow her parents to have a bird's-eye view of her from a private jet as she passes Cape Horn.
"I've got all my fingers, toes, limbs and everything else crossed hoping that the weather works out OK for the fly-over with Mum and Dad," she wrote.
Australian sailing weather guru Roger Badham had predicted a testing week for Jessica with fluctuating forecasts around the Cape.
Jessica left Sydney 87 days ago and is attempting to become the youngest person to sail non-stop and unassisted around the world.
Her track past South America is likely to be the closest Jessica comes to land until she crosses the Indian Ocean and reaches Australia. On her proposed route, Jessica is unlikely to see Africa.