The latest thrilling flick to hit Netflix is not only inspiring but based on a true story. After her solo-sailing story served as the basis for the film True Spirit, audiences are wondering, what is Jessica Watson doing now?
Drawing from the real-life story of a young Jessica, an Australian girl who attempted to solo-sail around the world, True Spirit retells a dramatized tale of her adventure.
It’s not often stories as unbelievable as this come along. She made international headlines, as many doubted her capabilities as a sailor. Setting off in a bright pink small yacht, Jessica had one goal in mind, sail around the world as quickly as possible.
Although she missed out on the world record for becoming the youngest person to sail solo, non-stop, and unassisted around the world, Jessica prevailed in other ways.
Here’s everything we know about Jessica Watson, from her initial solo-sailing trip to what she’s doing now.
Meet Jessica Watson
Born on 18 May 1993, Jessica Watson is a passionate sailor who first began her boating career when she was just 16. It was at this young age she embarked on her (first) solo sailing trip which took place on 18 October 2009.
During her trip, Jessica encountered an array of issues. When facing the dangers of the ocean like stormy weather and some extreme conditions. Conditions so dangerous they caused damage to her boat.
Despite the treacherous weather, Jessica Watson did survive her trip. She even managed to repair the boat and her equipment several times while navigating the waters.
She completed the trip on May 2010, only three days before her seventeenth birthday, pulling into Syndey Harbour.
What is Jessica Watson doing now?
Jessica Watson is still alive and thriving. The now 29-year-old still lives in Australia.
Unsurprisingly, she is still sailing and still loves it.
However, the sport is more of a hobby for her now as she opted to stay focused on her academic studies in Project Management and her very different career path. She currently works at Deloitte as a management consultant for their Human Capital team. She has publically spoken on a wide variety of topics over the years.
In a 2019 interview with Mama Mia, the sailor discussed how she spent the weekends on a boat with her partner Cameron Dale.
Sadly, Cameron passed away in 2021 from a stroke. Jessica is a huge advocate for awareness and prevention of strokes in Australia, as she recently displayed on her social media account.
During her life, Jessica has been a Youth Ambassador for the United Nations World Food Programme:
More recently, she presented the She Sails Australia award, in which she declared on Instagram it was “an evening spent in inspiring sailing company”.
Watson was also a huge supporter of Netflix’s production. She took to Instagram to share some pictures of her, director Sarah Spillane and actress Teagan Croft at a special screening of the inspirational movie.
Her involvement in the production comes as no surprise either as the film provides shocking insight into what Jessica experienced.
True Spirit is now streaming on Netflix.
