Jessica Watson, the Australian sailor known for being the youngest person to complete a solo circumnavigation of the globe, has announced that she is expecting a child. Watson, who gained international recognition in May 2010 when she completed her 210-day solo voyage at the age of 16, shared the news of her pregnancy in a recent Instagram post. She indicated that the baby is expected to arrive before January.

During her groundbreaking journey, Watson endured numerous challenges, including seven knockdowns, and was later awarded the Order of Australia Medal in recognition of her achievement. Sixteen years after her historic voyage, she is now preparing to embrace motherhood.

In her social media message, Watson expressed excitement and gratitude, referring to the baby as a “little crew member” expected later this year. She emphasized the significance of celebrating such a momentous event.

Watson has maintained privacy regarding her personal life since the death of her partner and high school sweetheart, Cameron Dale, in September 2021. Dale passed away from a catastrophic stroke caused by undiagnosed hypertension after being with Watson for a decade.