IN THE PINK

Come race day, it won’t just be middle-aged white men on the start line. Teenage circumnavigator Jessica Watson has teamed up with Deloitte to prepare a Sydney to Hobart campaign that brings together some of Australia’s best and brightest sailors under 21. Another Challenge, as the team is named, is shaping up to be a serious contender in what is one of the most fiercely competed divisions of the race, the Sydney 38 division.

The campaign is the result of an almost year-long training program that has included rigorous off-water training, fostering skills in project management, leadership and communication. Does this sound like themes more suited to an office environment than the open water? Watson isn’t so sure. “Time management, project management and leadership might sound like completely business-related skills, but they can be applied to any area of your life.” She says that the crew has relished the opportunity to turbocharge their sailing skills with the onshore program, and she thinks it has paid off in the way the team is working together.

In terms of the race, Watson can’t wait to just get started. “The finish line will be incredible, but I’m also looking forward to that start line. You put so much time and effort in getting the campaign together ... it’ll be such a relief and sense of achievement just to get over the start line on the day.”

BRW

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