Australian teen Jessica Watson completes round-the-world sail

May 15th, 2010 - 3:57 pm ICT by BNO News  

SYDNEY (BNO NEWS) — Australian teen sailor Jessica Watson was welcomed by thousands of people as she crossed the finish line of her round-the-world journey on Saturday.

Watson, who is 16 years old, spent seven months at sea to sail nonstop and without any assistance around the world. If the Guinness Book of Records confirms her full trip, it will make her the youngest person to ever sail around the world, solo, nonstop and unassisted.

The teenage girl was welcomed by thousands of people who lined up the foreshore of the Sydney Opera House. Others were partying on the waterfront balconies and yachts.

She initially was expected to cross the finish line at 11.30 a.m. local time, but instead arrived several hours later because of strong winds and a tear in her yacht’s main sail.

According to Sky News Australia, one elderly woman collapsed during Watson’s return and was carried away on a stretcher.

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