Who is the Real Pink Lady?
The "real Pink Lady" refers to a significant vessel in modern maritime history: the S&S 34 yacht named Ella's Pink Lady. This iconic boat is famously associated with Australian teenager Jessica Watson, who sailed it during her remarkable solo circumnavigation of the globe.
The Vessel: Ella's Pink Lady
Ella's Pink Lady is an S&S 34 model, a type of yacht renowned for its robust construction and offshore capabilities. It served as the platform for Jessica Watson's ambitious voyage to become the youngest person to sail solo, non-stop, and unassisted around the world.
Before embarking on her full record-breaking journey, the yacht and its young skipper faced a severe challenge. During a trial solo sail off the coast of Queensland, Ella's Pink Lady was involved in a violent collision with a 63,000-tonne cargo ship. This incident left the yacht dismasted, and both Jessica Watson and her family ashore were understandably shaken. Despite this major setback, the vessel was repaired, and Watson's determination to achieve her dream remained steadfast.
Jessica Watson's Historic Voyage
Jessica Watson's voyage aboard Ella's Pink Lady captured global attention. She successfully completed her circumnavigation in May 2010, just three days before her 17th birthday. Her extraordinary feat, enabled by the reliability of Ella's Pink Lady, made her a source of inspiration worldwide.
The story of Jessica Watson and her brave yacht was later brought to a wider audience through the film True Spirit. The movie portrays the teenage Jessica aboard Ella's Pink Lady, showcasing the challenges she faced, including the dramatic pre-voyage collision, and her unwavering resolve.
Today, Ella's Pink Lady holds a special place in Australia's maritime heritage and is displayed at the Australian National Maritime Museum in Sydney, serving as a tangible reminder of one of the most remarkable solo sailing achievements.
Key Facts About Ella's Pink Lady:
- Type: S&S 34 yacht
- Famous Sailor: Jessica Watson
- Historical Significance: Vessel used for Jessica Watson's solo, non-stop, unassisted circumnavigation of the world in 2009-2010.
- Notable Incident: Sustained dismasting after a collision with a cargo ship during a trial sail off Queensland, prior to her main voyage.
- Current Location: Australian National Maritime Museum, Sydney.
For more information on Jessica Watson's voyage and Ella's Pink Lady, you can visit her official website or the Australian National Maritime Museum's page on the yacht.