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A determined young woman with incredible courage, she battled the world's oceans, to safely return to Australia after sailing solo and unassisted around the world.

Making the announcement prior to a book signing, Perth 2011 Chairman The Hon Ian Campbell announced Jessica Watson as an Ambassador to the World Championships.

"Perth 2011 is delighted to welcome Jessica Watson to the Perth 2011 ISAF Sailing World Championships. The World Championships and Jessica Watson share the same passion and enthusiasm for sport," Mr Campbell said.

"Jessica's voyage began as a dream, a vision of what could be. Jessica achieved her dream of sailing around the world single-handedly and along the way, captured the hearts of the nation. Perth 2011 also has a dream to host an Olympic qualifying Event that will capture the attention of the nation and highlight Perth as a key player in the world of sailing, and that "Dream Begins in Perth!" he continued.

"Like Jessica, athletes competing at Perth 2011, vying for a place for their nation at the London 2012 Olympic Sailing Competition, understand that to achieve a goal, it all begins with a dream or a vision."

Watson also expressed her enthusiasm to be aligned with one of the biggest sailing events to ever reach Australian shores.

"Securing the World Championships is a wonderful coup for the sport of sailing in Australia. It's an honour to be an Ambassador for such a prestigious event, which I hope will encourage even more people to take up sailing," Watson said.

Mr Campbell said that Perth 2011 was thrilled with Watson's appointment, which would assist in reaching the younger demographic and those unfamiliar with sailing, who became interested in the sport by following her journey.

"Jessica Watson is exactly the type of Ambassador we would like to join us on the exciting journey to the World Championships," he said.

With Watson signed on as the Queensland (QLD) Ambassador and following the appointment of John Bertrand, of America's Cup fame, and the 'Golden Girls', Beijing 2008 Olympic Gold Medallists Elise Rechichi and Tessa Parkinson, Perth 2011 now has Ambassadors in QLD, Victoria and Western Australia respectively. These high profile honorary Ambassadors endorse the Event and will live the brand, values and mission of Perth 2011 by proactively helping organisers to promote it in their key markets. Perth 2011 plans to sign on Ambassadors in each Australian state and international identities in the UK and USA.


Perth 2011 website - click here.

Find out more about the ISAF Sailing World Championships at www.sailing.org/isafworlds.