Jessica wants to sail more, but not yet

Teenage sailor Jessica Watson says she would love to do more sailing in the future,
but for the moment she'll concentrate on "slightly more normal things" such as
school.
"Some of the experiences I've had have definitely changed me a little," the
16-year-old told international media at a Sydney Opera House press conference on
Saturday.
"If anything I've become more cheerful, more fun."
The Queenslander apologised for keeping the tens of thousands of wellwishers waiting.
She had arrived, aboard her yacht Ella's Pink Lady, at the finishing line of her
epic voyage a couple of hours later than expected.
Her arrival was delayed after her mainsail was torn in 30-knot winds as she sailed
for home along the NSW coast.
"But," she smiled, "I was having the most amazing sail out there".
The slight teenager appeared wobbly and was supported in every step by her parents,
Julie and Roger, but she faced the press with remarkable poise.
"One thing that I've definitely learnt is that you don't judge someone by a number
or what they look like," referring to earlier criticism that she was too young to
embark upon such an epic venture. She celebrates her 17th birthday on May 18.
Jessica also was unfazed when asked how she felt about not making an official world
record.
The youngster had aimed to take the world record for being the youngest person to
circumnavigate the globe solo, nonstop and unassisted.
Website Sail-world.com reported she had not travelled far enough into the northern
hemisphere to qualify for an official world record.
"For me it was never about the record," she said on Saturday.
"I'm not worried at all."
Jessica said she had moments of doubt throughout her 23,000 nautical mile (about
38,000km) voyage, but added the support of her family and friends kept her going.
"I've definitely grown up," she said, adding she was a year older if nothing else.
Earlier, in front of the thousands gathered on the Sydney Harbour foreshore, Jessica
urged others to follow her example by living out their dreams.
"I don't consider myself a hero. I'm an ordinary girl who believed in her dream,"
she told a large, cheering welcome-home crowd.
"You don't have to be someone special to achieve something amazing. You've just got
to have a dream, believe in it and work hard."
Watson said she hoped her voyage proved what could be achieved by setting your mind
to it.
"Anything really is possible."