Jessica Watson wants to be alone at Christmas

If all goes well, Jessica Watson will spend Christmas Day alone. That's the way she wants it. The 16-year-old Australian will eat dinner by herself on board her 10-metre boat, Ella's Pink Lady, as it sails through some of the world's most dangerous seas.

Although she'll be alone, Watson won't be lonely. She's got a satellite phone and a webcam. She'll be in contact with her family and support team using radio and e-mail. She'll also spend some time updating her blog with posts about her attempt to become the youngest person to single-handedly circumnavigate the globe unassisted.

Back on 18 October, 100 boats gathered under grey skies in Sydney Harbour to see Jessica Watson off on her voyage. While Watson's family say the teenager is a sufficiently experienced sailor, with expertise in navigation, electronics and maritime safety, her trip sparked a debate about whether someone so young is ready for such a challenge.

Some of Australia's most experienced sailors, and the government of Watson's home state, Queensland, urged her not to go ahead. "I think a lot of Australians are nervous for Jessica. I'm nervous for her," the country's deputy prime minister, Julia Gillard, told Nine Network TV.