Teenage sailor delays solo trip

Published: 3:37PM Saturday October 10, 2009 Source: AAP

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Teenage adventurer Jessica Watson won't leave Sydney until late next week in her attempt to become the youngest person to sail solo around the world.

The 16-year-old made it to Sydney on Monday, after a five-day trial trip from the Gold Coast on her yacht Ella's Pink Lady.

It was her second trial run to Sydney, with the first ending prematurely when her yacht collided with a 63,000-tonne cargo vessel off North Stradbroke Island on September 9.

Reports suggested the Sunshine Coast teenager was due to leave Sydney on Saturday to begin her world-record attempt, but spokesman Andrew Fraser said late next week was more likely.

"She is definitely not leaving this weekend," Fraser said.

"We will be announcing her departure a couple of days in advance.

"The weather window is looking good for late next week, and it definitely won't be before then."

Fraser said final preparations were still being made before Jessica sails off from the The Spit in Sydney's Middle Harbour.

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