Young Australian attempts to sail around the world

Sixteen-year-old Jessica Watson faced five-meter high waves on her second trial voyage from Queensland's Gold Coast but conditions eased as she approached Sydney.

    Jessica said the voyage was great preparation for her longer expedition and her biggest problem was coping with being back on firm ground.

    "It was a great passage, a bit of fun. We had to go through some reasonably challenging conditions. It was a really good test for the Pink Lady (her yacht's name) and myself."

    It was Jessica's second attempt to reach Sydney, with her first trial last month ending when her yacht collided with a cargo ship.

    Her plan for the solo circum navigation has attracted criticism, but supporters believe she is up to the task.

    A departure date for her round-the-world attempt has not yet been announced, but she plans to set off from Sydney within the next two weeks, Kazinform cites Xinhua. See www.chinaview.cn for full version.