Jessica Watson Expecting First Child with New Partner

Australian sailing sensation Jessica Watson is expecting her first child with her new partner, Dave Moen. Watson, who became famous at 16 for her solo, non-stop, unassisted circumnavigation of the globe, shared the news on Instagram on Sunday. "We're very excited to be expecting a little crew member at the end of the year," Watson wrote in her announcement, alongside a photo of herself cradling her baby bump on a yacht.

She also shared a second image with Moen, described as a fellow sailor, with the couple beaming. The announcement was met with congratulatory messages from friends and notable figures, including Fox Sports journalist Sam Squiers and Australian race car driver Molly Taylor.

The pregnancy announcement comes five years after the tragic death of Watson's long-term partner, Cameron Dale. Dale died in 2021 at the age of 29 following a stroke, which was attributed to undiagnosed high blood pressure. Watson and Dale had been a couple for 10 years, having met during the 2011 Sydney to Hobart yacht race campaign. They shared a deep connection through their love of sailing.

Watson publicly announced Dale's death in a heartfelt Instagram post, describing him as her "long-term partner in every aspect of life and planned future." She reflected on the profound impact he had on her life and expressed gratitude for their years together.

Watson's solo voyage around the world, completed in 2010, earned her the title of Young Australian of the Year and international recognition. She was 16 when she finished her journey, making her the youngest person to achieve the feat at the time.