Young sailor's words of wisdom

Jessica Watson - the youngest person to sail around the world non-stop and unassisted - urged youngsters to pursue their dreams. The 17-year-old Australian attended a sharing session with teachers and students at a school in Shenzhen.

Jessica was ambassador of the fourth China Cup International Regatta held in the special economic zone last month. 'I'd like to share my dream with other teenagers. I hope my experience can inspire them to achieve something they have been longing for and dreaming of. I also want to promote sailing around the world and invite more teenagers to sail with me,' she said.

Before her round-the-world voyage, Jessica faced a lot of criticism in her country and her case became a political issue. Most people thought she was too young to sail alone.

'The people who opposed my voyage didn't understand why I was doing it and how I had prepared for it,' she said. 'When I saw a big crowd cheering for me on my return to Sydney Harbour, all my pressure and worries were gone. I was so happy that [Australia's then-prime minister] Kevin Rudd was also there to welcome me back.'

Jessica was delighted to learn that Young Post had covered her voyage earlier this year.

'This is my first visit to China. I am excited to meet young people and sailors here,' she said. She also revealed her future plans. 'I am going to finish school first. I will also try to join a team and sail with my friends. I could compete in the China Cup one day.'