A British sailor who helped Jessica Watson overcome some of the toughest moments during her journey around the world has hinted that the pair may have become more than just good friends.
Mike Perham, who was 17 when he became the youngest person to sail solo assisted around the world in 2009, flew out to Sydney to welcome Miss Watson back from her seven month voyage and was one of the first people to board her boat when she crossed into Sydney Harbour.
Miss Watson, 16, returned on Saturday after 210 days at sea.
Mr Perham, from Potters Bar in Hertfordshire, has since spoken of his "love" for the sailor.
"I love the Jess who continued to surprise us with her ingenuity," he told Australia's New Idea magazine.
"Jess is the most passionate, courageous person I know. She is also very ladylike."
While she was away, Mr Perham, 18, and Miss Watson spoke to each other regularly via her a satellite phone.
When she was battling high seas near Cape Horn Mr Perham said that he had tried to lift her spirits.
"With me she could be really stupid and laugh and make an idiot of herself...
"The biggest attraction is realising you have so much in common."
The pair become increasingly close, developing a "special bond", he said.
"When I first met Jess there was something between us I can't describe," he said.
"Just this connection that felt as though we had known each other forever. I think it comes from sharing some of the same dreams and knowing we are pretty unique teenagers."
Mr Perham said that Miss Watson had begged him to stay "as long as possible" in Sydney and referred to her mother Julie as "my future mother in law". But he said the pair were "taking one day at a time."
He told the magazine that the pair planned to sail her boat, Ella's Pink Lady, from Sydney to her home near Brisbane in the coming days.
They also planned to sail together to Polynesia.
"We are ready for warm water, swimming and sailing.
"Between us, Jess and I plan to keep dreaming and fulfilling our dreams."
Miss Watson has not commented on the blossoming romance, but her manager said that the pair were simply friends who both enjoyed sailing.
On her first day back on dry land Miss Watson took a walk on the beach and had a haircut. She turns 17 on Tuesday and will be celebrating with a private dinner.
Source:- Telegraph and Izismile
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