Jessica Watson, a 16 year-old Australian sailor, cruised out of Sydney Harbor on Sunday morning in her 34 foot pink sailboat, waving behind to the crowds of people who had come to see her off. The skies were grey and the water choppy, but Jessica won't let a little thing like gloomy weather stop her from accomplishing her goal - being the youngest person to ever sail non-stop around the world, solo, and without assistance.

The 23,600-mile journey is expected to take eight months and will take her through some of the most difficult waters to navigate, but Jessica's parents aren't worried. They know she is a capable, experienced and dedicated sailor who has spent years studying navigation, electronics and maritime safety procedures.

During her trip, Jessica is planning on keeping in contact with friends, family and supporters via radio, e-mail and her blog. Jessica's Mom, Julie Watson, posted the first entry on the blog last night, saying, "I know you are all anxious to hear from Jess, but she's a little preoccupied on her first day, so she asked me to post a quick note to let everyone know that the departure went well this morning."

She continued, "I would like to sincerely thank all those wonderful people who came out on the harbor this morning and down to the marina to wish Jess well."

For sailors, the term "without assistance" means a vessel may not receive any kind of outside help or take on board any supplies, materials or equipment during the attempt. A craft may be anchored or beached during the attempt, but any repairs must be made without outside resources, materials or help.

Prior to her departure, Jessica encountered a number of setbacks, such as strong winds, which delayed her trip several days. A collision with a cargo ship also provided some unwanted stress, an instance that caused many to plea with her to abandon the attempt.

"I think a lot of Australians are nervous for Jessica. I'm nervous for her," Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard told Nine Network television. "But my words at this stage, given that she's determined to go, would be to wish her the best of luck and to urge her to keep safe."

Watson will be sailing north past New Zealand, then Fiji and Samoa. She also plans on passing the southern tips of Africa and South America.

A spokesperson for the young girl's team said she was "relieved and upbeat" to get this thing started. When asked by reporters about the danger level of a round-the-world trip for someone her age, he replied "Let's have this conversation in eight months."

Two other young men, one of whom is a Southern California resident, recently completed round the world sailing expeditions. Because both young men encountered situations that called for outside assistance, they were expelled from the "unassisted" category.

The current record holder for the youngest sailor to journey around the world without assistance is Jesse Martin, an 18 year old fellow Australian, who completed his journey in 1999.

We wish Jessica the very best of luck and hope she completes her goal safely and without complications and stress! (We also love the fact that her sailboat is hot pink! Just like... SocialVibe!)

Read more about her journey at her blog: http://www.youngestround.blogspot.com/

via AP