Jessica Watson’s memoir True Spirit is being made into a Netflix biopic

In 2009, Jessica Watson became the youngest person to sail around the world solo, non-stop and unassisted, at the age of 16.

And now the 27-year-old Australian sailor has landed her own Netflix biopic, 11 years after her history-making journey.

Based on her best-selling memoir, True Spirit, the upcoming film was announced by the streaming giant on Thursday, and production is still in the early stages.

Jessica, who was named Young Australian of the Year in 2011 and received an OAM in 2012 for services to sailing, will act as a consultant on the upcoming movie.

‘It’s quite humbling to have Netflix bring my story to life. I hope that the film inspires people around the world to try sailing and to also pursue their own adventures,’ she said. 

Following her 210-day expedition, Jessica co-founded Deckee, a community boating app that gives sailors updates on weather conditions, hazards, fishing hotspots and more.

She also completed an MBA course, and now works as a management consultant for Deloitte, the multinational professional services network.

Meanwhile, she has written two books, True Spirit: The Aussie Girl who Took on the World in 2010, and Indigo Blue in 2018.

She is in a long-term relationship with Cameron Dale, and now lives in Melbourne.

Speaking to The Sydney Morning Herald on Thursday, Jessica said she was happy for the film to use ‘dramatic license’.

‘I’m very happy to let them play with it a little,’ she said.

‘But when you’re talking 10-metre-plus waves and cyclone-strength winds you probably don’t need to take too much dramatic licence!’