Along the way she faced some terrifying challenges, including ferocious waves reaching up to 50 feet (15.2m), prolonged isolation, seven knockdowns, fierce winds and a collision with a 63,000-tonne ship. Since then, Watson has continued to rack up the impressive accolades.

She has sailed in a number of races, served as a youth representative for the UN’s World Food Programme, co-founded a free boating app and written a book, True Spirit, detailing her epic voyage around the world.

Now unearth the amazing secrets of the world's oceans

Fabulous female explorers throughout history