Sailing sensation Jessica Watson’s ‘brush with death' in Cape Horn

Teenage solo sailing sensation Jessica Watson had her first brush with death at Cape Horn during her remarkable 210 day around-the-world voyage, reveals English teenage sailor and close friend Mike Perham.

Perham, 18, who in August became the youngest person to sail around the world with assistance, said that it was just a few funny phone calls that were needed to raise Jessica's spirits after her vessel, Ella's Pink Lady, was battered by the treacherous conditions.

"When she was knocked down coming around Cape Horn, I knew she hit a low point," News.com.au quoted Perham as saying in the latest edition of New Idea magazine.

"She faced her first real mortality attack. We had to get her spirits back up. A few funny phone calls and we were back on track,” she added.

Perham was among the first people to greet the 16-year-old Queenslander as she reached the end of her voyage in Sydney on Saturday.

He says they share a "special bond" and described Jessica's mother Julie, as his "future mother-in-law".

But when it comes to romance they were taking it slowly, he added.

"When I first met Jess there was something between us I can't describe," said Perham.

"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.

"We have this special bond but when it comes to romance, I think we are going to take one day at a time,” he added.