Watson's parents have been criticised over the record attempt. The Australian Family Association's John Morrissey led the chorus of complaint.

'I'm a secondary teacher, and I've been teaching 15-year-old girls for 42 years, and I'd be amazed if any of them could cope with something like that,' Morrissey said of the intended voyage.

The arguments mirrored those in the Netherlands, where there is a legal battle over the circumnavigation plans of 13-year-old Laura Dekker.

Watson has been championed by seasoned adventurer Don McIntyre, who has lent her his boat Pink Lady for the global girdle.

'We can't afford to over-protect our kids,' he said. 'They need to find themselves, challenge the natural world and understand what it is to minimise risk and make good decisions.'