Monster waves threaten girl's sailing bid

Waves the size of four-story buildings are belting Australian solo-sailor Jessica Watson off Tasmania, The Mercury reported Wednesday.

A trio of low pressure systems off Tasmania threaten her record bid. Home waters have offered little comfort to the 16-year-old, serving up seas that she described as the worst she had encountered on her journey.

The wild weather has forced the teen to sail off course, seeking shelter in northern waters from the harrowing winds and swell.

The detour will add several extra days to Jessica's bid to become the youngest person to sail solo and unassisted around the globe, which she was expected to complete by her 17th birthday on May 18.

While she was forced off a southern course, Jessica remains committed to sailing around Tasmania to avoid the treacherous Bass Strait.

Jessica's land team said her safety, not the record, came first.

They expect Jessica to head south by the end of the week, when the brunt of the gale force winds are expected to have passed.

In her last blog entry, on April 24, Jessica said she was being extra conservative because of the waves, sailing only with her storm jib up.