Cameron Dale, the long-term partner of Queensland solo sailing star Jessica Watson, has died, aged 29, following a catastrophic stroke.
Watson, who became the youngest person to sail solo and unassisted around the world more than 10 years ago, on Wednesday evening confirmed the tragic loss of her fellow boat lover.
"Cam and I have been inseparable since 2011, our shared world centred on messing about on boats," she said, on Instagram.
READ MORE: China's economy is being rattled by the Delta variant
https://www.instagram.com/p/CTRTvA6v0Rh/"Describing what Cam means to me is impossible – everyone who knows us understands how much we simply loved each other."
Even after all of her achievements, including Young Australian of the Year, Youth Representative for the United Nations World Food Program and receiving the Medal of the Order of Australia, Ms Watson said being "Cam's 'Jess' is the role I'm most proud of."
"Even while experiencing indescribable grief, I feel so grateful for the family, friends, and communities Cam has given me and the person I've become with him," she said.
READ MORE: How Australia's vaccine target matches up to the rest of the world
"I take enormous strength from having been so devotedly loved. The years of treasured memories offer enormous comfort."
Mr Dale died on Monday, nearly six weeks after a catastrophic stroke, despite the best efforts of staff at the Gold Coast University Hospital, Ms Watson said.
The story of how Ms Watson became the youngest person to sail solo and unassisted around the world at just 16, a title — but not official world record — she held until 2012, is set to become a Netflix feature film based on her best-selling memoir, True Spirit.
