Mike Perham who helped Jessica Watson overcome some of the toughest moments during her journey around the world has hinted that the pair may have become more than just good friends.
Miss Watson, 16, returned on Saturday after 210 days at sea .
Mr Perham, from Potters Bar in Hertfordshire, has since spoken of his "love" for the sailor.
"I love the Jess who continued to surprise us with her ingenuity," he told Australia's New Idea magazine.
"Jess is the most passionate, courageous person I know. She is also very ladylike."
Mr Perham said that Miss Watson had begged him to stay "as long as possible" in Sydney and referred to her mother Julie as "my future mother in law". But he said the pair were "taking one day at a time."
Miss Watson has not commented on the blossoming romance, but her manager said that the pair were simply friends who both enjoyed sailing.
On her first day back on dry land Miss Watson took a walk on the beach and had a haircut. She turns 17 on Tuesday and will be celebrating with a private dinner.
