Still overcast with a pretty bouncy sea out here but we're loving it and making some really good progress. I'm missing the sunshine a little but all the different shades of grey make for a pretty picture too. Looks like we're going to be on this course for a few days yet, with a steady wind slowlycoming around to the south east. Plenty of empty ocean in front of us for now before we start getting in among a few of the islands and reefs off the bottom of Fiji and Samoa.
Life on board is really pretty simple with all the little things filling up the day, but when the sea is up a little, then even the simplest task becomes an adventure. But the little things are keeping me more than happy. Food, talking with everyone back home, plotting our position to see how far we've come each day, music and standing behind the dodger watching the sun go down have become the highlights. Sure I'm missing everyone back in Australia a little, but mostly I'm having the time of my life out here! Bring on the next challenge!My sleep patterns are becoming a little strange as we keep going east and in to new time zones. I've got four different clocks all on different times zones, just to confuse myself! I've been sleeping less and less at night and more in the mornings and eating when I feel like it. Maybe I should call it Pink Lady time because it really is like we're off in our own little world. Well that is apart from all you guys who are out here with me!Anyway thought I'd finally get round to explaining the power systems on Ella's Pink Lady. Power is pretty important stuff because it runs the satphones, HF radio, computer, navigation equipment and possibly most importantly thestereo! But saying that we've also got to be able to survive without it all.If there was ever a power problem and when it comes down to it, all we really need is some wind (preferably 15knots behind us with sunshine lol). Hopefully it never comes to it but I've got sextant on board and know how to use it just in case.
First off we've got four 80 A/Hr gel batteries and another for starting the engine, I find that I'm almost constantly checking to see how full they are and how much power is coming in and out. Then for charging the batteries we've got two 80Watt solar panels, a 60Watt solar panel and a Rutland windgenerator. The solar panels give me plenty of power when the sun’s shining and the wind generator constantly works away trickling in a little power. Then for the days when the sun is not shining and the wind is down and I've been playing the stereo too loud, I can run the little Yanmar engine (out of gear!) to give the batteries a little extra boost. So far everything's been working great, probably thanks to Neil the electrician who completely rewired Ella's Pink Lady.
So it's pretty cool to be completely self sufficient, just think how great it would be if everyone used and produced there own power? Sorry if I all that got a little boring and technical but lots of people have been curious about the power!I'm off to go pull a reef out (pull some more sail up) as the wind is just dropping off a little and I should probably turn the computer off because we are a little low on power today with all the cloud around.
Jesse
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Pics
Night-time, Little Habits and on to the Equator
I'm now full of energy today after getting some good sleep during the night and a good breakfast with a plenty of cream this morning!
There's still a good sized swell today but it's much longer and more gentle and the suns even out at the moment, so I've been standing outside enjoying it. When we're in trough between two waves Ella's Pink Lady feels small and a little lost then up we go again to the top of the next swell, and with a good view out to the horizon. It's as if we're on top of the world. Then off rolls another wave giving us a little push along as it goes.
The wind eased off a bit overnight after blowing 25knots yesterday and this morning we've got a perfect 15knots still pushing us along on a broad reach. We're making the most of the wind and loving the good progress while it lasts. Now that the Tasman is behind us I'm really starting to look forward to reaching the equator, it'll be my first time crossing the line so it should be pretty exciting!
I've been thinking about some of the little habits I've fallen into, like brushing my teeth every morning sitting out on the cabin top, the packet of lollies or nuts that sits beside me while I'm working at the computer and sleeping in my harness, lifejacket and overalls, with a knife in my pocket and a headlight about my neck. It might sound a little un-comfortable but I get my best sleep knowing that I can be in the cockpit clipped on and in the cockpit in less than a few seconds.
A few people have been asking about what it's like at night out here so I'll have a crack at describing it. I think a lot of people get goose bumps when they think about being out here all by themself because I think most people imagine it to be like a night in the suburbs all quiet and eerie. But it’s not like that at all. Firstly, because there's the constant noise and motion of the boat. Then there's the waves and wind for company! On a clear night the stars are pretty amazing but I love the dark overcast nights almost as much when I can stand behind the dodger for protection, feeling Ella's Pink Lady ploughing along and not really knowing what comes next!
Keep an eye out on Network Ten’s OneHD tonight from 7.30pm when I'll be talking to Thursday Night Live on Skype. For those who cannot see it, keep an eye out on the website and I'm sure it'll be loaded up there by the team tomorrow.
I was meaning to explain the power systems onboard Ella's Pink Lady today but this is long enough for now so I better go start on a few little bits of maintenance and today's chores.
With so many comments on the blog, I don’t get the chance to reply to every one of them, but Mum also keeps me updated on all the comments each evening. I enjoy hearing a little more detail about everyone and love the little quotes and positive messages etc, so keep them coming!
Jesse
There's still a good sized swell today but it's much longer and more gentle and the suns even out at the moment, so I've been standing outside enjoying it. When we're in trough between two waves Ella's Pink Lady feels small and a little lost then up we go again to the top of the next swell, and with a good view out to the horizon. It's as if we're on top of the world. Then off rolls another wave giving us a little push along as it goes.
The wind eased off a bit overnight after blowing 25knots yesterday and this morning we've got a perfect 15knots still pushing us along on a broad reach. We're making the most of the wind and loving the good progress while it lasts. Now that the Tasman is behind us I'm really starting to look forward to reaching the equator, it'll be my first time crossing the line so it should be pretty exciting!
I've been thinking about some of the little habits I've fallen into, like brushing my teeth every morning sitting out on the cabin top, the packet of lollies or nuts that sits beside me while I'm working at the computer and sleeping in my harness, lifejacket and overalls, with a knife in my pocket and a headlight about my neck. It might sound a little un-comfortable but I get my best sleep knowing that I can be in the cockpit clipped on and in the cockpit in less than a few seconds.
A few people have been asking about what it's like at night out here so I'll have a crack at describing it. I think a lot of people get goose bumps when they think about being out here all by themself because I think most people imagine it to be like a night in the suburbs all quiet and eerie. But it’s not like that at all. Firstly, because there's the constant noise and motion of the boat. Then there's the waves and wind for company! On a clear night the stars are pretty amazing but I love the dark overcast nights almost as much when I can stand behind the dodger for protection, feeling Ella's Pink Lady ploughing along and not really knowing what comes next!
Keep an eye out on Network Ten’s OneHD tonight from 7.30pm when I'll be talking to Thursday Night Live on Skype. For those who cannot see it, keep an eye out on the website and I'm sure it'll be loaded up there by the team tomorrow.
I was meaning to explain the power systems onboard Ella's Pink Lady today but this is long enough for now so I better go start on a few little bits of maintenance and today's chores.
With so many comments on the blog, I don’t get the chance to reply to every one of them, but Mum also keeps me updated on all the comments each evening. I enjoy hearing a little more detail about everyone and love the little quotes and positive messages etc, so keep them coming!
Jesse
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Cleared Norfolk Island
The comfortable routine I had been getting very used to fell apart today with the wind picking up to 25 knots. A short building sea has been making life, I wouldn't say uncomfortable, but certainly different to some of the quiet days we've had. It's nice to be guaranteed some good progress and even with two reefs in the main sail Ella's Pink Lady has almost been surfing
along in the swell at up to 8.5 knots.
This morning we finally cleared Norfolk Island which was a relief because I didn't get much sleep last night with land and a few boats around and have now settled onto a north easterly course that should take us straight to the equator!
This afternoon I was feeling a little down, so to cheer myself up I made a few phone calls, turned the music up, gave my hair and teeth a good brush, all the things that would normally make me feel on top of the world before realizing that I'd forgotten to feed myself! A good helping of tinned potatoes, fried into chips later and I'm back to my normal cheerful self.
No colorful sunset tonight with the over cast skies but it's a little too wet to be sitting around on deck enjoying it anyway.
Sorry but thats all for today,
Jesse
along in the swell at up to 8.5 knots.
This morning we finally cleared Norfolk Island which was a relief because I didn't get much sleep last night with land and a few boats around and have now settled onto a north easterly course that should take us straight to the equator!
This afternoon I was feeling a little down, so to cheer myself up I made a few phone calls, turned the music up, gave my hair and teeth a good brush, all the things that would normally make me feel on top of the world before realizing that I'd forgotten to feed myself! A good helping of tinned potatoes, fried into chips later and I'm back to my normal cheerful self.
No colorful sunset tonight with the over cast skies but it's a little too wet to be sitting around on deck enjoying it anyway.
Sorry but thats all for today,
Jesse
Monday, October 26, 2009
Squid On The Deck
Pic: Jessica at Ella Bache media launch in Sydney.
When it got light this morning I did my usual check around Ella's Pink Lady to find a whole lot of little squid lying on the deck where they'd clearly got stuck after jumping on board during the night. One of them was a good 25cm long and as I worked on the deck during the day I kept finding more little ones tucked into all sorts of unusual places. Hopefully I found them all or I'm going to know about it when they start smelling in a few days!
Conditions are still pretty quiet, we've had about 14knots of wind right behind us all day so we're rolling along at a steady 5knots.
After all the usual chores, I spent the morning catching up on a few emails and reading. I've been re-reading Kay Cottee's book about her non-stop trip around the world and of course Jesse Martins book Lionheart. l love comparing my trip so far with their voyages. After reading how organized Kay was with the housework side of things I've made a new resolve to do better myself!
This afternoon I kept busy on deck working out the easiest way to pole the headsail (using the spinnaker pole to hold the headsail right out) to make sailing downwind (with the wind right behind us) more comfortable.
The water was still a little chilly when I had another salt water scrub down today and a quick rain squall came through so even Ella's Pink Lady had a nice wash down. So now we're both as fresh as roses! It's nice to have non-salty decks for a while and the rain was a bit of a novelty because it's the first I've had so far.
I've finally started getting a little more imaginative with cooking. Last night was cheese scones and very creamy soup (thanks to me adding maybe a little too much cream!). This morning was porridge with some of the last of my fresh fruit. Lunch was pasta again and I'm thinking Easy Foods chilli bean and chips (fried tinned potatoes) for dinner tonight.
Jesse
Conditions are still pretty quiet, we've had about 14knots of wind right behind us all day so we're rolling along at a steady 5knots.
After all the usual chores, I spent the morning catching up on a few emails and reading. I've been re-reading Kay Cottee's book about her non-stop trip around the world and of course Jesse Martins book Lionheart. l love comparing my trip so far with their voyages. After reading how organized Kay was with the housework side of things I've made a new resolve to do better myself!
This afternoon I kept busy on deck working out the easiest way to pole the headsail (using the spinnaker pole to hold the headsail right out) to make sailing downwind (with the wind right behind us) more comfortable.
The water was still a little chilly when I had another salt water scrub down today and a quick rain squall came through so even Ella's Pink Lady had a nice wash down. So now we're both as fresh as roses! It's nice to have non-salty decks for a while and the rain was a bit of a novelty because it's the first I've had so far.
I've finally started getting a little more imaginative with cooking. Last night was cheese scones and very creamy soup (thanks to me adding maybe a little too much cream!). This morning was porridge with some of the last of my fresh fruit. Lunch was pasta again and I'm thinking Easy Foods chilli bean and chips (fried tinned potatoes) for dinner tonight.
Jesse
One Week Down and the Shore Crew
Well we've been out here a full week now and into day 8 today! I've just been doing the maths and we covered 740nm in week 1 which is as much as I'd ever hoped for and pretty good considering some of the windless days we've had. If anything, the first week's run puts us very slightly ahead of schedule, but I hate to say that so early on!
We're near Norfolk Island which sounds like a pretty interesting place so I'll have to add it to the list of places to stop off at next time. Not long now till the Tasman is ticked off and then it's on to the equator.
Something I maybe should have done long ago is to introduce you all to my amazing shore team. If you ask me, they're the true heroes handling all the tricky stuff back home while I have fun out here! Here's just a few of the people I rely on and talk to every day, the complete support network is made up of even more amazing people with all sorts of different skills. And that's not to mention all the people who worked on Ella's Pink Lady and all our sponsors, it's more like a huge big extended family than anything. So along with all you guys thinking of me and Ella's Pink Lady I'm not really alone out here.
Firstly there's Bruce the Project Manager. Bruce and his wife Suzanne have worked on the voyage full time for most of the year, were hugely supportive before then and a big inspiration to me. I love Bruce's calm 'can do' approach and I talk through boat performance, conditions, any potential shipping etc with Bruce.
I talk to Dad (Roger) on the sat-phone twice a day for the official skeds (slang for a scheduled talk normally by radio). Dad's great for talking through any little problems with me and is kept busy chasing up all sorts of bits and pieces. It's nice to talk to Dad and hear all the ins and outs of what's going on at home.
Then there's Scott and Andrew who handle a lot more than just my management and media. Scott's always there to patiently help me work through the camera systems and the some of the sat communication gear. Andrew looks after the blog, sponsors and other news updates.
Bob McDavitt (the ambassador for New Zealand's met servos) is providing all the weather forecasting and routing us around the worst of the bad weather. It gives me a lot of confidence to have such a good idea of what's coming.
And lastly Mum (Julie) keeps me up to date with the outside world, forwarding on emails, sending me any news that I might find interesting. She's also the one who packed all the food so when I can't find something she's the one I ring!
More soon.
Jesse
We're near Norfolk Island which sounds like a pretty interesting place so I'll have to add it to the list of places to stop off at next time. Not long now till the Tasman is ticked off and then it's on to the equator.
Something I maybe should have done long ago is to introduce you all to my amazing shore team. If you ask me, they're the true heroes handling all the tricky stuff back home while I have fun out here! Here's just a few of the people I rely on and talk to every day, the complete support network is made up of even more amazing people with all sorts of different skills. And that's not to mention all the people who worked on Ella's Pink Lady and all our sponsors, it's more like a huge big extended family than anything. So along with all you guys thinking of me and Ella's Pink Lady I'm not really alone out here.
Firstly there's Bruce the Project Manager. Bruce and his wife Suzanne have worked on the voyage full time for most of the year, were hugely supportive before then and a big inspiration to me. I love Bruce's calm 'can do' approach and I talk through boat performance, conditions, any potential shipping etc with Bruce.
I talk to Dad (Roger) on the sat-phone twice a day for the official skeds (slang for a scheduled talk normally by radio). Dad's great for talking through any little problems with me and is kept busy chasing up all sorts of bits and pieces. It's nice to talk to Dad and hear all the ins and outs of what's going on at home.
Then there's Scott and Andrew who handle a lot more than just my management and media. Scott's always there to patiently help me work through the camera systems and the some of the sat communication gear. Andrew looks after the blog, sponsors and other news updates.
Bob McDavitt (the ambassador for New Zealand's met servos) is providing all the weather forecasting and routing us around the worst of the bad weather. It gives me a lot of confidence to have such a good idea of what's coming.
And lastly Mum (Julie) keeps me up to date with the outside world, forwarding on emails, sending me any news that I might find interesting. She's also the one who packed all the food so when I can't find something she's the one I ring!
More soon.
Jesse
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Perfect conditions and food
Well, perfect is about the only word for it out here today, we're doing 6.5 knots on a broad reach heading for a waypoint below Norfolk Island. The wind was just getting up above 15 knots so I pulled the first reef into the main this morning to keep the motion comfortable and to make the steering easier on Parker (the windvane).
It's such a nice day that I've just spent the morning sitting up on deck enjoying it all, watching Ella's Pink Lady sail along and listening to music. Today there's little speckles of white streaked across the water, as if they're there just to break up all that blue! Just think how great it would be if it were like this every day. On second thoughts maybe it would get a little boring!
It's taken awhile but I think the enormity of the voyage and everything that's happened over the last few months finally caught up with me today, surprisingly it didn't make me feel at all daunted, just proud of all the people who got us here and a little overwhelmed, wow this is it! And it's so much better than I ever dreamed! Still there's a lot to get through yet but I know we can do it, one leg at a time. I'm about half way between Lord Howe and Norfolk Islands now.
So rightyo, foods another big thing that I get a lot of questions about, here goes;
It was definitely a bit of a mission and Mum has done an amazing job of putting together a tasty menu that will last 8 months, plus extra just in case. Ella's Pink Lady doesn't have refrigeration (because it draws too much power) and after a lot of forced sampling, I concluded that fancy
sports foods and most freeze dried food, just wasn't going to work for me.
With a lot of help and advice from other sailors and from Gray Slater a dietitian from the University of the Sunshine Coast, I ended up with a pretty good diet that's amazingly close to normal food. My main meals are range of about 10 different meals called Easyfood which is pretty amazing, tasty stuff that only needs to be heated and lasts on the shelf for 18 months. Breakfasts are normal stuff like cereal and porridge and I'm able to bake my own bread (I think I'm going to have to try my first loaf soon because the stuff I took, is getting very stale!) and things like scones in the pressure cooker. Other than that there's tined fruit and veggies,
plenty of treats, hot drinks and etc.
I'll see if I can remember to tell you more about what I'm eating as we go, tonight, I'm planning to have Easyfood lamb chops (they are so nice!)with deb (mashed potato) and asparagus.
Ok, that was too long in front of a computer screen so I'm off to enjoy the rest of the day and maybe have a bucket bath in the cockpit.
Cya,
Jesse
It's such a nice day that I've just spent the morning sitting up on deck enjoying it all, watching Ella's Pink Lady sail along and listening to music. Today there's little speckles of white streaked across the water, as if they're there just to break up all that blue! Just think how great it would be if it were like this every day. On second thoughts maybe it would get a little boring!
It's taken awhile but I think the enormity of the voyage and everything that's happened over the last few months finally caught up with me today, surprisingly it didn't make me feel at all daunted, just proud of all the people who got us here and a little overwhelmed, wow this is it! And it's so much better than I ever dreamed! Still there's a lot to get through yet but I know we can do it, one leg at a time. I'm about half way between Lord Howe and Norfolk Islands now.
So rightyo, foods another big thing that I get a lot of questions about, here goes;
It was definitely a bit of a mission and Mum has done an amazing job of putting together a tasty menu that will last 8 months, plus extra just in case. Ella's Pink Lady doesn't have refrigeration (because it draws too much power) and after a lot of forced sampling, I concluded that fancy
sports foods and most freeze dried food, just wasn't going to work for me.
With a lot of help and advice from other sailors and from Gray Slater a dietitian from the University of the Sunshine Coast, I ended up with a pretty good diet that's amazingly close to normal food. My main meals are range of about 10 different meals called Easyfood which is pretty amazing, tasty stuff that only needs to be heated and lasts on the shelf for 18 months. Breakfasts are normal stuff like cereal and porridge and I'm able to bake my own bread (I think I'm going to have to try my first loaf soon because the stuff I took, is getting very stale!) and things like scones in the pressure cooker. Other than that there's tined fruit and veggies,
plenty of treats, hot drinks and etc.
I'll see if I can remember to tell you more about what I'm eating as we go, tonight, I'm planning to have Easyfood lamb chops (they are so nice!)with deb (mashed potato) and asparagus.
Ok, that was too long in front of a computer screen so I'm off to enjoy the rest of the day and maybe have a bucket bath in the cockpit.
Cya,
Jesse
Friday, October 23, 2009
Slowly
Still more slow progress out here, but past the 500nm mark which is a bit of a milestone. We spent last night completely becalmed next to Lord Howe Island drifting along at less than a knot. But when we finally did get a light breeze as the sun was coming up it made for a pretty amazing picture which I have included in this blog for you. . The water was completely glassed reflecting the rising sun, so as we started picking up a little wind it was as if we were gliding along a sheet of glass.
Today was more of the usual stuff for me, playing with cameras, catching up on a little sleep, keeping us moving, carefully monitoring my power ins and outs, feeding myself, the usual tiding up, lessening to music (there's noone to complain about my taste or volume I like to play it at!) and sending a few emails. It probably doesn't sound all that exciting but its keeping me happy and I still can't see myself ever getting bored, there's always something to do. Sailing around the world sure isn't all high action and excitement but quiet days reading are part of what I signed up for.
Not much wildlife around today, just Ella's Pink Lady, myself and lots and lots of blue, what more could anyone ask for?! We are not moving too badly again now, doing 6knots under full main, headsail and staysail.
Sorry I'll have to keep this short today because I better go and turn the HF on for a radio sked. As always, thanks to you all for all the support, I can't believe how many people are following the blog. It means a lot to me knowing you're all out there thinking of me!
Jesse
Not much wildlife around today, just Ella's Pink Lady, myself and lots and lots of blue, what more could anyone ask for?! We are not moving too badly again now, doing 6knots under full main, headsail and staysail.
Sorry I'll have to keep this short today because I better go and turn the HF on for a radio sked. As always, thanks to you all for all the support, I can't believe how many people are following the blog. It means a lot to me knowing you're all out there thinking of me!
Jesse
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Out into the Tasman and Sleeping
Sorry I didn't get an update to you all yesterday. I was busy on deck and around the boat, then wow, another day gone! If time keeps flying at this rate I'll have to seriously consider another lap or maybe it's a little early to be thinking about that? Again it's possibly a little early to be reflecting but I can't believe how well the first week is going. I'd always expected that settling in would be one of the toughest times for me but I've been in great spirits, keeping busy and enjoying all the simple things.
Overall its been pretty quiet out here, but after a great run of 155nm yesterday, the wind dropped off again and now we (Ella's Pink Lady & I) are back to plodding along slowly. So we're well and truly out into the Tasman now, near Lord Howe Island, with Australia well behind us. Ella's Pink Lady is under full mainsail and genoa at the moment and doing a slow but steady 3knots.
The sun's still shining and the water is an even more amazing shade of blue, but I've been finding that sunset is my favorite time of the day when the whole world turns pink! This morning I had a school of dolphins pass by and the odd bird also drops in to check us out. I think keeping the cabin tidy is going to become one of those never ending battles. Is it just me or does housework
always take this long? And then washing up. There's no one else offering to take their turn, so I'm stuck with it after every meal!
I'd love to answer some more of your questions but there's just way too many! So what I thought I'd do is to talk though one aspect of the voyage or Ella's Pink Lady in more depth every time I have a quiet day. We've got a while to go, so maybe I'll have answered all the questions by the time I get home?
Starting with 'sleep'. Everyone's fascinated about what happens to Ella's Pink Lady when I'm
sleeping and it's a subject that we've put years of thorough research into. I better start from the beginning so everyone understands, sorry if I'm boring you with the basics.
Firstly I obviously can't be hand steering the whole time so Ella's Pink Lady has got three different self steering systems, two electronic autopilots and the Fleming Windvane mounted on the stern whose nicknamed 'Parker' ( can anyone guess why??). The windvane is my favourite because unlike the other two which draw a lot of power 'Parker' steers us by responding to the wind over a blade and the water over a paddle trailing off the stern. But I'll get to the
power subject some other time.
Then I've got four different ship detection systems, which all sound like loud alarms if there are any ships approaching. Ella's navigation lights and radar reflector also make us more visible to other ships at night. But even with all that I never just put my head down a get a full night sleep. If there's a bit going on I'll take a 20min power nap popping my head up to check on everything before going back to sleep. When things are quieter I'll sleep for 40min or longer at a time. It's amazing how used to the motion of Ella's Pink Lady I've already become, if the wind picks up a little the nose will wake me or if we drift off course the sails luff (flap) and wake me. It takes a little getting used to I but I find that I can get all the sleep I need like this and wake refreshed every time.
Before I go to sleep each time I set up two different wake-up alarms so that there's no chance that I'll sleep through. You should hear how loud one of them is, it still makes me jump out of my skin every time I hear it.
All the equipment probably all seems a little over the top but we're going to be out here for a while and the collision taught us that there's no such thing as being too careful!
Also we will have a basic tracking system setup on the website within the next few weeks or so to give you an idea of how we are progressing.
For those in Australia, you can tune in to ONE HDs Thursday night live show tonight at 7.30pm because I'll be talking to them via skype and they'll be playing a little video footage I've
been taking out here today. If you can't watch it tonight I'm sure it'll be up on the net soon enough.
Wow that was quite a mouthful, hope I didn't drone on a bit there!
Jesse
Overall its been pretty quiet out here, but after a great run of 155nm yesterday, the wind dropped off again and now we (Ella's Pink Lady & I) are back to plodding along slowly. So we're well and truly out into the Tasman now, near Lord Howe Island, with Australia well behind us. Ella's Pink Lady is under full mainsail and genoa at the moment and doing a slow but steady 3knots.
The sun's still shining and the water is an even more amazing shade of blue, but I've been finding that sunset is my favorite time of the day when the whole world turns pink! This morning I had a school of dolphins pass by and the odd bird also drops in to check us out. I think keeping the cabin tidy is going to become one of those never ending battles. Is it just me or does housework
always take this long? And then washing up. There's no one else offering to take their turn, so I'm stuck with it after every meal!
I'd love to answer some more of your questions but there's just way too many! So what I thought I'd do is to talk though one aspect of the voyage or Ella's Pink Lady in more depth every time I have a quiet day. We've got a while to go, so maybe I'll have answered all the questions by the time I get home?
Starting with 'sleep'. Everyone's fascinated about what happens to Ella's Pink Lady when I'm
sleeping and it's a subject that we've put years of thorough research into. I better start from the beginning so everyone understands, sorry if I'm boring you with the basics.
Firstly I obviously can't be hand steering the whole time so Ella's Pink Lady has got three different self steering systems, two electronic autopilots and the Fleming Windvane mounted on the stern whose nicknamed 'Parker' ( can anyone guess why??). The windvane is my favourite because unlike the other two which draw a lot of power 'Parker' steers us by responding to the wind over a blade and the water over a paddle trailing off the stern. But I'll get to the
power subject some other time.
Then I've got four different ship detection systems, which all sound like loud alarms if there are any ships approaching. Ella's navigation lights and radar reflector also make us more visible to other ships at night. But even with all that I never just put my head down a get a full night sleep. If there's a bit going on I'll take a 20min power nap popping my head up to check on everything before going back to sleep. When things are quieter I'll sleep for 40min or longer at a time. It's amazing how used to the motion of Ella's Pink Lady I've already become, if the wind picks up a little the nose will wake me or if we drift off course the sails luff (flap) and wake me. It takes a little getting used to I but I find that I can get all the sleep I need like this and wake refreshed every time.
Before I go to sleep each time I set up two different wake-up alarms so that there's no chance that I'll sleep through. You should hear how loud one of them is, it still makes me jump out of my skin every time I hear it.
All the equipment probably all seems a little over the top but we're going to be out here for a while and the collision taught us that there's no such thing as being too careful!
Also we will have a basic tracking system setup on the website within the next few weeks or so to give you an idea of how we are progressing.
For those in Australia, you can tune in to ONE HDs Thursday night live show tonight at 7.30pm because I'll be talking to them via skype and they'll be playing a little video footage I've
been taking out here today. If you can't watch it tonight I'm sure it'll be up on the net soon enough.
Wow that was quite a mouthful, hope I didn't drone on a bit there!
Jesse
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Moving!
Today was definitely a better day for progress with 13knots of wind from the north east pushing us along nicely. But if anything, it's been pretty quiet day out here again, just a lot of sparkling blue water and blue sky.
I was kept busy last night avoiding a bit of shipping and adjusting the Fleming windvane when the wind dropped right out. It was so quiet and flat for while that I brought my pillow out into the cockpit and grabbed a few cat naps of sleep under the stars.
It already feels like I'm settling right into a routine, grabbing a bit of sleep through the night and into the morning when I can, logging and plotting my position, digging through the food bags for meals and calling in for phone skeds twice a day. There's always something to do or check.
I've been hard at work eating my way through all the last minute presents and sweets that were shoved aboard just before we left. Every time I think I've eaten them all I seem to discover another packet stashed away somewhere!
Thanks for all the comments.
Jessica
I was kept busy last night avoiding a bit of shipping and adjusting the Fleming windvane when the wind dropped right out. It was so quiet and flat for while that I brought my pillow out into the cockpit and grabbed a few cat naps of sleep under the stars.
It already feels like I'm settling right into a routine, grabbing a bit of sleep through the night and into the morning when I can, logging and plotting my position, digging through the food bags for meals and calling in for phone skeds twice a day. There's always something to do or check.
I've been hard at work eating my way through all the last minute presents and sweets that were shoved aboard just before we left. Every time I think I've eaten them all I seem to discover another packet stashed away somewhere!
Thanks for all the comments.
Jessica
Monday, October 19, 2009
"Blues and Pinks"
Today's been a quiet one out here. For a while again this afternoon we were completely becalmed again. I expected that it would frustrate me making so little progress but I really enjoyed the chance just to take it easy and start on a book between tweaking the sails. It's been so long since I've had anytime just to take it easy for a while and the freedom was amazing. No deadlines, nothing to rush off to, I can eat whatever I like whenever I like, no one to send me off to bed! It was pretty special this afternoon when the sea glassed right out, it was as if you could see right to the distant blue bottom apart from huge schools of jelly fish floating past. We even had a couple of dolphins drop in to say hi. The other unexpected visitor was a small plane who circled around overhead, just when I thought I was finally by myself!
I've already discovered that a tidy cabin means a happy Jessica. I can only relax when everything on deck, in the cockpit and down below is in its place and ready for the unexpected. Right now the sun's setting and the sky's turned a shade of pink, exactly the same as Ella's Pink Lady, very pretty! So I might get the camera out before finding something to eat (I'm thinking sweet and sour lamb and then pancakes), getting Ella's Pink Lady ready for the night, then calling in for evening skeds.
Jesse
I've already discovered that a tidy cabin means a happy Jessica. I can only relax when everything on deck, in the cockpit and down below is in its place and ready for the unexpected. Right now the sun's setting and the sky's turned a shade of pink, exactly the same as Ella's Pink Lady, very pretty! So I might get the camera out before finding something to eat (I'm thinking sweet and sour lamb and then pancakes), getting Ella's Pink Lady ready for the night, then calling in for evening skeds.
Jesse
Across the Start Line
Well yesterday was the big day, leaving Sydney and crossing the start line. After a good night sleep, a good breakfast and a last hot shower, that was it and I was off to sail around the world! Getting out of the harbour and across the start line was a bit of a feat in itself with spectator boats, helicopters, very little wind and a swell rolling though. It kept me on my toes but in the end we managed a sort of slow drift across the line and found a little more wind after clearing the Sydney Heads. I didn't really have much time to take it all in as a I crossed the actual start line, but I can't describe how proud I felt motoring away from the dock with my brave family standing there, along with so many of the people who made this happen. Getting to the start line has been the furthest thing imaginable from a solo effort!
My first day was busy for me trying to keep Ella's Pink Lady moving away from the coast in very little wind, working through a few small problems and avoiding shipping. I'll admit I was a little emotional for a while after all the goodbyes but on the plus side I already feel like I'm settling in and with such calm conditions I haven't even been feeling any of my normal first few days at sea queasiness.
So after all the excitement of getting away, progress has been pretty slow. We're still only just over 65nm from the coast, currently doing a not very remarkable, but steady 2.5knots. It's a little frustrating but I'm not complaining. I'm just taking it one day at a time for now, giving myself a little time to settle in and waiting for a little more wind.
Loving all the comments!
Jesse
My first day was busy for me trying to keep Ella's Pink Lady moving away from the coast in very little wind, working through a few small problems and avoiding shipping. I'll admit I was a little emotional for a while after all the goodbyes but on the plus side I already feel like I'm settling in and with such calm conditions I haven't even been feeling any of my normal first few days at sea queasiness.
So after all the excitement of getting away, progress has been pretty slow. We're still only just over 65nm from the coast, currently doing a not very remarkable, but steady 2.5knots. It's a little frustrating but I'm not complaining. I'm just taking it one day at a time for now, giving myself a little time to settle in and waiting for a little more wind.
Loving all the comments!
Jesse
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Thank You From Mum
Hi everyone. I know you are all anxious to hear from Jess, but she's a little pre-occupied on her first day, so just a quick post to let everyone know that the departure went well this morning, officially passing the start/finish line at Sydney Heads at 9.49am. On behalf of all of our family, I would like to sincerely thank all those wonderful people who came out on the Harbour this morning and down to the marina to wish Jess well. The positive messages of support from not only Australia, but all around the world, has just been overwhelming and we are most grateful. I am sure you will hear from Jess soon.
Julie (Mum) for Jessica
Julie (Mum) for Jessica
Saturday, October 17, 2009
''Tomorrow I'm going to get up and sail around the world!"
I'll keep this update even shorter but just letting you all know, if you havent already heard, that tomorrow is finally the big day. I'll be leaving the marina at around 0845 in the morning and clearing the Sydney heads soon after. The forecast is looking pretty positive and I'm just itching to get out there. I've had a nice final day fiddling round on Ellas Pink Lady and doing a little last minute packing with family and friends. Its hard to believe that the big day is almost here!!
Jesse
Jesse
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Thanks for all the Support
I’ll keep this short as it’s a pretty busy time at the moment, but I just wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone who has been offering their support, luck and best wishes. Thanks to everyone for commenting on my blogs, sending emails and to the constant stream of people stopping by Ella's Pink Lady, bringing gifts and letters. I’m not doing a very good job of remembering everyones names! But have to say how lucky I am to have the chance to meet so many interesting people. Its pretty special to meet so many people of all ages who are so totally inspired by the voyage and what I am setting out to achieve!
So we are all working away at last minute things, checking that nothing has been forgotten or left undecided. I’m staying pretty relaxed (but definitely very excited!) surrounded by family, friends and my absolutely totally amazing team.
Thanks everyone!
Jessica
So we are all working away at last minute things, checking that nothing has been forgotten or left undecided. I’m staying pretty relaxed (but definitely very excited!) surrounded by family, friends and my absolutely totally amazing team.
Thanks everyone!
Jessica
Monday, October 12, 2009
Whirl Wind Sydney
It's been a busy and exciting week in Sydney with one of the highlights being the Ella Baché launch in Circular Quay. We managed to strike a lucky break in the rain. So sailing past the Sydney Opera House and under the bridge was really nice and must have provided a pretty cool photo opportunity. I'm so proud of having Ella Baché on board, and all around it was a pretty exciting day.
I've also been kitted out with the full range of Ella Baché skin care products, and to begin with, I'll admit to being a little intimidated by all those tubes and bottles! But armed with a manual and plenty of great advice I think that keeping my skin in top condition will be good fun.
The link below is to a segment I did with Jesse Martin on the 7pm Project. It's a must watch, and I had a lot of fun filming it. Spending time with Jesse was great and I have to admit I got a bit of a kick out of bossing him round on Ella's Pink Lady when we went for a quick sail!
http://7pmproject.com.au/video.htm?channel=7PM+Catch+Up&clipid=2689_7pm-seg2-081009&bitrate=300&format=flash
So in and around all the media and corporate stuff we've been working away at plenty of little things on the boat, running new halyards, fitting new electronics including a pretty cool set of water proof cameras, testing out storm sails, laying out drogues and then sea trials to test it all.
It was a great shock for all of us Saturday morning to hear the terrible news of the yachting accident down the coast and the death of Andrew Short and Sally Gordon. We've only known the Short family for a brief time while staying at his marina but the hospitality we've received has been amazing. Nothing was too hard or too much trouble! So from myself and all the team I'd like to extend our condolences to the Short family.
I've still got a few of those butterflies when I think about leaving, but it's almost like my head is already out there, and, if anything, after so many years of build up, leaving feels all a bit normal!
We still haven't pinned it down to a day but not long now and I'll be off! Before then I'll be kept more than busy cramming in a last few long sleeps, hot showers, good normal food and spending plenty of time with all the team and my family.
Anyway, remember to keep an eye on the news page of the website so we can keep you updated on the departure date.
For now,
Jess
I've also been kitted out with the full range of Ella Baché skin care products, and to begin with, I'll admit to being a little intimidated by all those tubes and bottles! But armed with a manual and plenty of great advice I think that keeping my skin in top condition will be good fun.
The link below is to a segment I did with Jesse Martin on the 7pm Project. It's a must watch, and I had a lot of fun filming it. Spending time with Jesse was great and I have to admit I got a bit of a kick out of bossing him round on Ella's Pink Lady when we went for a quick sail!
http://7pmproject.com.au/video.htm?channel=7PM+Catch+Up&clipid=2689_7pm-seg2-081009&bitrate=300&format=flash
So in and around all the media and corporate stuff we've been working away at plenty of little things on the boat, running new halyards, fitting new electronics including a pretty cool set of water proof cameras, testing out storm sails, laying out drogues and then sea trials to test it all.
It was a great shock for all of us Saturday morning to hear the terrible news of the yachting accident down the coast and the death of Andrew Short and Sally Gordon. We've only known the Short family for a brief time while staying at his marina but the hospitality we've received has been amazing. Nothing was too hard or too much trouble! So from myself and all the team I'd like to extend our condolences to the Short family.
I've still got a few of those butterflies when I think about leaving, but it's almost like my head is already out there, and, if anything, after so many years of build up, leaving feels all a bit normal!
We still haven't pinned it down to a day but not long now and I'll be off! Before then I'll be kept more than busy cramming in a last few long sleeps, hot showers, good normal food and spending plenty of time with all the team and my family.
Anyway, remember to keep an eye on the news page of the website so we can keep you updated on the departure date.
For now,
Jess
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Dry Land Again!
I might have passed through the Heads and arrived in Sydney yesterday butI’m telling you Australia is still rolling. Since I stepped off Ella’s PinkLady yesterday afternoon my head has been spinning and I’ve been doing abit of stumbling into things! Getting my land legs again has taken a while. I can’t image what I’m going to be like after 8 months at sea, rather than 5 days! The last day at sea I was keep busy keeping Ella’s Pink Lady moving withvery little wind and light rain squalls. The sea flattened out after apretty bouncy few days and I even had the chance to tidy her up before coming in. In fact on Sunday afternoon I covered the whole cockpit with cosmetics and had a good scrub up myself! As is becoming a bit normal lately we had a full media circus turn out to meet us, helicopters and a few boats pushing their way a bit too close. But it was a nice welcome into Sydney really and I have to say I started to get pretty excited (and a little nervous!) about leaving. It's starting to feel so real. All up the sail down was a good test for both Ella’s Pink Lady and I. We found a few more little things that need to be modified and had a bit of fun. Thanks to Bruce and Suzanne on ‘Big Wave Rider’ for sailing alongside me for the last few miles and escorting me into the Heads yesterday and to my brother Tom for jumping on board at the last minute to help me dock. At the press conference afterwards there were a few questions about the handsome young man onboard with me! Thanks also to Andrew and his family at Andrew Short Marine for hosting us. This morning I had a bit of a sleep in before heading down to the boat to start on a few things and the Panasonic technicians came down to give me a crash course on photography. Tomorrow is the big Ella Bache media conference in Sydney so another busy day ahead.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Cooked Breakfast and 3 Metre Seas
Jess called in this evening to say that she has 23 kts of Southerlies and she is on a heading of 202 degrees True. She has 3 metre steep seas. Southerly change has come in but should change again to the South East later on. She sounds good and has has been busy checking her equipment and systems. She had a cooked breakfast this morning and has been tucking into some sandwiches, honeycomb and apples during the day.
Julie (Mum) for Jessica
Julie (Mum) for Jessica
Friday, October 2, 2009
Quick Update
After good conditions during the last two days, the wind has gradually picked up as I head south down the NSW coast. Wind is gusting to over 30 kts with similar conditions forecast for Saturday, so it’s certainly a good workout for Ella’s Pink Lady.
Just a quick update tonight. More news tomorrow.
Jessica
Just a quick update tonight. More news tomorrow.
Jessica
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Sailing Again, Take Two!
Well the most exciting news is that I set off again early this morning and I'm now sailing along at 7kts heading out to sea before turning south for Sydney. It's great to be out here and it's been a good first day!
For the last week we've all been steadily plodding away to get Ella's Pink Lady back on the water and sailing again. We have been retesting everything and installing a few new pieces of new equipment. I want to say one last huge thanks to Dean, Ryan and the crew at Gold Coast City Marina and Black Joe and Scooter at AME for looking after us and for a nice quick turnaround. They were just amazing.
Another thing that has been amazing is the constant media attention we've been getting. The interest has been a bit overwhelming and while most people are still so supportive, it's been a shame to have so much energy wasted on coping with some of the negative and silly stuff being published. Oh well, we move on. But overall the local media at the Gold Coast over the past few weeks have been really nice to us.
The northerly's should last till Saturday so it'll be a nice fast run till then and if all goes to plan we'll be in Sydney early next week. It's pretty nice out here at the moment with just over 15kts of wind and clear skies but as always it'll take me a few days before I get my sea legs and stop feeling a little green.
Thanks to all of those people out there who have taken the time to send me some special messages and kind words. I can't reply to you all individually as there are just so many. But I am getting through them all, so keep them coming as we all love reading them.
I better get going now but I'll update you again soon.
Jessica
For the last week we've all been steadily plodding away to get Ella's Pink Lady back on the water and sailing again. We have been retesting everything and installing a few new pieces of new equipment. I want to say one last huge thanks to Dean, Ryan and the crew at Gold Coast City Marina and Black Joe and Scooter at AME for looking after us and for a nice quick turnaround. They were just amazing.
Another thing that has been amazing is the constant media attention we've been getting. The interest has been a bit overwhelming and while most people are still so supportive, it's been a shame to have so much energy wasted on coping with some of the negative and silly stuff being published. Oh well, we move on. But overall the local media at the Gold Coast over the past few weeks have been really nice to us.
The northerly's should last till Saturday so it'll be a nice fast run till then and if all goes to plan we'll be in Sydney early next week. It's pretty nice out here at the moment with just over 15kts of wind and clear skies but as always it'll take me a few days before I get my sea legs and stop feeling a little green.
Thanks to all of those people out there who have taken the time to send me some special messages and kind words. I can't reply to you all individually as there are just so many. But I am getting through them all, so keep them coming as we all love reading them.
I better get going now but I'll update you again soon.
Jessica
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