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
Monday, October 19, 2009
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1 – 200 of 401 Newer› Newest»Up late just reading some news on the web here in the U.S. and stumbled across your story. Congrats on your setting off for such a big adventure!!! As we acting folk say here in NYC, break a leg and have a blast.
:) Kelly
Good luck Jess! My 8yr old daughter and I will be watching your progress daily.
good luck on your voyage may the good weather be with you..........
Been waiting for updates :D
Wishing all the best for you to have a safe journey& all the strength when it gets tough but cant wait to hear about you back home safe with family and with a wonderful achievement under your belt :)
My wife and I saw a news story about your journey today here in the United States. My wife is a school teacher and thinks what you are doing is so incredible for someone your age. We both wish you the best of luck and look forward to following your progress. Fair winds and following seas!
-Chris and Alana Yeager
South Brunswick, NJ, USA
Jessica,
From an old salty, I'm 72 and yes I can still blog with the best of em, you are an inspiration to me young lady. How proud your parents must be to have brought this totally awesome young lady into all our lives. I will keep you in my thoughts and you must know there will be people from all over the world doing the same.
Godspeed you incredible young lady.
I am so admiring you and your courage. I'll be keeping track each day. Even if things appear a little slow right now with the lack of wind, you've already proved to be an absolute winner.
Dave
Hi Jess,
Just thought I would pop on and wish you good luck on this journey, and to let you know that myself and my family will be cheering you on all the way on this adventure.
Cheers
Maria and Eddie
Hi Jess, Safe journey and fair winds to you. Enjoy the challenges, I know there will be many! Most of all just enjoy. I look forward to reading about your success over the coming months. Best wishes from another sailor. Marianne
I can't wait to follow your blog for the next 8 months. Keep up the good work. Hope you catch a whiff of wind soon!
Hi Jessica, Was just heading off to bed here in the USA and saw your latest post. Glad to hear things are going well. I would be so queasy by now. However, I can't imagine the joy you are feeling at this moment. You are such an inspiration. I will definitely tell everyone at work tomorrow about your wonderful endeavor. Our hearts and hopes are with you, Rob in Missouri, USA :-)
You Go Girl!
Take this slow start as a good omen--time to ease in for the massive efforts ahead.
I'll be with you all the way--you make me proud to be a human!!
~ Alex in Ohio, USA
Bonne chance Jess & all the best for your amazing trip ! I'm about to leave Australia but be sure I'll follow your adventures from Europe.
Bon vent / godspeed as we say in France !
Take care.
Ben
Good luck and God Bless!
Good Luck and God Bless!
Jessica you are a very brave girl and our teenage daughter and son are in awe of you and think what you are doing is mind blowing!!
Goodluck and have a great trip!
You are such an inspiration. I love how you are living your dream. I know you will do great because you have such a positive attitude. My prayers and thoughts are with you through your journey.
Merri from Los Angeles, California
Read about you here in Canada.
Good luck and enjoy yourself!!
Good sailing Jess wachting each day Gary Mooloolaba
good Luck! I hope your journey will be safe!
Annika
good work jess. take it one day at a time. your def a hero in the sailing community back here. No such thing as too safe. keep harness on!
Joe T
Jess,
Thank you for your courage in the face of so much criticism and speculation. It is so important in life to be true to yourself, and to have and chase a dream. You set an important example for all of us, to fall out of step with the norm and commit to something extraordinary, something which will redefine your sense of self, the world and your place in it. I think you are marvellous and wish you every luck on this huge adventure. Have faith in yourself and enjoy every minute xx Elisa, Melbourne
Well done Jessica, the Mark Twain quote is terrific. I will be watching your progress constantly and also trying to find international weather forecast sites....haha
Brilliant!!!
Phil
It's going to be one big adventure Jess and i'm confident you will make it to the end!
I'll be checking your site daily to see how you're going.
:].
- Seeya at the finishline :].
We look forward to follow your blog. All the best from Sweden. Lena & Bjorn
Many congratulations! Good luck from California. I think it's so cool that you're doing this.
Hi Jessica,
Don't listen to Kellygirlnyc...Whatever you do DON'T BREAK A LEG!!! lol
Stay safe, be strong. :)
You are one brave girl Jess, we'll be watching your progress around the world.
Goodluck. Anth.
Hi Jess, all my staff are following your progress. Keep up the progress reports and we'll be watching and rooting for you. How do you manage to read our emails?
Nick & Staff XXXX
Good luck Jess, look forward to following your progress as you sail around the world.
Rob
Good luck, fair winds, and God bless.
I'm excited for you Jessica! I hope you appreciate each and everyday of your journey, since you only get to be the "youngest round" once. I imagine that you'll make the best of it. I'll be keeping in touch from the northwestern corner of the U.S.
Take care,
Lori
What to say to somebody heading out on an adventure like this?
It all sounds so cliche. You truly are inspirational, but everyone's already said that. It doesn't make it less true, it just seems silly to say it yet again.
I don't know a thing about you, really. I imagine you're excited and scared at the same time right now. Nothing wrong with being scared. Courage is being afraid and doing it anyways. You'll have more than one opportunity to show courage on this trip, but just setting off was incredibly courageous. You've already shown more courage than most of us ever will just be heading out over the horizon.
Despite the media and all of us who are sending you our good wishes, this is your trip and yours alone. You owe us nothing. Do it for yourself, and that will be all the more inspirational for us.
I hope that you find what you are looking for and have the trip you wish to have. When it gets tough, know that we are all with you, jostling for space in Ella's Pink Lady's cockpit.
Best wishes from Canada,
Chris
Hi from your neighbour city Gold Coast Queensland - Jess you are an inspiration to countless thousands of people, teens especially, that need positive belief in themselves these days.You will return a champion of what it means to strive for what you believe in. Just keep your wits about you sailing into the unknown. We'll follow you all the way. May God bless you with good winds and true seas (just wary the rare rogue wave).
Brian Harrower, Queenslander.
Good luck Jessica, you will manage it :)
May God protect you
Anna, Germany
Wish you well.
One thing missing is like where is your google maps tracker page, so that we know where you are?
Cheers ems
you, are incredibly brave. and just incredible in general. i look forward to keeping up with your blogs and voyage! may God be with you!
Hi Jess! I'm a 20 year old girl from Sweden and been following the news about you wanting to go by yourself to sea. That's soo cool and you are an amazing person! I wish you good luck and lot's of hope! I will read your blog as often as I can. But you are like the coolest person ever!
God Bless you!
Matilda
best of luck, hopefully me being an irishman will bring the luck of the irish upon you , looking forward to reading your blog for the next few months....
Just an email to wish you all the good seas that the world can offer you and may all your gods look after you and sail with you, you are an inspiring girl and my wife and I wish you well, I would love to be able to contact you from time to time or send you an email direct is this possable, I am on your feed for your blogs but cant see a way to send you a message there, we live in rockhampton, thank you all and the best to everyone, Roger, dwyerr@tadaust.org.au
There was song a few decades ago that sums it up very well: fool, fool, fool!
Hey honey - I just came across your story yesterday and I'll be following your blog every day and wishing you well on your journey.
You're very inspiring and I wish I had been even half as brave as you when I was 16. I'm an Aussie living in NZ and wishing you fair winds as you sail over this way.
Good luck and enjoy it!
Hi Jess,
Will there be a yacht tracker application added to your site so that we can see exactly where you are and also other GPR related details for us fellow yachties who want to follow you?
All the best,
Steve of Caringbah Sydney.
HI Jess. I have been watching the web site all day and read todays update with interest. I am from Sydney and i can say from all of us here, we are very proud of what you are trying to achieve. I will be watching your progress. Good luck.
Peter
Your not alone Jess, we’re all here with you. :D
Ali Brisbane :D
good to hear that it is all going well shame about there not being a lot of wind but it will come!
Fair winds and following seas
Andy:)
Jess, YOU GO GIRL! You have a daily prayer in your behalf from this corner of the planet: Sparks, Nevada USA.
stumbled across your story, you're amazing Jess! But there's one question in mind, why is it seem like a trend to sail around the world solo, for people at your age? I read about your departure on MSN or BBC (I forgot), and it says several young people have done this before, from Australia, United States, and Netherlands (even this little guy from Netherlands was only 13y/o but the state court rejects his departure)
Anyways, I'm subscribing to your blog. Would love to read updates about your journey. I myself am visioning to do a similar thing within a few years from now, hopefully. I plan to ride a motorcycle from Indonesia (where I live.. hey we're neighbors..hehe) to the United States, my second home.
Well, best of luck, sail away, and come home safely. God speed my dear.
hanz
Safe journey Jess! You have many fans in Texas cheering for ya.
Good luck from Harrisburg Pennsylvania, keep posting so we know you're doing ok.
Kaies
wow! what you're doing sounds awesome. good luck, and do well. be safe!
Give it hell kid!!!!
You rock
Hey, Jess. :-)
Good for you, girl. We hope you have an awesome journey, no unpleasant surprises, and may the fair winds always fill your sheets.
Anna, Les, Shelley, & Suzie Gilbert
BC, Canada
Take care Jess - Go Aussie Go
good luck jess....
always watched news coverage and everything..wishing a little easy journey... you are a courageous young lady.
bharat
Having just finished reading 'Crossing The Ditch' by fellow adventurers James Castrission and Justin Jones, I believe you have it within yourself to tackle the vast oceans and conquer your fears...Many people said the boys couldnt do it, said they'd fail...Well they couldnt have been more wrong...People so often mistake young age for immaturity, but you have maturity in spades my friend...You are a shining example of what other young teenagers should do in their lives. Set goals and chase their dreams, rather than sit on their backsides....Good onya Jess, you're inspirational, and stand for the true Aussie Spirit !
Jessica, Good luck, it takes a lot of courage to complete this journey you have embarked on. Your commitment is to be applauded. have a safe and fantastic journey, watch out for those ships !!!!
regards Mario
You go girl Jesse, we're with you every nautical mile
Good luck! Have fun! Very impressed about the determination you show in doing this.
Good luck Jessica, I will say a litle prayer for you every night to keep you safe. Happy and safe sailing!
Maree
You Go Girl, Follow your deam. What an adventure to tell your grandchildren to keep them in awe!! I have 3 daughters and they fully had our support in what they wanted to do. You definately have ours too; along with many many others. Aussie Aussie Aussie Go! Go! Go!
Go Jess! Be safe - think you are brave and amazing. xxx
Hi Jess, I was watching your start live with my 9 yr old daughter on TV, she was blown away by what your doing. I grew up around sailing and feel a sence of connection. All the utmost luck with your adventure, I wish you true winds.
Amanda
Hobart
Please give us your lat and long noon position everyday so we can plot your progress.
Zee in England.
Congratulations on the big departure! What you're doing is incredible. Talk about going for the goal, wow. You're blowing the minds of kids and teens everywhere. Good luck and stay safe!
Rosalind
Texas, USA
Great to see you're on your way Jess. Best of luck and fair winds for your journey. I'll be keeping a close eye on your progress from Tassie.
Enjoy the experience and stay safe.
Scott King
Along with millions of other Australians I'll be riding every wave with you and to read your blog will be a daily ritual, until to arrive home a hero. Go Jess, stay safe and come home with a life of memories.
WOW!!!
I will read the blog every single day! How exciting -- what an adventure!
I read 'Dove' when I was fifteen and have been a sailing freak ever since; grew up in Annapolis and now live on Southern California's coast, where I love to sail. My sixteen-year-old daughter is rather scared of ocean sailing but has been on some trips to the islands... wait till she sees THIS!!!!
Best to you...
Grant Horner
Hi Jess, wanted to wish you the best of luck on your exciting journey. Will be tracking your progress and adventures.
Bram...
go jesse!! you are a great girl!! hope the wind will be stronger in the next days! (not too strong though!eheh). In Italy, to wish luck to a sailor, we say: In culo alla balena!!!
see you in sydney in few months!!!
have fun!
Spugna
Well done Jessica. Plenty of time for high winds, high seas and high spirits. Settle in whilst you've got the calm stuff. Mark, Plymouth UK
"A man does what he must - in spite of personal consequences, in spite of obstacles and dangers and pressures - and that is the basis of all human morality." - John F. Kennedy
Good luck, i hope you have a great adventure.
Josh
All the best to you, Jess.
We will be keeping track of your big adventure. Seattle, Washington
Congratulations on finally get out of port. You probably heard this a lot, but... 'GOOD ON YA!'
Not only have you set out to challenge the world, but you have also set out despite of the mislead people that believe you can't do it. In eight months you will prove them all wrong when you sail back into Sydney Harbor, proudly and (hopefully) unscathed.
Just read about your trip in a Danish Newspaper. Sounds absolutely amazing. It will be exciting to follow you on the web.
Fair wind.
Kristian
Denmark
Hello Jesse goodluck with your world tour, the moment beeing I'am waitng for school to start.
My dream has allways been to travel some where far and admire and support you all the way.
Godspeed and goodluck!
Marcus, Sweden
Hey Jess...Here in Colorado thinking about you. I bet the stars at night are going to just be AMAZING! I'm trackin' you!
Steve in Colorado
I woke up in the middle of the night and wondered what you where thinking there, alone in the dark at your first night on that enormous ocean, - all my love to you, from one in Denmark.
Congrats on your big adventure!
Seattle, WA.
wow....
good job, be safe I guess :o)
Onya Jesse, fair winds, clear skies and enjoy knowing you're the envy of millions...
Alan and Lena, Gold Coast
Good luck Jess! You taught us both to sail in the Maroochy River and we have been watching your preparations closely. now you are on your way - go girl!!
Fair winds & kind seas
Michelle & Mark
Jessica,
I've seen your story come up a couple of times here in the U.S. I'm so excited that you have finally gotten to set sail into the deep blue! Wishing you a happy journey and smooth sailing.
Doug
Good luck, Jesse !
Be brave, be free, go thru the wind and trust in yourself !
Franco
Dear Jessica,
I hope you have been having fun sailing out of Sydney. On Sunday I went sailing with my friend Matthew at Avalon Sailing Club on an MJ?? (i think) It was my first time sailing in a little boat. It was amazing and I got to steer the boat and hold the sails too. My dad and I are following your adventure around the world, we wish you luck and will be in touch. Sarah (8)
Hi Jess. I have only ever dreamed of doing what you are doing having been raised on boats and competitively racing from age 12 to 34 (first child came then!!). We are worlds apart in age (I am 41)and in the fact that you are doing what I only ever dreamed. Good on you. I am behind you all the way. You might like to google the Robert Frost poem "A Road Less Travelled". Looking forward to another update.
Rowena
Noosa, QLD, Australia
Hi Jess from Auckland, New Zealand
You're an inspiration to all of us - including our 11 year old daughter Katie and 5 year old daughter Sophie. They are going to watch out for you all the way.
We'll wave as you sail past NZ!
Godspeed!
Good luck Jesse , you are a brave individual, we are all watching your journey with our fingers quitely crossed. You have alreadty done yourself proud by attemping this feat, good luck and enjoy.:)
Best of luck Jessica. We'll be monitoring your progress here in Southern California.
All the best
Windfall
Alamitos Bay
Jessica, I watched you leave Sydney yesterday (on television in Perth) and thought of you all night, wondering how you were coping after the emotional goodbyes. You are a remarkable young woman (very pretty too) and your parents have obviously done a great job in raising you.
Some people fear life and live unfulfilled lives. You're not one of them. You go, girl!
I'll be following your blog every day and will send messages.
Take care,
Helena
I'm sitting in a boring office on the other side of the globe, and I'm so jealous. Go girl. Do your thing. Sail around the world. I wish you good luck and may the winds be at your back.
Good luck Jess, I will be following your progress as you sail around the world. You can do it.
Cheers Geoff
Hi Jess,
We will be watching you every day from Poland :) Good luck!!!
Eliza&Tymek&Kuba
Congratulations Jesse on setting out on such a remarkable journey. Your adventurous spirit has already reached out and touched so many people across the globe. You truly are an inspiration - am really looking forward to following your progress; well done and godspeed!
Nic
I just heard about your journey. I wish you the best of Luck on the High Seas! I look forward to updates on your blog. You are a great inspiration to young women everywhere.
Questions:
How will you sleep while staying on course?
What brand of dry food are you carrying?
How will you make drinking water?
Also, could somebody make an Apple Dashboard Widget so that we can track your progress on our computer desktops?
Chris from Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
hi jess ur courage is amazing and i think ur an amazing young women all my hopes and wishes r with u on ur journey and i'll be praying for u to be safe and that everything goes smooth for u, no words can realy explain how amazing u realy r.xxx
Jess, I just broke up with my gf, so I figure if you can make it around the world, I can probably make it through this. Good luck!
And watch out for Davy Jones, he's a real son of a b.
Joel
Good luck and good sailing, envious as hell, wish I could have done the same when I was your age but don't know if I would have been brave enough, now I have to wait until I retire to find out.
My 9 yr old daughter and her classmates will be tracking you as a school project.
Jessica you make us all proud, just make sure you return safely.
Cheers, Mat
Everyone in our office here in country Victoira is crammed around my computer screen waiting for an update from you Jess! We will be tracking you obsessively I am predicting! Stay safe, enjoy, have fun.
Monday morning here in Sweden and I'm reading about your journey! I can only say WOW! As we say here in Sweden "Lycka till!".
Jess, as a 58 year old, with dreams of a slightly less ambitious level, you inspire me young lady beyond words. You are truly an amazing person and make me feel proud to be Australian. If I could dare to do a smidgeon of what you in my view will undoubtedly achieve, I'll consider myself grateful. Go get em young Jess, Graham, xxx
you can do it jess! love your blogs keep em comming everyday coz i sure will cmmnt em
p.s jess is cute
Jessica, go for it girl, you have everyone around the world watching and keeping everything crossed for your safe return. It takes bottle to take on such a huge task.
Look forward to your safe return to Sydney. I'll even drag my boat out to meet you at the "Heads"!!.
Best of luck, we'll be watching,
Keep safe,
The Sandersons - Sydney.
All the best again Jess,from Brisbane.was disappointed with Tv coverage here, they showed you heading out to the start line live but nothing at all at the start line.
Hope to see you arrive back here victorious before my daughters 15th next year. Feel proud of yourself just for getting off the start line. you have achieved more than most people do in their lifetime
cheers
phil
Good luck and Godspeed from a fan in Bosnia and Hercegovina.
Hi Jessie
I will be read your post. It is some big - your aiming !
Best regard
Sławek
Gdańsk, Poland,
Europe
You're crazy, girl! And also really tough!
It's a pity that Norway isn't a part of your route, else I would hoist a flag when you arrived.
Bon voyage :)
//Rune
I hope you have a wonderful journey. I will be following you for the next 8 months. Gods speed.
Philippa
Thanks for your blog. Sending you supportive encouragement from Bathurst NSW :)
OK I am offically hooked. After seeing the story and interviews on 60 minutes, Jess, your blog is saved in my favorites. You have my vote - go girl we are all behind you.
Hi Jess, so so soooo impressed by you and your courage, particularly in the face of all the bullsh*t that's been thrown your way by people who really have no idea what they're on about. I love that you kept with it. All I have to say is YOU GO GIRL! It doesn't matter what the outcome is, you've proven so much already, and inspired so many, including me. Safe travels...I hope that big ocean is kind to you. You ROCK!!
Go Jess... You're attemting what most mature sailors are scared to try..King Neptune will smile upon you for showing true courage.
Best wishes
John Webb
Catamaran "Playground"
forza....good luck.....by Adriano...from Modica - Italy
good luck jess. will be following you all the way.
Hi Jess, Just wanted say hi and let you know that my family and I will be following you all the way. I am talking to my 4 year old about you and what you are doing. The examples of achievement I know you will be setting will be great lessons for him !!!
Good luck and god bless and congratulations on what you have already acheived !!!
Michael
Good Luck Jessica! You are an inspiration. I will be tracking and looking forward to your updates. I was lucky enough to visit your country when I worked on a cruise ship,about 10 years ago, and can only imagine all the excitement on your send off. Godspeed to you. I hope you feel the support being sent out to you from the many who are following you.
Congratulations on taking on your amazing journey. Will be following you closely with great interest...
Tom
Hi Jess,
My Whole family are so excited for you. We wish you all the best for the trip. Stay Safe.
Steve, Diana, Courtney & James
Sydney
Well done Jess you're on your way, we will all turn on our fans on the west coast and hope the winds pick up for you. Keep us informed of any marine life etc along the way. Cheers from Geraldton WA
Rob
Hi Jessica, I just want to tell you that i think you are awesome! I too read Jessy Martins Book and dreamed of such adventure. I've sailed over 20000 miles myself in little sloops and small multihulls, though not all at once!, so i have some idea of what your in for.
Best wishes, enjoy every moment.
Jessica:
Wish I were 16 again and with your amount of courage and inspiration. I am not Irish but here's an Irish blessing for your journey.
May the waves rise with you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
May the rain fall soft upon your sails,
Until we meet again, may God hold you in the hollow of his hands.
You are a real heroine in my book traveling the hero's journey. (Joseph Campbell)
God Speed,
John in Ashland OR, USA
Fantastic!! We are so inspired by your courage in following your dream. We wish you a safe journey. Good luck!
Hey Jessica, I just read your story and I felt the need to wish you the best of luck and and good winds on your trip, on your adventure and challenge. May God be your guide and company.
From Toronto, canada.
:) Oscar
I think it is so amazing that you have dared to live your dream! So many of us never even start a dream for fear of failure. You are an inspiration to millions of people. I wish you all the best!
Good Luck Jessica, we will watch your progress every day and pray you come home as happy and delightful as you left. God's speed. Christine from Tura Beach NSW
You're brave and I'll be watching from all of the way in Miami, Florida.
I was reading some news here in the United States and came across your story. As a 19 year old guy, you are an inspiration to me and countless others to go out and achieve our dreams. Ill be praying for a safe voyage for you, and will be tracking your progress!
-Logan Deen
United States
Good on you girl...I was watching "Joan of Arc" last night and it reminded me of you and your determination...(except for the burnt at the stake bit)!!
While others may be thinking about it you are doing it!!! when you are older....you will be able to look back with pride...and know you really achieved something in this "Be Careful- be politically correct" age...God Speed...Dennis E
G'day Jessica,
seeing all these American comments, and aware of the criticism some here in Aus have been making about your voyage, I just want to wish all the best from a landlubber here in Sydney.
The extent of my seafaring is watching the yachts sailing past me while walking along the headlands of the Eastern Suburbs.
But I have done some adventuring of my own and I know how lonely you can become. But always remember your family and friends are with you every single nanosecond of the day and night.
And you have already inspired many.
Good luck
Charles
Fair winds Jesse...Stay positive, rest when you can and above all enjoy!
"The art of the sailor is to leave nothing to chance."
-Annie Van De Wiele
Tilly UK
I think your awesome Jess! Good Luck with your journey!
Good luck!
/ Erika
Hi there Jessica,
I am a Digital Technology teacher in Christchurch, NZ. My classes will be following your progress and experience exactly how great a blog can involve individuals wherever they are in the world.
Good luck on your travels.Regards
Michele
PLEASE BE CAREFUL! You're a very brave girl.
good luck from Phoenix, Arizona
wow im following your progress!
Hey Jesse, great to be with you each day as we follow a great Australian. I can only wish you all the very best in your venture around the world. I know you can do it --- do not give up!
I've just received a link to your hompage from my mother. I am so impressed of what you are trying to achive and of your currage. I will for shore be one of them that will follow your great adventure (probably togehter with my large sailing family). Good luck and Good bless.
Janet, Sweden
well done jessica, look foward to checkin to see how your exciting adventure is going , take care. pete.of cairns
Jess, I don't usually have the opportunity to follow such a great hero or heroine but due to technology we can now watch you and be with you all the way!!!So keep focused on those slow days and especially on the fast ones! Good luck and know we are all with you.
Michelle and Tibor
Coffs Harbour
Hi Jess Im in awe of your courage. Im a lover of the sea and all things in it including Sea Sirens [as an artist my canvas is full of mermaids and their older and wiser sisters the Siren's] Ive had a word to my Siren sisters and they promise to be not far from your side keeping you safe. You wont see them but they are there! lol Remember us all here when times get tough and may all this wonderful support carry you safely right back to your family. smiles Michelle
I really admire your sense of adventure and look forward to reading your blogs. I will be with you all the way Jesse. Take care always and never be afraid to give it up if the need arises.
hi jess!!
Iv been watching all the hype and media coverage on your build up to setting sail, and i think you are so brave! i live in perthWA but am from England and iv been interested to see how you go. Be strong and keep at it. Good luck!!!!!!!
Having crossed the Atlantic several times on a Navy ship, I cannot say how excited I am for you. I wish you all the best in this adventure. What an opportunity! Best wishes, fair winds and following seas!
Good luck, I'm following your every step from Sweden :)
Your Inspiration To Billions May The Seas be With You . . We Will Be Waiting For Your Return. . Hurry Back . .
Dave..
Hey "cool girl" Jessica!
Do not underestimate the sea, do not overestimate yourself an you will handle it! Best wishes & take care at yourself
German sailors say: "Ich wünsche dir immer eine handbreit Wasser unter'm Kiel!" (I wish you eveytime six inches water under your keel)!
Oli - from the other side of the wold (Germany).
Good Luck Jess and God Bless. My family and I think you are amazing and our thoughts and prayers are with you all the way.
Gary
Brisbane.
Hi Jessica,
Love the pink boat. Wish I had one. Good luck for your journey.
From Elpida
Hi Jess, I think you are one courageous and inspirational Young Lady. I want to wish you all the luck and i hope your journey while exciting is trouble free. I will be following your journey and hanging out waiting for your blog entries...smile. This is something you will have for the rest of your life...Enjoy every single minute of it and come home safe... :) Deb and the Guinea's
Hi Jessica, best of luck on your trip I hope it goes well.Do you have an online yacht tracker? So we can foillow your progess.
FINN Age 8, Optimist and tasar sailor.
Good Luck Jessica! Your adventure is inspiring and I will watch your blog with interest from Melbourne over the coming months!
Nothing much has happened back home in Australia in the past day news wise (expect for your departure!) - just so you know you are not missing our on much :)
What are you doing to fill your time while there is not much wind?
Cheers
Caroline
Hey Jess...thinking of you out there in the peace and quiet. It must be fantastic. I'd swap for a day, but I'm not brave enough to swap for 8 months. Proud of you!!!
Good Luck, and remember 1 hand for the boat and 1 to do what you have to do, Sleep with your PFD on as well. All the best.
Hey Jess!
I was so excited to see your new post from out at sea :) Glad to hear you are safe and well, and not feeling sea queasy! that's a feat in itself :)
Hopefully the wind should pick up for you within the next few days! its only 16km/h at sydney today but i'll be praying for you for nicer weather.
Don't listen to all those haters - they have no idea what they're talking about! You'll prove them sooooo wrong :)
i have a question tho for you... i went on a sailing camp a couple of years ago for yr 10 and sailed on a yacht, but docked it at night to sleep. How do you sleep if it's non-stop sailing? i've been curious lol
Anyway, the best of luck on your voyage and can't wait to hear more about your exciting adventure!
Much love,
Amy xx
Jessica, I have been reading on several websites today about how you set sail just yesterday for your 8 month sail across the globe! I just wanted to stop by and say good luck! Keep us all updated! Remember that God Is always by your side! Good luck! - Lindsay, United States.
I am thinking of you often, and how brave you are to attempt such a journey. May you stay safe throughout and enjoy everu moment.
As a liveaboard yachtie myself my heart & thoughts are with you. What an experience!! I wish you a safe journey with fair winds & following seas. Any chance we could follow your approximate route with a daily position posted on your site?? I am sure you have a good supply of chocoloate on board but dont be tempted eat it all at once. Lyn
Jesse,
Glad to hear all is going well as you commence your adventure.
How many pieces of chocolate per nautical mile are you up to?
Stay safe.
Lindsay
Good luck Jessica.
Hi there Jessica from me in George (440kms east of Cape Town) I hope you have the experience of a lifetime. Be safe at all times and enjoy the trip. I will be watching your progress on the website every day. well done young lady for your courage and commitment.
BEST WISHES
PETER & MOIRA GIBBS
SOUTH AFRICA.
Dear Jessica, My name is Téa and I am 8. Good luck I hope you are having fun. I will keep track as you sail around the world. Bye
From one Jess to another, you are awesome! Go sail those seas!
Peace and blessings <3
Good Luck and god speed, You go for it and show em all
Jessica, great blog, 65 + nm out.. Now, it's you and your boat, never get careless, never take that harness off. Be on top of things, all the time ;-)!!
Settle in and enjoy every day!
Prayers from around the globe
travel alongside with you.
Godspeed!
-from Los Angeles, CA
Matthias B.
Just read the newspaper here in Denmark and they mentioned you! I had to see your website and read your blog for myself, before I could really understand it and wow... It's amazing.
Have a good time - I wish you the best of luck from Denmark :)
Loving your show of girl power!!! God bless!
Hi! Following your trip with excitement!
/Adina from Sweden
Best of luck Jess! My wife and I will be following your progress and cheering you on. Godspeed!
hey jess great to see that your gone lol i cant wait to follow your journey and hope all is well
All the best Jess, I look forward to following you in your adventure through this blog. Happy and safe sailing, keep smiling :)
Wendy
What an amazing year ahead you have :) enjoy every moment.
I look at my gorgous 6 month old baby girl and wonder if she'll do anything as inspiring and couragous as this when she's your age, your parents hearts must be full of love and pride for you...
Hope those winds pick up for you ... keep safe.
Deb
Greetings from Norway. I read about your story in the newspaper here yesterday. Its really awsome. Hopefully you will get good weather. Alwys stay safe and be careful. I wish for your sucess and a safe return.
Loved your interview with Chas. on 60 Min' - particularly the "No I don't know what I'll encounter that's why it's an adventure" or words to that effect. What a wonderful attitude! Enjoy the fun bits now and I'm sure even the very tough parts will be a joy in retrospect. How much better the future would look if more of your gen' thought and behaved this way. Riding with you every wave of the journey!
May you always have wind in your sails and a handswidth of water under your keel!
Best wishes from Germany and as we say here:
"Mast und Schotbruch!" ("Break a mast and sheet!")
Chris
Good luck! Looking forward to follow your adventures all the way from Sweden.
On behalf of our little family here in Brisbane, our thoughts and prayers are with you Jess! You are so brave and a wonderful inspiration to all the children watching you, not just in Australia but worldwide! My girls aged 5 and 7 love your boat and think you are just great! They wanted to you to say "hi" to all the dolphins along the way! With our love and best wishes for all the wonderful challenging days that lie ahead for you, love Lucy, Darren, Clare and Alice Ryan xxxx
Hi Jessica,
It would be a very sad world if we didnt have dreams and didnt strive to make them come true. I wish you the very best luck on your adventure. Be safe, I will be thinking of you every day. Each day is one day closer to you goal, go girl. I look forward to watching you sail through the heads up the harbour to your loved ones waiting for you. :-)
It's a great shame... that all youngsters don't have your positive sense of hope and "can do"! All our hearts are with you grrrl...
A mate of mine Adam Shead of the NT set this support group up too:
i support jessica watson in her bid to sail around the world!
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=203258190960&ref=ts
That makes three Facebook Groups... so far!
Hey Jessica,you have a fan in Alice Springs who will be be watching and supporting you throughout your journey. I have done some ocean voyaging in our family yacht, so know just a a little of what you are experiencing. Regardless of the outcome of your voyage, you are an inspiration to many. Critics and naysayers are forgotten to history....
Good on you, getting across the start line is such an achievement already! You are a winner and an inspiration for many. Good luck for the rest of the journey! Aimee and Eddie :)
So happy for you!! It's good to know that someone can really do whatever they want to if they put their mind to it. Your an inspiration to me!!
Good Luck Jess !
I will be watching your site every day ! :)
/Josefine
SWEDEN VÄSTERÅS
I'm totally in shock Jess. You are very brave and your jorney is very interesting. I wish you good luck from Europe,Poland, Poznan and God bless You pretty young girl !
Mariusz-Poland
Go girl, you're magic!
Hi Jess,
Wow what an example you have set for teenagers. If only half of them had your courage and dedication and the will to do something with their lives instead of drinking,taking drugs and getting into trouble with the police.. You go girl make us proud. We will be following your progress every step of the way.Wishing you smooth sailing and safe travels
:) Jo & Jack the dog... Gold Coast
Don't let the storm take the wind out of your sails, keep focused on your goal, we all believe in you.
Darren
Coolum Beach
Just to let you know that i am right behind you.Dont listen to all the knockers.You are a credit to yourself,your parents and Australia.Hope you achieve your goal.Wishing you a safe journey and return home safe.God Bless You.
Craig.
Good morning Jessica, a huge good luck from Italy, or as we say in italian "in bocca al lupo!"... I wish you and you pink boat a safe trip, live every moment of every day of this adventure as I am sure it will be one of the most incredible things of your life!!I'll be watching your progress daily!! :-)
Good luck Jess. What you are doing is truly remarkable :)
Dear, Jess,
all the best for you. Your trip is magic. I'll be with you on page:) Take care. Greetings from Lithuania:)
At first I thought something about insanity of you or of your parents who let you do it... such a fragile creature to sail over whole world with so many dangers, winds, waves, pirates, etc.... But now I must say I've never seen someone so strongwilled, powerful and committed to her dream being so incredibly young!
I wish you good luck, good wind, strong will and good mood! May you get back home safe and sound!
Wow! I luv you Jess!Your an amazing 16 year old girl, and I admire your courage. Best luck to you, and congrats on getting so far already. Good luck!!!!
P.S - I never thought anyone would try to 'smash' the world record, of a BOY, if anyone would, I thought perhaps a boy, but nooo.... A GIRL! You go girl! Best to you! I really hope you keep safe!
Jessica: Best wishes for your journey. I am thrillled to be following your adventure. It is a hobby of mine to follow solo sailors via internet. I also am a believer in God so will be praying for you along the way. Have a wonderful journey, be safe and know that many are praying for you along the way.
Ray in Lisbon Portugal
Good luck jess have a wonderful safe trip. Enjoy the experience. i will be watching ur daily progress.
Hi Jessica, My name is Téa and I am 8. Good luck and I hope you have fun. I will keep track as you go around the world. From Téa
Jessica you are very brave and an inspiration to all young people who have a dream. We'll be following you, good luck and stay safe
Sara, from dubai
good luck jess even though i don`t know you your inspiration is something to behold goood luck on your travel across the ocean.
Good luck and have fun
Best wishes from Spain
Fran
:)
hi jess
narelle from canberra
keep the wind in your sails and look out for whales
have fun
wow, you are seriously a huge inspiration to everyone out there!
i'll follow your story as you go :D
so all the best, and an awesome job already, not many people would have made it this far :)
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