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
Monday, October 19, 2009
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904 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 801 – 904 of 904Hey, good luck on your trip - you can totally do it! ^.^
Hi Jess! Following you from Sweden where we have winter with snow in the north already.. Looking forward to follow ypu around the world. Good Luck, you will have the time of yor life all the time!!!!
Live the dream Jess, many wish they could and only a few ever get the chance. All the best for the trip.
Jess
You make us proud to be Aussies
Our Family will be following your every move and our best wishes will be with you.
Also we will be out there to welcome you back - we can hardly wait
Mike & Family from the Holland 30"Hard Core" - Mosman
Hi Jessica
Good luck and we will be lokking in on you every day.
Dear Jessica,
I have been following your story and just felt compelled to follow your progress.
You are an inspiration and I will be following you all the way and sending you great vibes.
Thank you for doing what you're doing. It is more than just a trip; it is a message to all the young and old to get off their butts and out from in front of the TV to do something with your lives. To make some goals and follow your dreams.
Best wishes Jessica
God bless you,
Vanessa :)
I wonder why Jess keeps saying WE make you think is she really sailing alone?
Good Morning from Germany, Jessica! Now following your outstanding adventure! It's a pleasure to read your blog entries, what a writing talent!
Always fair winds and following seas! You'll gonna make it! ;-)
Torsten
Germany
Hi Jess
You sound so calm and relaxed in your blog...reading and dolphins and pancakes...perfect!!
You are our inspitation this term! Wishing you well
The Home Schoolers
Hey Jessica,
We are all thinking of you back here in Australia and in Wollongong. Everyone is so proud of you mate. Way to go girl you are truely living your dream. Aussie Aussie Aussie oi, oi, oi. My g/f & I will look forward to reading your next blog. Most of all take care of yourself.
Best Wishes
Mark & Berny
Wollongong, N.S.W
Hey Jessica,
Hello from the brightly coloured Kayak that followed you out of the heads. Sorry we couldnt join you for more of the trip but as my friend told you he was getting cold so we turned back which you said was fair enough! Hope the sun is shining and the breeze is getting better for you ! Will
Hi jess,
I wanna say thankyou so much your such an inspiration for me with a big dream when evryone tells me I'm too young.. But you never let that get in your way.. You give people like me hope.. Good luck on your journey and help prove to everyone that age doesn't measure your capabilities.. Thanks and good luck!
Hannah xx
why as 1st world nations are their so many people against a 16 year old woman sailing around the world following her dream when in other countrys 10 year olds are fighting wars we as free countrys should not be against what she is doing but yet should be moved by her courage and heart to complete a task that most could not fathom - go jess watson
Have a Good Wind, Jess!
Best Regards from Lithuania!
Jurgis
Loving the posts. It's amazing for me to think that while I'm at work and doing nothing at home you are out there in the middle of the sea being so free. Very inspirational! I'm looking at maps to see where you're supposed to be each day. It's fun! :)
Take care and write more and please do post some pics.
Orit from Israel
Hi Jess,
U r such an inspiration for me as I have a big dream that people constantly say I'm too young for...they just don't understand thats part of the dream! Anyways I wanted to say thanks for inspiring me,and going out there to prove age doesn't measure anyones capabilities..good luck!!
Hannah xx
Hello Jesse ..... how are you today? You get good wind?
Antonio, northern Italy ...
Hi Jess,
Ever since I was a child I had dreams of circunavigating. I started sailing at the age of 5 and now at 46 I have sailed approximately 37,000 miles across various oceans and coastlines doing yacht races and deliveries. I had many memorable experiences both good and not so good. If I can offer any advice it would be as follows:- think ahead, plan ahead, make decisions early rather than too late, when in doubt go with the gut. The ocean is a fantastic place but is unpredictable, keep a detailed log, charts and photos as they will serve well in the future, particularly when you reflect back on this journey. God bless and fair winds. Regards Bryan
Fare Forward, Jesse!
It is great to see all the even younger young women here, of 6 and 10 and 14 and many other ages, inspired by your passion and drive. Jesse will have calm days and rough days. And some really rough days. Up days and down days. She may succeed. She may not and have to stop. But the lesson for all of us is that she sets sail none-the-less, faces into her journey, and believes in herself. So she will succeed.
Stay calm inside and remember when it's tough that thousands of people are behind you.
hi Jess,
We saw your story on the news..just want to say...good luck have a safe trip...enjoy every moment!!! What an amazing adventure you are on!!! :) Stay safe
Lisa,dave WA
Hi Jess,
Well done on having the courage to undertake such a courageous adventure! I'll be keeping an eye on your progress and reading your blog. Good luck, keep safe and keep smiling!
Rob:)
An Aussie in Estonia.
Saw from spit bridge just how tiny little Ella really is! but i'm sure much like her captain, what she lacks in physical size she will more than make up for in strength of spirit and determination.
May the hopes and dreams of all those u hav inspired fill your sails, carry you across the oceans and bring you home safely Jess!
Go for gold mate :) You have the whole of Australia behind you.
Above all enjoy yourself
hye jesse..
we'll gonna wait 4 ur blog update every day..
can u also upload some pic...thanks
=)
firdaus from MALAYSIA..
Jesse, may God give you strength, courage and wisdom as you follow your dream. An adventure of a life time that so few of us can ever hope to achieve.... GO GIRL!!
Ralph
good luck from california on your voyage! i'll be following along on your blog!
I'm green with envy! Good on you...all the best with the trip!
This is far from the scale of your adventure: Some time ago, 3 friends and I built a raft with some barrels, some couches and a canvas roof on it and floated for 5 days into Melbourne on the Yarra River. We endured months of people telling us everything from we'd never do it and it wouldn't float, to we were all going to die by drowning or snake bite. I'll never forget the feeling of elation the night we launched, sitting back on the couch with a freshly opened beer in one hand, taking in the serenity.
I can't begin to imagine the hurdles you leaped to get to the point of perching yourself upon the deck of Ella's Pink Lady, on a glassy ocean, enjoying a book in the sun.
Here's to you Jesse.
Ahoy there pink lady! We wish you all the best, setting off on our own adventure soon to Lord Howe and Elizabeth reef. Only a short trip compared to yours. I think this high is going to be with you for a little while yet, don't forget the sunblock!
from the crew
SV Degrees of Freedom
Remember that day and that feeling when you are looking at the ugly side of a biiiiig wave.
Take care.
Joseph (Sydney)
Jess, you are inspiring. I am 29 and can barely take care of myself on dry land! All the best! Will be reading with interest.
God be with you, little one
G'day Jess,
I think you are absolutely amazing and wish you a wonderful and safe journey. You truly are an inspiration. Will be following your blog every day and thinking of you.
Stay safe.
Cameron from Brisbane
just now heard about your once in a lifetime adventure. when i was your age i did it by road travel thru-out western & central canada and the states. enjoy every second of it and remember all your loved ones are always with you and why you, your heart and soul are doing this life-learning experience. i will be following your blogs and lovely pics.
jaklynn portland oregon
Hi Jess
Best wishes,we are all following your adventure and blog daily. A lot of us are reading your reports each morning when we get to work to see how you are going. Have a great sail. No need to get lonely -we are all with you !
Jason.. Royal Yacht Club of Victoria
Hi Jess
May you experience many blessings on your trip as you will bring many in your life.
Cheers Shane
What a wonderful adventure. The best of luck to you! I look forward to charting your progress - especially your triumphant return to Sydney. Full sails!
Hey Jess
hope everything is going great! I would love to be out there sailing but school is calling. The sky sounds wonderful! I hope that you get through your book without any dramas! And also that you have a great time (and a safe one) i will continue to read your blogs everyday! Hope the calm ocean is getting you ready for your adventure! Have heaps of fun
Mikaela
QLD Australia :)
GOOD LUCK remember to enjoy the experiance and soak up every minute of it. i know ill be seeing you come through the heads of sydney harbour in 8months time.
best wishes mitch.
well done you
enjoy this very special time in your life
Take it easy jess you are in our thoughts every day Dawn Buderim
Beautifull words, sounds visionary! Love to hear where you are on your journey too please! Glad things have srated out well for you. I love sailing and will follow your blog with anticipation. More good luck!!!
Cheers - Chris B
Hi Jess,
During the calm I suppose a spot of fishing will help stock the galley. I really enjoyed the description of events so far - painting pictures with your words creates a great fantasy and mind vision of your trip.
How were the pancakes?
Wish I Was Their You Make It Sound Great! Be Safe And Take Lots Of Pictures So You Remember It All And Can Show All Ur Friends And Family When U Get Home...
Have A Blast From Jeffrey Here In Arkansas USA!
Hey Jess!
Hope you are enjoying yourself out there :) Best of luck and stay safe.
-Emma
Hi Jess,
keep going with your adventure -
good luck, stay healthy and have fun - I enjoy reading your blog
greetings from the mountains of tirol/austria
Jess, I wish you the very best of luck! Tell me, how on earth do you have room for enough food for eight months plus drinking water?? Curious minds would love to know!
goood luck jess!
With you all the way Jessica....
Karen
Hello Jessica from the Sunshine Coast.
What an immense feeling of excitment for you and your family/support team to be finally starting off on your dream of sailing around the world.
We will be watching your blog each day and know that with this many people thinking of you all around the world (even though we live at Bli Bli) - you are never alone.
You are truly showing people how to live life. Thinking of you, A, C, J, B & G
hi jess' u are so brave to be on a yacht by your self have a great time there bye
Ahoy Jess!
Look forward to your blogalog each day. You are an inspiration. Wondering if you are fishing as you go? Will you be able to post some photos?
Salty2
Balnarring Victoria.
Best Wishes Jessica,
As old sea-dogs and fellow sailors, we will follow your adventure with our thoughts, prayers and best wishes,
safe journey.
Greg & Ivonne Mace.
Good luck!!! looking forward for more updates from you!! i think what you're doing is GREAT!!! :)
Hey Super Girl,
Glad your first day was a good one. Enjoy, we will follow you all the way. Your fans from Northern Michigan, USA.... keep Smilin...:)
Good luck!! I think what you're doing is GREAT!! looking forward for your updates!! be safe!!
Hi Jess
Good on you. Stay safe and enjoy. I'm curious about what it m,eams to sleep on a yacht out at sea... Can you get more than a copuple of hours sleep at a time? What do you have to do to get the yacht ready for the night?
Sending energy
Kath
I don't know whether I admire you or question your sensibilities but I DO worry about you. Aren't you scared out there all alone? At 42, I'm almost too frightened to go out beyond the breakers in the surf, let alone be so far out I can't see land!!! How long have you been sailing for? Perhaps if you could tell us all a little about your experience we'd understand a little better?!
Stay Safe..Wendy.
Hi Jessica,
I'm behind you and think you are awesome. Take care and see you when you get back!
s
Hey Jess, wishing to you a safe journey - let us know if you spot any whales!
Belinda
central queensland
Hello Jess
Just would like to wish you all the best and keep your chin up love reading the blogs well done.
Crash
Victoria
Hi Jessica......I met you when you bought things for the boat from where I work last week. As an avid sailor "girl" myself (although considerably older than you), with quite a bit of experience behind me, I keep finding you on my mind & am pleased you are writing a blog.
(I totally agree with another person who commented on how well you write, BTW...)
Take care Jess, and just give the sea the respect it commands. Fair winds and good luck - I, like many others, can't help but wonder if you've bitten off more than "one" can chew - only time will tell, I guess & I hope you prove us all wrong. It's not something I would contemplate doing solo myself.... but I wish you all the best, truly hope your adventure turns out well & look forward to being part of the spectator fleet to welcome you on your return. Good on you for having the courage - how ever far you get - to "have a go", esp with your family's wholehearted support.
Gai
Prays are with you for a safe journey Jessica. You show that dreams really are capable of comming true.
Ambishious and beautiful young lady,the pride of Australia.
Looking forward to hearing your thoughts during your vouyage.
Your family and country are beeming with pride
SO SO SO happy for you jess,
have fun !!! an totally CHILLAX (when u can if u can )
good luck
luv-the west aussie -(renee)xx
Wow...You are finaly out there doing it! It seems like you also have quite a crew following your adventure keeping you company.
Sounds like you have had a good start, even though somewhat slow.
The Sunshine Coast Daily has finally put a great (beautiful)photo of you in Sundays Paper, and have been giving you a good rap as well.
Greg Black
MOOLOOLABA
OMG! What an image. I just closed my eyes and saw the sunset, the smooth sea and the jellyfish. So beautiful! So peaceful!
Looking forward to the photos!
Take care and good luck. I will be following your blog every day!
Jess
I live in Las Vegas nv.Am 70 yo.
I will read every day.
Please be careful. Everyone loves you.
Art
Good on Yah, Jess! Follow your dreams and show em what you are made of!! Have a safe journey, I will be keeping a close eye on you via the website.
Cheers
Wayne
Sydney
Hope you'll have a great & safe trip!
greetings from sweden
Hi,
Jess.
May The Fair Winds Keep You Sailing Blessings.
Gregson , Australia
' I can eat whatever I like whenever I like, no one to send me off to bed!'
and so now we have the real reason . yeah i agree she sound like a real pain in the arse,neck,whatever. you did very well to be rid of it in such fine style.
Bravo and best of luck to you. I can't wait to keep up with your inspiring voyage in the coming months!
Kraig
Twin Cities Sailing Club
Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
Hi Jess
You're already a winner and from where I sit my vision is of a beautiful young girl pursuing her dream and in the days and nights ahead you will well and truly get to know Jess and you will be immensely proud of the person you discover.
It seems to me Jess with a chocolate factory on board not to mention a few Tim Tams stashed under your pillow and a boat load of 'jess-courage' you can't go wrong. Come on Aussie - there are 22million of us less one (she's in a boat somewhere so they tell me)hanging out for you.
Please take care. You are precious and very special. The world could do with helluva lot more Jessica's.
Hawkeye
Hawks WA
Hi Jessica, I'm 74 years old and I'm really excited about your trip. I just wish you all the best and hope you enjoy every nite and day that you are out there. The whole world is watching you and wishing you the best. Be safe and may God bless you and the angels keep your sails full. From Kingwood WV Good Luck.
Julia says: Hello Jess, well, your are off on your venture of a lifetime. The past year has been interesting, following Zac and Mike around the World, and now Jessica. Good luck young lady, safe passage.
Are we going to be able to follow you? Will you be posting your positions so that I can have a pink sailboat marking your progress on Google Earth? I do hope so.
Take care, one hand for the ship and one for yourself.
Ciao from Rome!!!
All the best my dear for your amazing sailing ...Don't worry I will leave you not alone during this incredible 8 months adventure writing on your blog.
Good wind to you Jess.
Vincenzo & Shanta
Hi Jessica - all my respect to you and your journey.
I dedicate to you Sir Ernest Shackletons saying:
"by endurance we conquer"
good luck!
Steen
Denmark
Who is "we" that she keeps referring to? Isn't she by herself? Just wanting to make sure I understand the story right. Just found out about her and the voyage the other day and possibly missed that she isn't alone?
Hi Jess,
I am planning to follow your trip too:)
All the very best ,do keep the blog its great ,
thinking of you ,
Good wishes ,
Linda Rickmansworth ,London
Dear Jessica Watson, you are an inspiration to all of us !
Hope you will be able to find the meaning of life through your journey...
I would love to hear from you when your journey is done.
Will sail with you everyday with my heart.
God bless
Jon
Good luck with the trip - hope all goes well
Hi Jess,
Good Luck!! following your Blog your an amazing young women stay safe and enjoy every moment
Paul And Chris
Hi Jess,
Have an amazing journey, will be with you in spirit on the way.. what an experience for you. Good on you!
Melissa xo
jess,
we're praying for your safe journey. God loves you and so do we...
JESSE (Jun, Erene, Shannelle, Shantelle, Eric)
Well done so far! - yes I know you have only just started but just getting one's foot out the door is half the battle.
Keep up with the writing, its great to catch up with you every day.
Regards,
Peter
Brisbane
Mornin Jess
Just a quick hello from the crew at the Mooloolaba Marina. Hope you are havin a ball even though it is only early days. Make sure you get some great happy snaps!!
Time will fly when you are having fun so shall see you soon.
Love Karls, Mark & Brooke xo
Mooloolaba Marina (Home)
Hello Jessica i have been reading about you sounds like you are having a good time hope you have a good time from ryan Campbells Creek Primary school
Hi Jess,
will be folloowing your adventure.
you go girl! stay safe.
Dear jessica watson I hope you are having a good time.
`Dear jessica watson I hope you are having a good time.
I'm so glad that you are doing this blog!
I'm exactly 1 day older than you, so i can't comprehend what you are doing, but all the best!
Love,
Kieran
You are such an inspiration to many young kids today..keep up the good work..and safe sailing. A mom from the Jersey Shore, New Jersey, USA..
Hey Captain Jessica it’s Greybeard again. We know there are a few very negative persons who live in the “dark side” and do not agree with your decision to test the boundaries. To them I say what if Captain Cook never left the shore. Oscar Wilde once said - "The cynic knows the price of everything and the value of nothing." Go Jess.
Kind regards, James Leahy and family.
Goodnight, wonderful woman. Or, more likely, it's "good day" to you! I'm writing you Wednesday night. Haven't seen a new post from you, so I'm hoping and trusting that you're busy sailing! The worldwide posts from your wellwishers are nothing short of fantastic. I'm learning lots of Aussie-speak as well, like "good on you!", lollies and sweeties. And skeds, I assume, must be schedules.
You're in my heart. Sending you grit and perseverence. I believe in you, along with the thousands following your way. xox Mary, Maine, USA
Good luck out there on the wild blue yonder. Thinking of you here in nz. all the best, will follow your trip every day.have fun!
Mitch and viv
christchurch
Dear Jess
Remember you vividly sitting in my lounge room as a bub and todder, a very cute and well behaved little observer!.....knew your Mum and Dad on the Gold Coast....still getting used to you floating out there, however, we admire your love, enthusiasm and energy for life....although not many would do what you are doing, I'm sure you are an inspiration to a nation and world of teenagers to do something with their lives and believe in themselves...Your parents were gentle loving and attentive parents and are fortunate to have a gorgeous and talented young lady like you in their lives..take care. Lia Juriansz & David, Courtenay, Tom and Jonathan (Newlands)
"We all have dreams. But in order to make dreams come into reality, it takes an awful lot of determin-ation,self-discipline,and effort." Jesse Owens
Jesse, it appears that you have ALL of what it takes to make your dream a reality! Reading your blogs everday. Awesome!
May God bless, watch over you and keep the winds at your back.
Rhonda
Maine USA
Simply Amazing Jess, you've created so much positve energy around this globe of ours , that no matter what happens,you've done something extraordinary...go girl,
keri from brisbane
Hi Jess,
Sounds like your having such a good time out there. We are studying about your journey at school, and I must admit...at first I thought I wouldn't be that interested in the topic, but now I have gotten to know a bit more about the things you had to go through to do all this...I am more interested to see how everything turns out! I am only in year 7 right now, only twelve, and I could never see myself doing that at 30 let alone in only another 4 years. I know your journey has inspired more than myself, the whole world is talking about you.
There are a lot of people against someone as young as you doing this, but the support of so many more has to give you enough motivation to meet all of us back in Australia.
I wish you all the best and a safe trip. See you back here in another 8 months!
Tegan :)
Jessica you go girl.
Here is a quote from Theodore Roosevelt.
'It is not the critic who counts, not the person who points out how the other person stumbles or how the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the person who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends themself for a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if they fail, at least fail while daring greatly, so that their place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat'
You go girl.
Philip Ling
Mosman
Sydney
Hi, I think it's cool. Please tell me that there is nobody shadowing you...that you are really alone. Of course I know that you have plenty of great communications and support but if you are not really alone then it's all a sham.
Hope all is well, it appears that you are settling in well.
Just curious as to where you put all your rubbish as you accumulate it?
Keep up the good work, and hang in there
Pete
Jess,
Following some rare comments on cruising forums from those who doubt you and take it upon themselves to judge, I am reminded of a quote from American President Theodore Roosevelt in 1910.
"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again...; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat"
Succeed or fail - or somewhere in between - no matter. You shall never have to share a place with those cold and timid souls!!
Goodonya Girl!!!!
Hi Jessica
Terrific to read you daily log. I have come to sailing late in life so will never make the trip you're doing. By sharing your experiences you kinda bring a whole lot of people along with you. Amazing to think that after such a short time, you're already so far. My thoughts are with you each day. Enjoy every second of this life-changing adventure.
Mal
Emerald Victoria
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