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
Saturday, October 3, 2009
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80 comments:
Jess,
just remember you have 16 years of preparation behind you, you have courage and over the next few months you will gain more wisdom than all of your knockers put together. Money can't buy style, class or dignity.
Congrats to your parents for helping you to achieve your goals. But, it will be tough and lonely (I used to get lonely just sailing around the Townsville harbour on a Sunday morning), but you have wonderful people supporting and praying for you.
All the best, Jodie, Anthony and our little crew members Emily, Lilly & Sophie
You go girl!
Jessica we meet at GCCM vessel on travel lift prior to your launch. My wife and I both circumnavigators and a very close friend of mine Serge Testa from Acroc 12ft circumnavigator all wish you the best, fair winds and smooth seas
Peter & Maureen Pope S/V Mahe
That's nothing for a good old S&S 34, I hope she's enjoying being out on the water giving the boat a good shake down :)
Thank you Julie for the update X
mmm honeycomb my favorite .keep up the cooking Jess X Carole xx
Keeping Jessica in our thoughts and prayers Julie. Pass on our best wishes. Mark Furler
Go for it Jess! if you hadn't started this and listened to the critics you would think "what if" for the rest of your life.
Thank you Julie.
See my post for September 10th re. Jessica at http://bills-log.blogspot.com . I’m backing Jessica all the way. May God bless her and protect her. Bill. (UK)
Jessica,
Good to hear things are going well. Never let those naysayers and critics get you down, those are the ones who don't have the courage to do what you are doing, everything is a 'No' to them... they are gutless. We got some of them here in the U.S. too. Old saying: 'When the going gets rough the rough get going.' ... good one to remember. Life is about taking risks, not avoiding them.
Good sailing!
Steve from California
sorry, but living the dream? you're going to be scared out of your mind out there!! more of a nightmare for me. I can't believe your parents let you go. Please be SAFE and always use your harness. OMG... I found this site by accident, and now I'm worried for you! Will there be a map for your site so we can follow progress (and know you're safe!) ???
Lucy, BC Canada
Is Jeccica going to be giving her CO Ordinates, So those of us that are interested can plot her course'
What is her current position?
Hi Julie & Jessica ,
Sounds good to me ,cooked breakfast through 3 mtr lumps ,--any spare berths ,Joking< boat making about half windspeed in calmer water is good sailing & management ,,pity about your alleged immaturoity & unpreparedness for the task jessica !!! But so many believe you will crash through the ignorant resistence .
Jessica ,you have wonderful parents ,few would go so far with you as they have in this,honour them in your every way of life & in this way out adventure,that they may share the Glory...
Remember the Creator God who has the power to make your venture succeed & control over weather --forget the Global Warming hoax --we know who has control of weather ..
See you in a few months ,wiser & stronger --it is hard to imagine.
john Seip
Hi Jess, this is somehow weird I know.. I was in a church meeting tonight, when I suddenly felt that I should contact you and tell you that there is a God. So when you are out there in the ocean, look for him, seek him - I am sure HE will show up. Fair wind and a safe trip. Greetings from Germany - Uli
hope all is well jessica. if you get time i'd be interested to know the course you have taken heading south. how are the whales? and when your off port stephens, can you keep an eye out for a kahki coloured hat. i lost it a while back...
I heard about Jessica on TV and I thought it is absolutley amazing that she is going out to make her dream come true. I love the sea and I hope that Jessica has a fantastic and memorable trip :)
Why doesn't the girl write her own post? She has a fair bit of time on her hands...
Jessica,
The following quote describes your critics who make negative comments without checking the facts, nor do they want to know the facts!
"We are all born ignorant, but one must work hard to remain stupid."
Benjamin Franklin
Yeo
When you complete the journey, don't let Anna Bligh cash in on your success.
All the best.
Go Jess, you can do this. Don't let the knockers unsettle you. Take care and God Bless. Us real Aussies are proud of you.
Good luck Jess!
Hi Jess,
I feel a little sorry for you. You are out living your dream under the spotlight, this will attract lots of insects:)
I have only had a few years experience, but earlier this year I soloed for TAS to QLD, I did some long runs, but nothing like what you are doing. I wish had your experience, but my trip taught me that confidence in yourself and your vessel is also important, from the little I have read you and your team, you should be held up as an inspiration to Aussie spirit.
I can not stress this enough.
Could the knockers please go back inside their gray boxes and close the blinds.
Peter Kukuljevic
s/v Medicine Man
I don't know much (well, anything really) about sailing, but I think your attempt on this record is fantastic. Of course it is risky, but so is crossing the road. I think the people who are unsupportive of your challenge are probably just jealous of your courage and adventurous spirit. And maybe sitting on a couch somewhere, bored. Imagine where we would be today if nobody took risks or challenged themselves. Good one you Jessica, I hope you achieve your goal, and if you don't, at least you have tried your best. Better than most can say.
Jess...."risks must be taken because the greatest hazzard in our life is to risk nothing. In doing so you may avoid suffering and sorrow but you cannot learn, feel change, grow or love deeply...only a person who takes the risk is truly free"
I wish you safe passage and return triumphant! Will follow your journey....God speed...Sue (Sunshine coast)
Will you molly- coddlers leave Jessica alone! She is NOT a child. She is way beyond most young people's and grown up's level of consciousness, focus and strength.
Sure there will be challenging events on her journey, but she won't huddle in a corner consumed with fear.
She will cooly assess in a split second and DO what is necessary to stay safe!
So please talk with her as an equal and not an immature child who has a bee in her bonnet about circumnavigating the earth in a boat and doesn't know what she is doing!
She knows better what to do, than most people on the face of this planet, not only about sailing but about life!
Go Jessica, go,
Trudy from Austria
"...over the next few months you will gain more wisdom than all of your knockers put together."
Both of them? :D
Hi Beautiful Jessica, (and Mum & Dad and your suportive family). We are in awe of you all as we watch from the safety of our living rooms. Thank you Jess for your dream. You have become an inspiration as you shrug off each round of mindless criticism and setback. Your determination, enthusiasm, courage and dignity a model for people of all ages and gender. Not just Australians! The whole world is watching you! Your goal is becoming ours! Thousands will keep watch and pray for you, as are we. So many of our friends say they are praying for you every day, that the Good Lord will keep you safe. Remember the good book says that He has given us angels to watch over us and guide us in all of our ways. Your angel kept you safe in the collision. He will be your companion during this long lonely trip.
I am sure the Lord wants you to succeed in this venture and become a witness to the world!
This crazy world sure needs a hero and I think you are it. Keep smiling that beautiful smile, have fun, enjoy yourself and keep safe!
Love from a couple of oldies
Of course she is a kid 16 is nothing. She will find out soon enough what it is like out there. "unassisted" is a bit rich when she, like Cottee and others, have constant contact with a land based crew to say when it is safe to round the horn etc. Good luck to her anyhow she will need it.
Jess,
We wish you every success, and salute your ambition to do something extraordinary in your life. Best of luck and we'll follow your progess with great interest. Just to have got to point where you have undertaken such a voyage is an amazing achievement in itself, so you can always be very proud of that. Sail safely and look after yourself. Best wishes David & Sirpa
Good luck Jess, will be following your progress and wishing you well.
Stay safe out there.
Regards
Salaz
You go girl make the detractors eat their words and whatever happens always remember that it's always best to try and fail than fail to try.
It's 40 years since I was discharged from the Navy and I still miss it.
Bon Voyage
Go for it, Jess!
Take care of Poseidon and love her well.
Go get 'em Jess. Don't forget to enjoy
Hope you enjoy your run to Sydney. Looking forward to following your progress and to position reports if that is possible.
Aussie Wannabe Sailor in Ecuador.
Hi Jess. I met you on the ocean course with John. Don't knock the knockers or the MSQ, they have your interests and wellbeing at heart. These guys are immersed in accidents and investigations and rightly fear for your safety. You have a hugh task in front of you, these guys are master mariners and know the forces nature can throw at you. Be safe and don't ever be afraid to call for help, go for it, but come back no matter win or lose, just come back..Greg
Hey Jess :) Im so glad everythings going well (except for the huge seas, lol! I just wanted to say that I think your so brave! And not only because of the whole sailing round the world thing :p but also because of the media scrutiny. I've openly hated on anyone who's come out and said u shouldn't continue your trip (including our ridiculous back-flipping premier Anna Bligh) lol!
So yeah just wanted to say I think your amazing! Good luck getting to Sydney and thanks Julie for keeping the updates coming in :)
Simon (17 - sunshine coast)
Jessica, your quest is being followed by people all over the world, including a number of people here in Charlotte, NC, USA. We wish you all the best, we live vicariously through you, we admire your courage, we pray for you to be safe, and we anxiously await your next blog update. God bless and smooth sailing.
Dwight & Friends
Jess I wish you all the best. I think of Robin Lee Graham who at 16 set off from California and sailed the globe. And how many others too! So continue with your courageous adventure and a quote from a song by Englishman Steve Tilston "life is but a breath of wind that fills the sail that moves the keel" - keep living the life and as you leave the land behind you remember there are so many who do support you and wish you well. Welcome to Sydney today. Bon Voyage - Bernadette McWhinnie
its now monday are we going to get daily updated photos that would be grate to see the solo trip rather than just hear about it anywhooose drop a line put the catch on here enjoy enjoy!!
Hi Jess, Great to hear all is good.South of Woolongong at the moment and it is cold & rainy here.Honeycomb to get you through sounds delicish.Looks like your getting a good feel of pink lady in the water. Hope its not too cold for your and that you get a few bice warmish days.I guess you will be in Sydney any time now.
Take Care
Deanna
Yeppoon Qld
Good luck Jessica, can you give us more posts. I know you are going to be busy but the more you chat with us the better
Congrats on making into Sydney Harbour safely today, Jess. I can't wait to watch you sail around the world. You are doing Australia proud!
You go Girl, If you dont you will spend the rest of your life wondering "IF I COULD HAVE"
Safe Travel
You are amazing Jess. Go for it!!!
I will be following you!!
Simonex
Hey Jessica,
(and family and friends),
I have surfed big waves, near treacherous reefs, rocks, coral, rips and with sharks so you and the Ella are going to be fine!
I now have a five year old daughter so we are cheering you on but if you don't make it to the sweet end the journey will be worth it,
xxx Aileen and Talia
Hi Jessica,
It's great to here that you are on your way again.
I have to say that I was a little annoyed by the Queensland Premier’s comments so I thought I would give her what for. I have just sent her a rather stern email (don’t worry I wasn’t rude) telling her to stop politicking.
You are a hero to all that have big dreams and you are proving that anything is possible. A role model for all Australians if ever I saw one.
Hope you see lots of amazing and wonderful things on your journey.
Steven Nassibian
Sydney
jess your the best keep going your going to achieve everything you set out to do have fun
Jess,
Don't let the armchair experts get you down. Everyone has an opinion tempered by their own experiences and upbringing and the rubbish printed by the mainstream media is exactly that, one reporter's opinion.
You are living your life with integrity, courage and determination. You are a fine role model for young women (and old women) everywhere.
Stay safe.
"If we didn't live adventurously, plucking the wild goat by the beard, and trembling over precipices, we should never be depressed, I've no doubt; but already should be faded, fatalistic and aged." - Virginia Woolf
Go for it Jess!
Congratulations on making the the first leg. Best of luck to you, we wish you all the best. Our family of sailors look forward to tracking your progress.
Richard, Susan, Andrew, Benjamin, Elizabeth, and Timothy Button.
Jess ,I wondered if Honeycomb and Vegimite combined would be a delightfull hi - energy treat ? Best wishes and fair sailing !
On the edge of my chair wondering whats been happening! I set my World Clock on Sydney time just so I can time crunch. Can't wait for your next entry..an yeah I realise you're very busy.. Blessings
Gary & Jan
Savannah,Ga
Go for it Jess, inspirational!
Muzza
You've got a good boat and a good head on young shoulders. A recipe for success if ever there was. On the bad days, and there are always some, I often rememeber something Shakespeare said; "this too shall end..." The other saying that has helped me in bad times is one from Edmund Burke; "There is no failure save in no longer trying, no defeat save in the mind, and no truly insurmounable barrier save our own inherent weakness of purpose." I give these to you in the hope that they at some time help you as much as they helped me. Enough talking, go sailing! Paul from New Zealand
I just read that you arrived safely in Sydney. Not surprised but very pleased to hear it. I just did the math that I'm sure you have done in your sleep..
23,000 miles / 240 days = 95.83 miles per day
Wow. I'm sure thats just an estimate and if it takes longer you're up for it..Keep your head..and don't listen to the nay sayers..We're betting on you... And praying for Safe Passage as well..
Gary & Jan
Savannah,Ga
hi Jessica,
i'm in South Africa, older than you, and my dream at your age, was to sail solo, although i never had the encouragement, finance or support you have received, and one day i still hope to achieve this dream..........dont listen to any critics, they dont understand your spirit, or the spirit of the adventurer.......this is the best thing you will ever do, creating a wonderful foundation for the rest of your life!.....Go for it, enjoy that beautiful ocean all on your own....I wish you well on this wonderful journey!! Robyn
Hi Jess,
Greetings from Maroochydore.You go girl and catch your dream and don't listen to bad comments,They don't have the gutts to do this very brave journey you doing so keep that smile on your face.
The Wombats!!
I wish you all the best Jessica, and want to see you standing tall as you return to Sydney. You are an inspiration to all Australians, young and not so young. Please take care at all times and prove the knockers wrong.
Jessica Watson told by top sailor: You could die on voyage, he estimates her chances of making it around the world at 33 per cent, of damage to boat or crew that "prevents continuation" at 33 per cent, and "33 per cent of total loss of boat or crew".
Very disturbing. We had several young people doing the same Jessica does right now. Well hold it, there was one small difference, the others are all male.
So it must be that people now think, a 'small' weak' girl can not do it.... What a load of ...
She is a very courageous young lady with a very strong mind. I say: Good on you Jessica Watson!
You are taking a big risk but you know that already, I wish you good luck and keep fingers crossed for you.
John
ourtoowoomba.com
AMERICA IS WITH YOU JESS, GODSPEED!!!!
Hey Jessica , stay positive live your dream. Forget the negative comments. One thing you may have all ready learned, people will all ways try to parent you. As a parent of 3 kids. 2 grown boys and a little girl. I say Go girl and be safe.
Bob Roseville Ca USA
U.S. Navy Quartermaster.
Fair winds and following seas. I'm excited for you! God's speed.
Well I see while I've been off in the Phils and VN you have made great headway Ms Jessica, great job by all of you. Looking forward to the big day and despite the zoo or whatever it is, your fans list grows every day. Keep at it a day at a time.
Hi Julie and Jess - thanks so much for these updates. It is wonderful to be kept in touch with what is going on in the day to day life of such an adventurous and inspiring sailor :)
Thank you to both of Jessica's parents for supporting her for what will be a forever memorable experience. I think it is fantastic and I applaud everyone's bravery in this quest.
sunshine coaster
Jessica, Was great seeing you cross the start line from South Head. Pink Lady looked really nice. Continueing after the earlier setback proves you have great determination. You'll do great. Best Wishes. Greetings from Karel Baeten.
(As St Augustine said “The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.”)
well done for a 16 old
you have a lot of get up and go for a 16 old
hope you make it
asnd good luck be keeping a eye out for you peter
Wow, just wanted to leave you a message that even up here in Montana, USofA, you are news. I wanted to wish you a safe and memory filled journey.
Obviously you have something going for you at a young age or you wouldn't be where you are right now. GOOD LUCK and enjoy your trip of a lifetime!!!
Hi Jessica,
My brother emailed me your website as he thought your blog was really intersting and he was right. Man you've not only had the impending trip to think about but so many opinions! Congratulations for getting through all that firstly and secondly for having such courage and single minded focus on a dream. It's a rare opportunity to go for something you are obviously so passionate about. My daughter (15yrs) has just got back from a trip to India. I think I could have let fear stop me letting her go but whatever is not love is fear and I love her so much just as your family does you, so the choice becomes easy. I look forward to reading as your heart and mind continue forth and all the little bits you discover about youself blossom. I was going to avoid writing the multiple of new age sayings that could fit this situation and just say I will be thinking of you as I go about my not so exciting and daring life. Jane : )
Hey, just dropping a note from USA in Atlanta, Georgia. Good luck and godspeed. A lot of people are watching and hoping you meet your goals. Course, we've got a lot of youngsters your age here that we wish had the gumption that you have.
Hi Jessica
I fly around the world for business & will be looking out for you from 40,000 feet. Love what you're doing.
hi jessica
u r so brave and a real rolemodel be safe and good luck
Jess,
What a brave young woman you are,the world is watching you, and watching with pride. What a great place the world would be if more young people took a lesson out of your book and followed through with their dreams. Keep safe and enjoy your dream.
Jennie & danyele
Dear Jess,
As a mum of 2 daughters 18 & 20 Ilook forward to your daily posts.Its my dads 74 th birthday today.He loves the multihulls.He used to build his racing cats in the family loungroom.I learnt to walk between the wooden hulls.He still sails at least every second day now.We have always had sailing boats in our family One of his life long sailing friends was visiting to day.between them was probably 110 years of life on the water.When you where came up in the conversation.Uncle John said by the time you get to New Zealand,you will have had more experiance then the two of them put together.They both had a glint in their eye and a look of admiration.What an amzing girl!Many hapy horizons Jess
HI JESSICA
I HOPE YOU HAVE A GOOD TIME SAILING ALL AROUND THE WORLD AND I AM LOOKING AT YOUR WEBSITES ON THE COMPUTER AND IT IS A GOOD NAME TO COOL THE BOUT ELL'S PINK LADY.
GOOD BY JESSICA
BY LIAM
Hi Jess. I have never "Blogged" before but the need to send you some positive vibes on a regular basis is important, so here we are. How about that, I am 55 years old and have never “Blogged” and you are but 16 and sailing around the globe single handed. That pretty well says it all for any person sitting at this end, if you know what I mean. What an awesome young lady. Kind regards, Greybeard.
Jessica,
Our Family wishes you all the best on your voyage. Hard to put it into words, but our thoughts are going to be with you and Ella's Pink Lady every day and night of your trip.
Looking forward to see you sailing up the coast towards Sydney next year, mission accomplished.
N, S, S & B.
Following your progress from Texas. When is your est time of arrival of next land stop?
Hi Jessica,
Thinking of you again today and wishing you well. Have a wonderful day.!
Cass.
Hi Jess, don't know much about sailing but I love the ocean and the everchanging forces of it. Initially I thought that you were "mad", however deep down I admire you very much and have been interested to know from day one where you are and how you are going! Each night I drive past the ocean I think of you and hope all is well. Bless you and really hope your voyage is fantastic. The McGrath family xx
Jessica has politely thumbed her nose at her mindless cruel critics with her performance &we have seen experienced boaties in trouble since taking the pressure from her .Thank you Julie & Roger for giving us such a wonderful self disciplined personality to offset the booze & debauchery of Schoolies' excesses overloading law & order enforcement folk .While that is on endlessly, Jess will be minding her own business doing no harm except maybe working herself hard in big seas by then & building a model of honour & maturity .
john Seip
Hello Jess
We are sitting in class while you are sailing. Keep up the blogs... enjoy the fine weather! Surf down some big waves for us. Don't break any gear. See you in a year.(or more).
PS. Do you know Mitch Kennedy? (bit of a big deal!)
Stay well ;)
<3 LOVE From Yr 11 Marine Class at Flinders
Hi Jessica Why do you insist on disappointing your knockers who were expecting-- Possibly hoping-- you would have another accident to prove them right .Well, the world is seeing you as you truly were & are,no ordinary 21st century teen ,in fact a very unique model to become idol of mature sensible young adult , ,But why do you score allthe common sense due to 100's your age .We love your daily reports & simple grammatical writing style,free of buzzwords & verbal viruses . Stick with it sweetie .
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