Today was definitely a better day for progress with 13knots of wind from the north east pushing us along nicely. But if anything, it's been pretty quiet day out here again, just a lot of sparkling blue water and blue sky.
I was kept busy last night avoiding a bit of shipping and adjusting the Fleming windvane when the wind dropped right out. It was so quiet and flat for while that I brought my pillow out into the cockpit and grabbed a few cat naps of sleep under the stars.
It already feels like I'm settling right into a routine, grabbing a bit of sleep through the night and into the morning when I can, logging and plotting my position, digging through the food bags for meals and calling in for phone skeds twice a day. There's always something to do or check.
I've been hard at work eating my way through all the last minute presents and sweets that were shoved aboard just before we left. Every time I think I've eaten them all I seem to discover another packet stashed away somewhere!
Thanks for all the comments.
Jessica
Profile
- Jessica Watson
- Sunshine Coast, QLD, Australia
- Ambition: Become the youngest person to sail solo, nonstop and unassisted around the world
1,301 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 1201 – 1301 of 1301Hello from NJ, USA.
Congratulations on what you have and will achieve! You're in my prayers. Have fun out there!
Danielle
Keep going Jess! loving the updates, I am checking this regularly. You are such an inspiration!
Good Luck :)
Chlohi
Brisbane
Wow sounds like a tough day at the office blue sky surrounded by beautiful waters. Here I am just sitting in the office staring into the computer I know where I would rather be. Great work Jess getting out there and making your life an adventure.
All the best
Elke and Sam
Never give up and keep sailing.
You are doing great but we think you should stop eating.
3F at Yowie Bay PS
I just KNOW you can do it! God will make a way for you! Keep up your courage Jessica. you are doing great!
Jessica,
What book are you reading? And how many did you bring with you?
The Northington Family
Hello Jessica,
I hope all is well. I haven't seen anything new from you since 20th October, and this is the 22nd. I envy you, and I am so happy for you that you are living your dream. Maybe my dream will come true in due time.
Cheers,
John Midwood
Rosemount, Qld
Good morning Jess, Best of luck from us (Chris and Gina, in Perth). We wish you clear skies and fair breezes. Any chance of publishing your lat and long? Thanks...
Following your trip with interest and tons of support from NZ and parramatta!
good luck, brave girl ! best wishes from China!
...best to you on your journey jessica!
a friend in los angeles
Wanted to send you a few lines from my favorite sailing song and wish you the best of luck. Thank you for sharing your experience for those that tend to the helm of their desks...you are living the dream
Into the Mystic
Van Morrison
We were born before the wind
Also younger than the sun
Ere the bonnie boat was won as we sailed into the mystic
Hark, now hear the sailors cry
Smell the sea and feel the sky
Let your soul and spirit fly into the mystic
Oh Jess, thanks for sharing this with us... of course we wish you well... godspeed and godbless...
Ruth x
Hi my name is Stella and I think what you are doing is really inspiring Last year I sailed in a race and got third place. Keep going
p.s.I am age nine and live in Michigan on the Great Lakes.
Jessica
How have the sunsets and sunrises been? Hope you are well.
Capt. Scott
My family is watching you and praying for you ...you have become an inspiration to our girls giving them the attitude of YES I CAN. We believe in you and believe you have the want to deep inside to make this happen.We only wish you had a few web came through out the boat!!!! Our 4 yr old wants to watch!!!Calm seas and a steady hand....The Spears family...G.Falls N.C.
Jess, Year 4 at St Thomas More School Sunshine Beach are tracking your journey.
Good luck!
Hi Jessica,
We would like to know where you are right now. Is there somewhere we can check your location?
We hope everything is going well. It would be nice to sleep under the stars!
Just one silly question-where did you get the 'Chick with Attitude'?
5/6W
Hi Jessica,
I've been picturing you and pink Ellie out there on the endless sea. Looking forward to your next post. Take care.
Keep holding your head high Sweetie and Happy Travels
big hugs to you xoxoxox
Hope everything keeps going well for you, and try to do a bit of sailing inbetween eating chocolate!
Will keep track of your progress, you have shown a maturity and courage more than any 16yo that I know of.
It's always good to see another Aussie showing the world what we are made of.
Andrew, 48yo
Caves Beach, Newcastle
Came across your story on MSN today, I am in North Georgia and will spread the word about your amazing endeavor.
Best of Luck and we will keep track of your progress.
Regards,
Manny Puertas
North Georgia Mountains - USA
Hope everything keeps going well for you, and try to do a bit of sailing inbetween eating chocolate!
Will keep track of your progress, you have shown a maturity and courage more than any 16yo that I know of.
It's always good to see another Aussie showing the world what we are made of.
Andrew, 48yo
Caves Beach, Newcastle
Hello Jessica.
I'm afraid I was oan of the sceptics that thought it wasnt such a good idea for you to attempt this trip, being a sailor myself and having sailed in the southern ocean and the warm NorWest waters off Dampier.
But then I thought, what the heck, If I could have the chance to get out there and do it, I would jump at the chance, so get the boat moving girl, good speed and fair weather.
Regards ....Steve
Your beautiful Pink Lady must be a very strong boat as it's carrying so many people around the world with you. :-))
Your strength of character & strong will amid all the negativity about your adventure has been truly inspiring.
Hold all that in your heart & look forward to seeing you safely back here in Oz.
Cheers >>>>Beamy
Power on Jess. Stay safe and look forward to following your voyage.
You should be very proud of yourself and I'm pleased to see you finally out on that beautiful ocean.
Ajay
Hey Jess,
Pretty inspirational stuff and backing ya all the way. I am in year 11 and my English assignment is to do a feature article and I decided to do it on you and your epic journey, if you have time to answer some questions for us that would be sweet, my email is younch10@student.aquinas.wa.edu.au so if you get a chance it would be awesome. Yeah I sail a bit too, nothing compared to your trip but I sail hobie 16's in WA Perth
Anyway smooth sailing Jess,
Chris young
Jess, have a great journey and good sailing all the way. I'm 87 and in the middle of Oklahoma,USA following you all the way.
Ray
Hi Jess we are the boys from Francis Greenway High Schools Support Unit near Newcastle. We hope to follow your journey around the globe with our new technology in our classroom. We wish you the best of luck and happy sailing from the boys, Brendan, Travis, Sean, Chris, Daniel, Ben and Tom
p.s we are about to look at some different types of whales on youtube. Have you seen any yet?
I support what you are doing - all the way. Your critics are just envious, regretful of their own failings, or just haven't got a clue.
It'd be great if we could get a lat/long from time to time - I'm sure you'll settle into a pattern soon. My 14 year old daughter would like to read more on your blog - no pressure!
Take Care Jess
-David, Newport NSW
Jessica,
Even in Dallas, TX USA, I'm keeping an eye on your travels and checking the blog every day to track your progress. Your courage and sense of adventure has captured my heart and you are an inspiration. Be safe and godspeed!
Jeff Lang
Richardson, TX USA
Plymouth, Massachusetts, USA is following your adventure and wishing you calm seas and much wind!
Hi Jess,
Hope all is going well for you.
I was reading your blog, it sounds so nice out there, I can imagine you laying on the deck with nature under your sails and all around you. Your so brave and such a champion.
I hope the weather is good to you and that you sail safely, we will be following your journey and praying for a sucessful trip for you.
God speed and bless you Jessica,
Sal and larry xx
our religion class topic today is you
How do you do your school work while you are away, Jess? Do you somehow upload the assignments to the teacher via the Internet? Anyway all the best of luck.
The Pope Of Eruke
Robert: Done some soling myself, but not to the extend you are doing. Love what your doing and enjoy this wonderful moment in your life. One other thought: "We find no real satisfaction or happiness in life without obstacles to conquer and goals to achieve." Go Jess Go :-D
HI JESS, WE ARE READING YOUR BLOG AS YOU WRITE, GOOD LUCK FOR YOUR TRIP
WE LOOK FORWARD TO READING MORE
ROOM 9 (8 YEAR OLDS)
STANLEY AVE SCHOOL TE AROHA NZ
Morning Jessica from the beautiful Batavia Coast (Geraldton WA) I have been doing some research on S&S 34s wow what a boat and if I had some spare $ I would buy one they are such a resilient boat and are found all over the world but made here in WA. That pink 34 footer your on will take you all the way home and like Jon did you could keep going around again.
Cheers
Rob
Never give up, no matter what. Where there is a will there is a way.
Love reading your blog Jess, keep it up. You are an inspiration to all young girls - good on you!
Best wishes coming to you from NZ!
Good luck jess hope all goes well
Hidden sweet snacks are always a treasure at land or sea. Thanks for the blogging updates.
go go go goodluck from Va USA.
Hi Jesse,
Our class is studying explorers this term. We are all inspired by you, Jesse! Keep up the good work and say 'hi' to the dolphins for us!
from Mr. Stevens, Mr. Napier and Year 4
hey keep goin jess
keep it up
good luck
Did you see any of the meteors last night? Take any pictures? We couldn't see them in the USA because of the clouds we had over new england..
Hi Jessica, I want to wish you well on your voyage around the world. I will be reading your blog each day to see where you are and how you are doing. You are a brave young girl. Stay safe!
I'm seriously jealous. I wish I had the guts to do what you're doing.
You're a legend!
Good luck Jessica!!!
Greetings from Germany
Dear Jessica,
I picture you on the Ella's Pink Lady, cruising along and taking it easy, listening to your music on that radio.
The high-pressure system is still just sitting above you,not moving much,but conditions could change soon.
Here is the synoptic chart,conditions have not changed very much over the last few days,but as you know,a change could come quickly,so enjoy the calm as long as it lasts.
Mean Sea Level Pressure Analysis:
http://www.bom.gov.au/weather/national/charts/synoptic.shtml
best wishes and fair weather
from Gus in Sydney (Sports-Pilot)
http://www.bom.gov.au
Hi Jess
Great to hear that you are getting into the swing of things and finding some time to relax. We are really enjoying your blog and sharing your news and passion for what you are trying to achieve. Ann & Chris off 'Silver Girl'
Hey Jess! Try to preserve some of those chocs & lollies for when you really need them, you know, when things aren't too good; there's a long voyage ahead of you with some lonely times. Plus, LOOK AFTER YOUR TEETH!! Very best wishes for a safe and successful attempt. May the sailing gods smile down on you and remember... we're all just a click away.
Hi Jessica. We think you are very brave and wattching u makes us realize you can do anything you want to! Please take care and we are keeping track of you on your exciting endeavour!!! Sam, Maddi and Riley ( mom and 5yr old and 3yr old )
Just wondering if you were able to catch the Orionid meteor shower during your waking moments on that side of the world ! That would have been gorgeous over the ocean. I went out for a bit but it was so chilly here, I couldn't hack it. LoL I'd eat all the sweets right off as well. Thinking of you !
Godspeed
Sherll Georgia, USA
totaly Jealous keep going and make aussi proud
Jess your an inspiration to a whole generation. Mark Twain would be proud.
Glad you are finally out there living your dream! Look forward to reading more of your progress over the coming months. You are an inspiration to so many people Jessica, keep up the good work!
Naz In Buderim
Go Jess.
Keep the blogs coming as we are all interested in all that is happening on your advencher
Aloha Jessica,
I read a write up in our Maui paper about your adventure and have been following your progress.
I am jealous! You are living my dream.
hi jessica
all the best.;keep on moving...god bless you.
Loving the story of your days....I am living vicariously through you while taking care of sick patients! Check out some of those stars for me!
Susan aka Crabbygirl~USA
Thank you for the updates! While seeing sick patients I am living vicariously through you!
Crabbygirl aka Susan in Colorado
Way to go Jessica! Keep the reputation of 16 year olds around the globe strong and proud :]
Im a korean teenager living in New Orleans and just want you to know, you are someone I greatly admire.
Keep up with the blog posts and have a GREAT time!
Jesse mate you really are an insoiration and I hope you find these words below inspirational in any dark moments of your adventure
THINK
If you THINK you are beaten, you are.
If you THINK you dare not, you don’t.
If you like to win, but THINK you can’t,
It’s almost certain you won’t.
If you THINK you’ll lose, you’ve lost.
For out in the world we find
Success begins with a fellow’s will;
It’s all in the STATE OF MIND.
If you think you’re outclassed, you are.
You’ve got to THINK high to rise.
You’ve got to be sure of yourself before,
You can ever win a prize.
Life’s battles don’t always go
To the stronger or faster woman or man;
But sooner or later the man or woman who wins
Is the woman or man who THINKS they can.
AND THIS THOUGHT
The difficult we do now the impossible takes a little longer
Best wishes mate You go
Ulladulla Harbor
Go, Go, Go, Pink Lady! I check your blog everyday and I know you can do this. My spirit is with you!
Godspeed!
Barbara
Hi Jessica,
just something that some people are asking about your planned route.
If you don't mind i'll have a go at answering:
Jessica is heading for this Island:
Teraina, also known as Washington Island (both names are constitutional) is a coral atoll in the central Pacific Ocean and part of the Northern Line Islands which belongs to Kiribati.
The island is located approximately 4.71° North latitude and 160.76° West longitude.
After she reaches there she changes course towards Cape Horn,
thence Cape of Good Hope & Australia.
Hope that was OK jessica.
Graeme
May God be with you in this journey. We are sailing with you Jess.
An
NhaTrang, Vietnam
Hi Jessica,
Enjoying the updates!! Glad to hear you had better winds on Tuesday!! Keep Sailing!
Todd
Pennsylvania, USA
Jessica,
I'm a 16 year old from a little Victorian town, and since hearing your story, and watching you on the news I have felt your excitement too. I long for the freedom you now have. I really do. Thinking of you often during the day, and think that you must get lonely, but honestly, I would give the world to have the ambition, the drive and the opportunity you now do. Enjoy the ride.
Godspeed,
H.
Jessica, thank heaven for young women like you. May the waves carry you to places unseen by mere mortals.
You rock!
Joan
Hi Jessica,
Good luck. We are with you the whole journey. Keep us up to date on how you are going! We are wondering if you ever get bored on your own and what you do for clothes for 8 months, how do you keep them clean?
From the most awesome Year 5 class in the world.
how about having a course tracker on your site so we can track progress
good luck
DD
Go! Go! Go! You can make it!
Greeting from Taiwan
how about having a plot tracker on your site so that we can track your progress
Hi Jess
I work as a secretary in Sydney CBD.
I think you're incredibly brave and could not have envisaged doing anything remotely similar at such a young age.
I'm looking forward to hearing about your adventures.
Hi Jess,Congrats on starting.Saw it on tv looked great.Glad everything going well and you can finally relax and enjoy your sail.Cheering for you.
Take Care
Deanna
Yeppoon Qld
How amazing are the women in Queensland, Australia, my wife is currently volunteering her time teaching in Uganda, which is on par with the amazing thing you are doing Jessica, it’s women like yourself and my wife that make a difference in this world, the place would be much better place to live in if we had more people like yourself and my wife, your doing a great job, glad the set back at the start did not put you off, power on girl, make us all proud, from jennysuganda.
Hi Jessica, Hope you are getting a good steady breeze, and making good progress towards the top end of NZ.Iam 70 yrs old so my sailing days are restricted a little bit these days.My off-shore cruising and racing days were great experiences,and were a real learning curve,for the disciplines required in everyday life.
Stay "clipped on at all times",steer across and down those big "greenies"dropping off the big ones is not real good for the boat or the body!!You are going great Jess, looking forward to your next "blog"talk again soon.In the meantime safe and happy sailing!
Hi Jess,
Great blog, are you going to do any fishing on the quieter days?
Michael
Hi Jesse,
I am a 44 year old woman who always dreamed of doing a round the world trip. Not by myself, though. I'm not that brave! You're inspiring me to get back out on the waves with my two girls, 6 and 2 years old, when the youngest can swim.
I'll be keeping an eye out for your progress.
Good luck!!!!
Hi Jess
Sounds like it is starting to settle into a routine out there for you.Wish i was out there with you, but then it wouldn't be a solo attempt.Your blogs are great, keep us all informed.
Smooth Sailing
Wayne(Hobart Tas)
Hi Jessica,
I just had a scare...the blog web must have crashed and I wasn't able to get in to send you an upbeat letter. But it came back on line and when I got in I saw that there were 1281 letters. No wonder it crashed.LOL I hope everything is going well for you (it better) and you are being safe. I just love to see where all the letters are coming from...all over the world. You make me think of Susan Boyle the Scottish lassie that came on singing and set everyone's heart on fire. Now you are doing the same thing but on a much larger scale. Keep up the good work and stay sharp. God bless you and watch over you and may the angels keep your sails full.
Michael from Kingwood.
only good thoughts go to you Jess ,hope its the trip of a lifetime ,your a very brave girl and im guessing very talented one ,best wishes the Lyndons
Jessica you are totally awesome!! I'm sending this out to all my friends and we will be following your progress and celebrating when you get sail in to Sydney Harbor.
You totally rock, girl!! Please be sure and get enough sleep for those days when you will be fighting the elements non-stop. I know you can do this...you are an inspiration to us all :)
You're going to make it!!!!! Listening to the ocean on a silent evening thinking of you in New York. Do it for Us girl!!!!!!
Onya Jess, I'm also a sailor at the other end of the age scale, love your boat name "Ella" my Mothers name. Have Swanson 32 "Peace Train" you have inspired me to get off my bum & go sailing.
All the best, Glen
Wishing Jessica all the best on her sailing trip around the world. Good to hear you are just passing NZ.
Good to hear that your trip is goin well. Wishing you all the best!!
Freddo
Good to hear that all is well as you sail past NZ. Thanks for posting some interesting photos too. Hope you are enjoying your time out at sea.
Freddo
Hi Jassica
How are you,I'm are your fan club,I'm very happy to sew you made your dream is succeed congatolasion.
from kanjana
Thank you for your interesting blogs. They make interesting reading. Nice to hear that you are ahead of time after your first week out at sea. Keep up the good work. Hope that you will succeed right through to the end of your trip, you deserve every little bit of it. Freddo
I was ust reading the online news.com.au . Nice to hear you are progressing well into your trip. Can't believe you have done 900nm in 9 days already. Keep up the good work. Safe sailing !!
Freddo
Amazing... my number one fear is water! What you are doing is the scariest thing in my world, however I still continue to read your blog daily, and am just astounded by your strengths at such a young age. I cant begin to imagine what you will conquer in your adult life. What a legend! Go Girl :-)
Amazing... My scariest fear is water, and what you are acheiving. However I still continue to read your blog daily with excitement! Your strength is awesome, I can only imagine the acheivements to come in your lifetime- you go girl. A bloody Legend :-)
Can't wait until you get back,
and i know you will!!!
Jayron
Hi Jess
Go girl, we're both behind you. You're so inspiring, wish I could do what you're doing, I know I couldn't but perhaps now I'll try something that I thought I never would.
Stay safe and have fun, thinking of you often.
Angela and Zane
Thanks for sharing your experience-
Love the pictures, really cool
Hi Jessica
Not that many of your bloggers have given you the blessing of the Lord, but you are and will certainly be close to Him as you progress on your great journey; so God Bless and God speed as they say!
Just a couple of thoughts:
lghthearted - a young cousin of mine set sail from UK 2 years ago for Cape Town for Xmas - after many weeks he and his crew ended up making land fall in Brazil instead and flew home to CT!! - apparently the winds sought were never there that year!. So dont turn too far NE after rounding the horn will you.
We have a thought too for your Mum & Dad - tremendous courage and love to help you make your decision to go and to support you in your endeavour, whilst overcoming the huge struggle within themselves to let you fly free. Being parents of two girls we know the courage and anguish your folks must have had to find and deal with - truly a demonstration of their love for you.
God bless and keep us all posted; we look every day.
Adrian, an old salt, and family, Currumbin.Qld
Thanks for sharing your pictures and blog, very exciting, good luck!
Jess, Hi I have been fascinated with your progress, all the best...A favour, if you would.... I work in a Girls' school on the North Shore in Sydney and some of the girls I look after each afternoon at after school care have been quite worried about your trip. Could you say something to them to allay their fears as they are almost your age...and maybe something about following your dreams, please?
I'm a grandmother, now, but I wish my Sydney Harbour and Pittwater sailing days on our little 25' yacht had been a little more adventurous! But... maybe not as adventurous as around the world sailing!
Everyday I visit your website to look at your progress.
Love Janette
Hi Jess. I read your blog daily and am truly inspired by your drive, patience and commitment. I wish you well on your adventure and look forward to your safe return. Good luck and take care. Raelene
Melbourne
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