Pic 1: "Can you see the line?! Un-tangling it from the keel was quite a challenge!"
Pic 3: “Mostly I celebrated crossing the line with a lot of slightly melted chocolate! You can see the chart plotter behind me displaying our position now in the northern hemisphere.”
Pic 3: “The traditional dunking of salt water of any first time equator crossing, can't say it was all that bad!”
651 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 201 – 400 of 651 Newer› Newest»You are amazing, keep up the good work. You a really an inspiration!
Fredrik from Sweden
very good!!!!!!!!embraces the planet earth from the equator to humanity
i saw you on the tv today and it really inspired me! Great job on what you are doing and congrats on reaching the equator. Wishing you a safe and ejoyable trip! I wish i had the determination and courage that you do.. best wishes and keep doing us aussies back home proud! Natalie from melbourne
Congratulations and welcome to our hemisphere of the Earth. You have made a great accomplishment!
Fair winds Jessica from USA, Long Island, NY
HALILUJHA!!
YOU DID IT, BABE!!!
WELCOME TO OUR HEMISPHERE.
WISH YOU COULD STAY LONGER!
that's a great picture of the line, sorry it got caught in your keel. (next time heel the boat a little more and you'll pass right over it.)
'tis all down hill from here, girl.
enjoy the ride.
Richard Lathrop
Just read your message for today
Wonderful news!! love seeing the photos of what you are up too
You Go Girl
Michele QLD
Welcome to the Northern Hemisphere Jessica. Too bad you won't be able to do a little sight seeing this go-around.
I'm sure this won't be your only time though.
So now it's "East bound and down, loaded up and truckin'. We're gonna do what they say can't be done!"
Sorry, you're too young to remember that old song but it holds lots of meaning to us old folks.
What an incredible achievement. In my book you have already accomplished so much. We'll be tracking your journey south, every day, with great interest !
Looks like you have a following from all over the world!
We are all very proud of you Jess.
Jonathan
Melbourne
Hi Jess,
A Big Congrats on Crossing the Line!
Great photo, it's great to see you so happy! I'm sure you were rocking out!
Richard in Maryland
By the way, you'd better put that line right back where you found it! It had better be there when Allyson and I get down that way or else somebody is gonna get one STERN lecture! :P
Congratulations Jessica!!!!
Awesome job on the pictures also, keep them coming. Great to see you smiling and happy. Thanks
Marion from Oklahoma (USA)
Well done Jesse!
Regards from Germany.
Ele
Congratulations!!!
Hey there Jess, how's the fishing going? Show us your tackle, :-)) Seriously, I'm very interested to know what you have to see if we could improve your chances a bit.
Notice I changed the photo on my profile just for a tease...sorry, just kidding around. You've received a lot of good adice on the subject of fishing but still nothing. Maybe now that you're nearing an island you might have better luck. I hope so. Keep feeling your line regularly to make sure the lure's not fouled in anyway. And of course, as I've said before, a lure works best at a speed of no more that about 5knots. Pay out the line about 4-5 boat lengths behind you and don't forget the bungie cord to absord the shock of a strike. Good luck.
I wish you a tight line along with fair winds and calm seas. Have a good night and stay safe...Sam
Awesome job Jessica! I am glad to see that you had a way to mark the event with tradition. When I crossed the equator we had to wear our clothes inside out and put them on in reverse. The rest of the day was super disgusting but tradition is important so I didn't complian. Keep up the good work and be safe!
To all sailors, wherever ye may be: and to all Mermaids, Whales, Sea Serpents, Pogpots, Sharks, Dolphins, Eels, Skates, Suckers, Crabs, Lobsters and all other living things of the sea greetings: Know ye that on 19 November 2009 Jessica Watson appeared in Our Royal Domain on board Ella's Pink Lady Equator bound. Be it further understood that be virtue of the power invested in me, I do hereby command all my subjects to show due honor and respect to her wherever she may be.
Neptunus Rex
Ruler of the Raging Main
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Yeah! Jesse crosses the line today!
Well done!!
Sally
go the party poppers congrats supergirl onto the big pointy thing low down on the map i think anyway luck be with you glen
Congtratulations from South Africa!!!
Yeah Jessica! Well done & awesome of you to share so much of your journey. Happy rounding and godspeed to the Capes and home. Your vision -->action has inspired me in so many ways. Jessica-you ROCK!
Congratulations Jess! A magnificent milestone! Enjoying your fantastic blogs - what wonderful descriptive writing and the photos are great too!
Stay safe and God speed!
Another Brissy fan!
Well done Jess, congratulations
Peter and Sally on the Gold Coast
To answer the question, a double crossing give you double the barnacles.
Congratz Jess - keep up the good work
Good on ya Jess!
:0) Juz from Wurtulla
Congratulations!!! You did it!! Love your photo's.
We are all with you,
Kathie from NYC
Way to go Jessica!!
Congratulations and best wishes!!
I know nothing about sailing but you have me captivated and I find you totally amazing!!
LFR from the USA
HIP HIP HUZZAH!
HIP HIP HOORAH!
HIP HIP H O O R A Y!
Well Done Jess!
Be safe,
Mike & Kris D
Philadelphia, Pa, USA
Congrats Jessica! My family (ELLA 5, Ryan 4, and Claire 1) are following your progress daily! YOU CAN DO IT!!
Wayne
Detroit, Michigan - USA
Well done Jessica, we're proud of your efforts.
No more need to be said because in your heart you are there.
Mark and Melissa
Albany WA
Congratulations from the US of A
oz
Congratulations!!! Satnislaw from Poland
Hey Jesse,
Congratulations and well done on crossing the equator. YOU GO GIRL. I don't even know you but I feel so proud. Thanks for the great pictures once again. You Rock.
Stay safe
Mick
Jessica,
Congratulations, again, for passing this milestone. Your pictures are great, and it's delightful that you had the traditional dunking ceremony !
Now it's onward and upward - for a while, at any rate, before you turn down south again. The key to success for many people is breaking a big task into a number of smaller ones. Well, you've crossed a pretty big one off the list, and now it's on to the next one.
Some days to come will probably be discouraging, but try to keep days like yesterday in your mind, and you'll reach your goal.
All the best,
Brian in NY
Good Job....another hurdle jumped in the long voyage...now...on to bigger and better things..Canada sends warm wishes.
Wow congrats Jess , it must feel freakin Fantastic , awesome stuff keep up the great seawomanship !!
Best wishes from the Amps Family in Mandurah WA
Well done Jessica, you must have been glued to that chartplotter for the last mile or two! Tremendous effort......continue!
Hooray for Jessica.
Fantastic effort, we are all so proud at what you have achieved so far, your the best and Ella's Pink Lady as well.
Great photos and can you fill us in on all the details of your crossing.
You need now set back and have a good rest over the next few days, before you tackle the next stage.
So take care, keep having fun and keep safe.
Cheers George Simmons
Lots of love from Exmouth WA
G'day Skipper,
Congratulations for _sailing_ both sites of the globe!
Go for the 'HORN'!!!
I've been told there is an old tradition ( from the days male only used to _sail_ from Europe), that everyone who rounds a cape was allowed to wear a simple golden earring for the rounded cape - right ear for 'HORN', left ear for 'HOPE'.
You're about to round both capes, but please don't pierce any ear just for that! ;-)
Please stay focused, safe and in good spirit for the 'little' rest of your voyage.
I don't know if you have a special song that cheers you up when you're feeling down, but here are the lyrics of my all time favourite getting me back up again or confirm all resent achievements -at sea or ashore:
-- Kashmir
Oh let the sun beat down upon my face, stars to fill my dream
I am a traveler of both time and space, to be where I have been
To sit with elders of the gentle race, this world has seldom seen
They talk of days for which they sit and wait and all will be revealed
Talk and song from tongues of lilting grace, whose sounds caress my ear
But not a word I heard could I relate, the story was quite clear
Oh, Oh
Oh, Oh
Oo, Baby, I've been flying... oo yeah, mama, there ain't no denyin'
Oh, oo yeah, I've been flying, mama, ain't no denyin', no denyin'
Oh, all I see turns to brown, as the sun burns the ground
And my eyes fill with sand, as I scan this wasted land
Trying to find, trying to find where I've been.
Oh pilot of the storm who leaves no trace, like thoughts inside a dream
Heed the path that led me to that place, yellow desert stream
My Shangri-La beneath the summer moon, I will return again
Sure as the dust that floats high in June, when movin' through Kashmir.
Oh, father of the four winds, fill my sails, across the sea of years
With no provision but an open face, along the straits of fear
Ohh. Oh, oh.
When I'm on, when I'm on my way, yeah
When I see, when I see the way, you stay-yeah
Ooh, yeah-yeah, ooh, yeah-yeah, when I'm down...
Ooh, yeah-yeah, ooh, yeah-yeah, well I'm down, so down
Ooh, my baby, oooh, my baby, let me take you there
Oh, come on, come on
Let me take you there. Let me take you there
--
There are a lot of versions around, but nothing can top the original from Led Zeppelin.
Cheers
MacSeal, Bathurst, NSW, Oz
Been very hot and blowy here in Bungendore NSW...you’re in the best place. Ha! a Xmas beetle just crashed into my screen and is rolling around on the keybrd..near the...git off.. O. Congratulations on crossing the first line..Good Luck!
WELL DONE, Thanks for showing your photos, now we get to see the equator as well. ITS A WOW! YOU ARE ON YOUR WAY TO SUCCESS and thanks for sharing your daily routine stuff and what you have for dinner/food, its really interesting you out there at sea. Cheers.
Congrats from Chicago Illinois, thanks for sharing your adventure. Be safe
Jim
Congratulations!!!! Need I say More?
Congratulations Jess.
Keep achieving those goals.
Keep safe.
Hilda (Perth WA)
YAY!! GO JESSE!
Keep going Jess, and yes i do see the line mmmmmm. Cape Horn here we come. Go you little Aussie..... Take Care.
Congratulations and welcome in "our" hemisphere.
Gerd from Germany
Well done Jesse,
Godspeed for Cape Horn,
Dan & Co. Landsdale, WA
Well done Jess!!! But come back to the South soon.
Brazilian from Australia
Congratulations Jess!! Best wishes from Buffalo, NY, USA.
Congratulations on this milestone Jess. What an inspiration you are. Smooth sailing.
Mark in North Carolina
Congratulations Jessica. Love from Sweden, Micke
Congratulations, Jess!! All the best!
Hi Jessica,
congratulations on crossing the equator !!
You are such an inspiration to so many people.
Keep safe and God Bless,
Wendy ( Nothern Tablelands NSW )
Congratulations!
:-) :-) :-) Hurrah! Indeed the pics spoke a thousand words.
Helen T
Hi Jess,congratulations!! Thanks for the pics they are great. I wait with baited breath for new pics and video. I'd love to see more of you outside with the sea behind you. I bet you sleep soundly tonight! Take care 'til next time.
Jo
Sydney
Hey jesse!
Congratulations!!! After the water pouring did you do the "Happy Dance"? o.k, now your onto your next goal with a little more of a challenge infront of you. You are doing so well..keep up the GREAT work girl!!
Susan H U.S.A
Jess, I have left a message before but wow you have my deepest admiration, (I may not have spelt that right) however I can't motivate myself to hit the beach and tan up and snorkel yes I said snorkel, I'm 47 and well look at you off around the world, Jess God Speed.
re pic 2: Love that you had party poppers! hehehe.
Congrats brave girl! So so utterly pleased for you.
Di - UK
I wrote something on Wikipedia about the Equator crossing and the approximate longitude 161°W and about the Kiribati rounding point.
I found out: Jessica you went not far from the unpopulated Jarvis Island, which actually belongs to the United States.
Unfortunately you went too far away (about 50 nm) to see it and outside its territorial waters. The many US fans would have loved if you went near it.
Kiribati Island/Kirtimati has time zone GMT+14 and is located on the west side of the international date line, like Australia. Open sea in this region 161°W is however east of the international date line, so it is hard to tell which date she has. Probably the captain so far has decided to stick to Australian time, which the web server keeps, and since it makes it easier to communicate on phone. After Kiribati a change of date is needed I assume.
From Bengt I Larsson, Sweden
CONGRATS and WISHING YOU ALL THE BEST from a devoted follower in the USA! - AL H.
Right here I go again Jess, seems me at age 47 can't use a computer yeah fair enough, right I am trying to motivate myself to the beach to tan up and go snorkeling yes i said snorkeling, but can i no.. and here is you my heroine (Oooh that may be wrong I don't mean the drug thing I mean the lady opposite to hero..ok not real good at spelling at this time of night after 1,2....13,14 beers) sailing around the world by your lonesome you are the bravest Sunny Coaster ever, God Speed Jess, God Speed.
Congrats for passing the equator. My 4th grade class has been watching your voyage. Good luck, Jess! From Deweyville, TX 4th Grade Students
Congratulations! You are amazing. I wish you the best of luck in your continued travels. America is following you.
Jan - NC
Jess it quite possible I have sent you well this would be the third tonight message, sorry really you have better things to do than read the ranting of a drunk but loyal admirer, fan, follower oh darn he I go again...Pure Blondes they are a beer full strength and well oh sorry, power on Jess.
I am so glad that you crossed the equator. One milestone down.
Way to go!
Nancy, Maine, USA
Jessica, Great to see you looking so healthy and happy... with sense of humor intact! Congratulations on crossing to the northern hemisphere. Like everyone else, I look forward to your updates and especially the pics. You are doing great!
Ron - New Hampshire, USA
Just got home from work, first thing I did was check in to see you have crossed the line. So proud of you.
I think someone up there is watching over you, the weather has been so kind to you, slowly educating and preparing you for the more challenging oceans.
Enjoy your trip southwards, stay safe and keep in touch.
Hi Southern Star visiting the North!
How do you like our waters?
Are they really much colder than on the Sunshine Coast?
Do silly birds talk with a different accent?
I would almost feel jalous the bottom hemisphere owns such a miraculous girl... but I feel better, thinking you are a model for the whole globe, inspiring thousands (many thousands) of people from various lands and seas.
I adore reading the comments, sparkled with the same emotions you give me. Thrill, joy, pride, addiction, support, care, love, wishes, admiration, near-crying feelings. You're really great, achieving so hard goals while remaining simple and genuine.
You are the pride of at least 200,000 followers, plus their families and friends.
Who would have guessed that a few months ago?
Thank you for being you, Captain Shellback Jesse.
hi jess! is it okay to call you that? i've known about your voyage since i saw it from my student's article. and i found it really gutsy at first but wow! you've gone that far! congratulations!!! safe sailing jess! nice pics there by the way.
-ann, philippines
Well done and congrats!!
CONGRATS!!!!!! You look great, stay hydrated, pulling for you and watching your progress, yeehawwww
Dan from NC, USA
Great pictures and great captions!!!
Especially impressive is the Equator baptism! :-)
But also that's a fabulous close up of you!
I see my fellow Americans who see the sun rise 2 and 3 hours ahead of me have already beat me here. It's only 6:30 a.m. (Nov. 19) in California and it already says 200 comments! (Well, and folks in other parts of the world contributed to that 200 as well)
Congratulations Jessica!
Blessings,
Tracie
What name are you given as a first time crosser? What about the International Dateline? If you zig zag across it are you going nowhere?Sail On!!!
Santa Cruz
Following your story from Columbus, Ohio, USA! Congratulations on crossing the line...way to go girl!
Congratulations and nice work!!!
Mike & Denise , Newport Rhode Island
Hi Jess!
BIg, big congratulations and welcome on "our side" ;-) up in the northern hemisphere. Wish you all the best and hope you enjoy it as much as we do!!!
Have fun
Peter from Austria
Love the pictures!!!! Con grats and WELCOME to the Northern Hemisphere!!
Jesse you're the greatest! Congratulations!!!!!
Keep safe.
Hans from Switzerland
Congrats!!!! Yeah those lines can a nuisance. However, they can also be a comforting friend. Once, while hiking on a thickly wooded trail in Northern Washington State, I accidentally upset a Bee's nest. As I ran attempting to out run the mad little critters, I tripped over the borderline between Washington and Canada. As I fell to the mossy ground, I was terrified that my fall would give them the opportunity they needed to catch me and punish me with their painful stinging. Fortunately for me, the Bees left their hive in such a hurry that not one of them thought to grab their passport! So all they could do was angrily hover at the line and watch as I gathered my strewn belongings and slowly walked away. :)
We love the pics.... and the video! Keep them coming! You look well.
Within a few days you will be crossing the line again. With your gained experience your second crossing should be without incident. :)
Question, I would appear that you dunked yourself in the dodger. It would seem there would have been some mopping up to do. Was this poor planning or is there a drain on the deck?
Be safe. Enjoy the stars of the northern hemisphere.
Blessings,
See Ya Sailor!
Hooray! A first for me too...thanks to you! Be safe and know there are many traveling with you in spirit! Sale safely!
Myriam Grech from Malta:
A very big thank you for the lovely pics! A heartfelt congratulations from me and my husband. You actually had us looking up the time zone clock to follow the exact time you crossed! You are 13 hours ahead of Malta time!! I couldn't figure it out until I saw the clock! The tracker is really good for following you.Good luck Jess, keep up the good work and happy sailing. - Myriam and husband Ray.
Jessica,
Congratulations!
I've always wondered what that darn line looks like and now I know. To sum up what you've accomplished in technical maritime terminology:
WAY TO GO !!!!
Have fun, stay safe and happy sailing.
From Seattle, WA, USA
SaltyDog
WHOO HOOO......And you are right! A picture says a thousand words...... Congrats for reaching the first point of your journey. My heart and thoughts are with you. Ok, well done, but we are talking part one of a huge journey. You have the wishes of Australia, and many others around the world. I am sure that everyone has and will congratulate you.
Next stage is to focus on the next goal to reach on your voyage. I am sure that RPYC is also well behind you.
If you can, let us know the 2nd stage goal of ur journey so that I can follow.
I am just watching the coverage of your salt water shower on chanell 10 news here in perth, Quality.
Any way, great that you have gotten past part one, however start focusing on the next waypoint in your journey.\
let me know and congrats again...,
Captc00k
from Perth
Fantastic - to have got that milestone must feel great! Congratulations Jess. Kathy from Kyogle NSW!
King Neptune welcomes you into the ranks of the Noble Shellbacks!
He shall watch over you and grant you safe passage for the rest of your voyage through his domain!
Shellback Paul R. Lusk
Hello Jessica and CONGRATULATIONS for crossing the line. Greetings from Vasa,Finland,just below the Artic Circle. Following your blog every day and wishing you good luck in fulfilling your ambition.
Way to go Jess!!! My teenage kiddos and I have been tracking you from day one. You have captivated the world with your quest and we will be watching your progress and supporting you all the way back to Sydney. Blessings to you and your family on your journey. Love the pics!
Linda, Tyler and Miranda from Missouri, USA
Congratulations for the big event... be carefull not to get the keel stuck on the line on the way back...
Carlos "SY Riole" - Brazil
Congratulations!!!
Best wishes from Hollywood, California!
Susan
Way to go Jess!! We are proud of you here in Southern Illinois!
Keep the Hammer Down, or sail up I mean, lol
God Bless!
Galen
Yay!
Congrats!!!
//Erik, Sweden
Awesome!
Maybe you want to visit Hawaii?
You're so "close"... :)
Congratulations Jessica and wishing you the best.
Mark
thanks for the "Jessica Gives a Tour of Her Galley" video
Mark
Congrats, Jesse! What an inspiring undertaking you have begun! Keep up the spirit and the trim sail...
Bruce, Michigan USA
YAAAAY!! wooo, well done!
first big milestone checked off!!! so happy for you!!
great pics too, totally captures the moment.
I remember the first time I went 'up over' (into the northern hemisphere). It felt so surreal and exhilarating, and that was just in a plane. But you went and sailed yourself to the equator! That's a big deal, so tons of choc is well earned! Just remember to save some for Cape Horn :) and stay focused in the days ahead, one day at a time. God bless.
Now you are on the cold side of earth! Go back as fast as you can or you will reach the winter!
So- back to south!
Greetings and congratulations from
(c)old Germany!!!
Awesome, so awesome, so incredible awesome !!!
Congrats to you !!! way to go!!!
The pics really help tell the story.
Keep on...straight ahead !!!
HAWKEYE
Jesse, Congratulations again - you are simply the best!! I'm so happy for you. You have proven a point and emphatically so; now its time to make another. Thanks for the pics - you look stunning!! I hope the chocolate bars melted in your mouth.
Continue to rest up when you can, think safety and safety, stay buckled up, don't forget the fluids and no more dangling body parts over the edge - please!
It's apparent you are a delightful and courageous young person, a credit to yourself and those around you; and what you are doing out there is something much bigger than the challenge you have set yourself.
I am proud of you and it's a privilege being along for the ride. Please take care, special one. It's all good - its fabulous!!
HAWKEYE
audrius from klaipeda, lithuania. well done yuo bravest girl in the world, congratulations
Hugest congratulations! That's brilliant! good on you
you GO girl!!!
sending you supportive encouragement from Bathurst NSW
Cyalayta
Mal :)
G'day Jessica, this is Clive in the UK. Congratulations on crossing the line, I thought you might happen to have a bottle of bubbly aboard to help you celebrate.
Good luck with the rest of the voyage.
It can't be said enough "Congratulations!!".
John from Florida
Good for You Jessica! My sister is keeping up with you daily (much like the thousands of others around the globe), and she just called me to inform me of today's milestone on the Pink Lady. Congratulations! I'm amazed at your stamina, calm nature, and determination. Enjoy the rest of the ride. Will be joining the others... intrigued by this adventure. Happy winds!
Good sailing pollywog!
Joy to behold. It's such a great benchmark. I, too, feel as ifI have reached the benchmark with you. Fortitude, strength, courage,all got you where you are. I hope you are grateful and thanking God, Mother Earth, Source, Universe whatever it is that you believe in. May the Force be with you! Take time to be grateful. I find it to be the most peaceful emotion. It shows the source that you are one with the universe, one with "Silly", one with the dolphins, one with the ocean, one with the sky. Enjoy your moment and be thankful you have many more moments to come!
Namaste
Stanlee
Hey, Jessica , welcome on the northern hemisphere. Good luck and fair winds forthermore. We all are watching your progress.
Many regards, Marcus from Germany
Captain Jessica -
Congratulations! Thanks for the nice photos.
Since you are this close, come on up to Phoenix, Arizona.
Just us adventurous girls will go paint the town...PINK!
Gayle
CONGRATS on acheiving your first big milestone!!! Savor the moments of this one and anticipate the next. You are a dear! I have no doubt whatsoever that you will be checking off every milestone on your list in the next few months! YOU GO GIRL!!!
Janell in OK, USA
Congratulations Jessica! Your amazing!
God Bless you!
Cheryl
Wonderful! Neptune is smiling on you.
Congratulations from Fontainebleau, France!!!!
Hipp Hurra:) Congratulations to U.Happy U managed to cut the line, he he. Would b a disaster if it got stucked and moved down to Cape Horn.
Sail Safe Jessi.
Congratulations Jessica! What a great accomplishment. You are a great example of how dreams do come true if you just take baby steps all the way until you finally make it. You GO GIRL!!!
Sydney
USA
Congratulations!!!
You are an inspiration to so many--thanks for sharing your adventure.
Regards from California.
Woooohoooooo!!!!
Congratz!
Yay!!
:)
Chris in Calif
Ha ha - that's awesome Jess! I love the dunking pic! A big congrats from me.
Is it sort of like when you have a birthday - you don't really feel a year older? You're just in the northern hemisphere now, yeah? It's more ocean.
You're doing great :) I love reading your blog. Is Jesse Martin jealous of you? I bet he is.
Jules
Wynnum, QLD
WAH-HOOOOOO!!! BIG CONGRATS...you ROCK!!!!
Congratulations!!!
Love the pictures Jess. You are right they say such a lot.
Well done on crossing the line. Did you see king Neptune though?
G'Day !Proud of you Jessica Best Wishes & great sailing on to the Horn and all the way home to Sydney!
Congratulations on crossing the equator and welcome to the northern hemisphere!
Best wishes for a great voyage.
I am in awe of your ability and courage.
Bill from Otisville, New York, USA
YAY :DDDDDD
You're adorable (:
-Dimitri, USA
This is my 1st comment.. Mostly because I am so happy for you.. So: CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
You are true inspiration!!
Howdy from Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.A.
<3
Congratulations Jess! Enjoying your blog so much and especially the pics! They really give us more of a sense of how you are out there!
Safe travels & enjoy!
11-19-09 @12:30
Hi Jessica,
Loved those pictures, but I was sorry to hear that the line got caught in your keel, I hope it wasn’t to much of an inconvenience. LOL… Jessica, that was a good one. Glad to see you are well and happy and keeping your sense of humor. You look real good in the second (2nd) picture, well rested and happy, but the third (3rd) picture was the greatest to me. I’m sure everyone appreciated that you took part in the initiation ceremonies. You’re a good sport. Did you do a little dance??? I just wish I could pull in the news stations from Australia, I’d really enjoy hearing what they have to say. I’ll have to work on that.
I like the last picture of EPL, it looks spotless, and the angle capturing the waves the water and EPL, you’ve got a good eye.
I’m going to close this now, the last time I looked there was over 200 hits, and there’ll be more coming.
Take care, be safe and alert and enjoy your trip around Kitibati Island.
May God be with you and watch over you and may the angels keep your sails full. I will keep you in my prayers.
Michael (74) from Kingwood, WV
JESS ! (Typical young sailor...)
In your excitement you dashed across the line, full sails blazing.
According to International Geographical & Nautical Orienteering Rules And Navigational Clearance Estimations (IGNORANCE)you MUST STOP, check to the left AND right for possible cross traffic and when clear, proceed further on. Expect a ticket in the Mail... (Fines are used to smoothen International seaways without potholes.)
Kenny
Congratulation and Welcome to my side of the world!
Outstanding! Congratulations from Mid-America!
Tom, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
Hi and 4xHURRA to you Jessica, great job.
What a feeling it must have been for you to cross the line and managed to celebrate as you did.
And with todays technique and your staff, you made it possible for all us round the world to be part of this event with the great photo's. Thank you for that.
It's Nov. 19th and we in Sthlm area has had 2 hours of sun so far in Nov. To read your blog every day is the sun in my life.
Sail on, sail safe with a smile.
Regards,
Ingrid, Tyreso, Sweden
Lies, nothing but lies...
Heard some rumours, that the Equator is one BIG glass wall and Ella's Pink Lady hit it and bounced back, as you had the wrong clearance visa with you...
Glad to see, that you've made it through.
Congratulations Jesse ... saw you on channel 10 news last evening. It must have been an exciting time for you ... I know it was for for us who are looking on - even the newsreaders seemed excited for you too.
It's rather warm here on the Sunshine Coast too.
Until next time... God bless.
Your galley tour was great. Being a southern American, I love your accent. I could listen to you all day. Now that you're in the Northern Hemisphere, you can drop by my house for dinner. I'll cook you a wonderful meal.
Godspeed pretty girl. I'm watching you daily.
Ron from Alabama USA
Congratulations Jesse "Shellback" Watson! Keep up the good work in pursuit of the Order of Magellan. Love the blog. Stay safe.
Bob C. in Colleyville, Texas
Congrats from a city with 1000 years of sailing tradition;
Bergen, Norway.
Keep going :-))))
You go girl! Now you've done it, wishing you a nice steady wind to move you along.
happy sailing from California!
Well done Jessica, No turning back now.
Reading the Blogs, the whole world is watching you. So your never on your own!
Go girl,
Rick.
Hi Jess Congratulations great job hope all goes as well and all the best Robbie From Tassie
Deuteronomy 12:7 (The Message)
Feast there in the Presence of God, your God. Celebrate everything that you and your families have accomplished under the blessing of God, your God.
Jessica, all I can say is congratulations on this milestone and I wish you all the best going forward. Like all the others following you every day, I am so proud and impressed. I will be praying a prayer of thanks and praise for this great progress of yours and for your safety so far, and of course ask that you will continue safely on. Thanks for all the excitement and interest you've given to us all!
hated having intermittent internet connection to track your progress... ISP finally replaced modem today... good you are making progress in leaps!!! God bless you!
mnadaa/philippines
In Math we once had the task:
Given the Earth's diameter across the Equator Level is 12756.32 km, what is the circumference of our planet at the Equator Level ? A standard brick has the dimensions of 230mm L x 110mm W x 76mm H. Ignoring the elevations on land, how many bricks would you need to lay the basecourse, given a mortar gap of 10mm ? Going up, building a wall of appr. 1 meter, how many layers would you need ? How many bricks are required for the whole task ? Consider, that as you go up,you are increasing the diameter by 1 meter on each end, which progressively could require more bricks than the previous layer ?
O.K., ignore that there are some knuckleheads dwelling in the Educational Department, section Math, not having anything better to do, that developing stupid problems, have you noticed any evidence of this "appr. 1 meter high wall made of bricks" ? (Please say NO, so thousands of kids can say NO to the poor teachers having to enforce this dreadful task.)
Don't abandon your own navigation over this meaningless tripe !
Regards
Victor
Bummer ! You've crossed the lineand we couldn't set of fireworks here in Melbourne, because of the 1st Total Fire Ban day of the Season.
We couldn't join in the dunking process, as we are on Water restrictions.
Never mind, you go ahead and have all the fun for us.
Congratulations one big step, crossing the line. I start each day reading your Blog.
May the Sun shine on you and a fair Wind at your back.
God Bless You.
Bill
Medford, Oregon, USA
wow Jessica, i am astonished how you are managing this all. Wish you all the best on your way around the world.
Good luck from Kalle in Germany
Congratulations Jess, and welcome to the Northern Hemisphere!!! You've covered quite a distance already, now on to Cape Horn!
Congratulations Jess!!!
John
Brooklyn, NY
USA
Awesome, Jessica
Been following your blog since i watched you sail out of Sydney Harbour. All the best for your re- crossing and another dunk -you look hot (in both ways!) Go Girl!!
Congratulations Jesse!
Be careful to remember now to walk with legs down and head up, as you are on the northern hemisphere.
Alexander from Hamburg
Well done Jess. I have been reading your blog for 3 weeks waiting for you to cross this milestone. Sail on and bring us your daily adventures to read.Safe sailing to you and Ella's Pink Lady.
Larry. Ayr. Australia.
ShipOhoy. Just want to say you are doing soo good fair winds and Happy Sailing. From Herman.Hampstead.NH.USA.
Jessica- Congratulations on crossing the equator and over 30 days at sea. Continuing to pray for you, your parents, and your team daily.
L in Indiana, USA
Felicitaciones por tu logro, hoy estamos en la misma linea.Sigue adelante.
Buenos vientos
QUITO - ECUADOR
Well Done Jess.You made it. I just love checking in to see how you are doing. Keep your mindset on the job.....
Congrats Jess...thats one major leg done and now behind you...well done!!!
Ajay
Congratulations Jessica
Best Regards from Germany
Hi Jessica,
Congrats on your equatorial crossing!
May Neptune,Poseidon and Aeolus take care of you on the way to Cape Horn! You are an inspiration to us all!
Best Wishes, Martin, Canning Vale,
W.A.
Well done for the first major milestone!! So cool!! Wishing all the best with the next stage.
Brian from Seattle
Welcome to the Northern Hemisphere Jess. Congratulations - what an accomplishment - aged 16 and voyaging alone! Brilliantly and oh, so coolly, well done. Wishing you fair seas as you journey on. God speed.
Ellen, London.
Your video from 18 November:
Given the stove tries to stay level, aren't you going a bit in the tilted way ? I mean have you checked the tyre pressure lately ? Or is that part of the big turn around Kiribati Island to head south ? Shows, how much I know about sailing...
Choccies for celebration ! Except those wrappers don't match the producer of "Kiwi" chocs. Have they dropped their sponsorship or do you keep it as mainsupply for Cape Horn, when your stove ist tilting to 90 deg. (inoperable)?
Comment from a sailor friend of mine: That "Chick" looks tough, but she is full on track. Good luck to her.
OMG congratulations Jesse we are proud of you, not many other people can say they have done that, and you have on your OWN AT 16 WELL DONE, God speed Jesse, good winds, Maxine and Colin Maroochydore
Congratulations from Phac Tan ! The whole nation is watching your progress on TV 1 and wishing you well.
Jess, can you give us a "jay" or "nay" on our bet, that you have "Haircutting for dummies" downloaded on your PC ?
Kenny
Congratulations, Shellback! I have been following your blogs daily since you left. Your courage and determination are an inspiration to all. Keep up the good work and positive attitude!
Congratulations Jess, love your blog.
Keep up the great work & you will fulfill that amazing dream.
We are all with you in some small way.
Keep safe.....
Interested in the latest joke of our pub mob ? By the end of the trip you are hosting a show called "From Ladies to Ladettes" with a hairstyle like a Yeti, covering your face completely...
Mel
Congratulations Jessica! Super excited for you! Have a great day today.
Big hugs
Kerry
congrats. jessica. keep it up. scott from richford, ny
W-A-H-O-O & H-O-O-R-A-Y !!!!!
You must be one happy girl.
You were on the news of course. Your mum and dad were grinning from ear to ear. Chuffed, as were we.
: )
Congratulations!!! great achievement
Hey Jesse,
You'Ve done a great job. You were on TV last night and it was good to see your in such high spirits.
Big celebration day. You have achieved something most people will never do, Congrats.
The pictures are great, you sure had a great crossing the line ceremony. Its nice o see so many people behind you. We are so very proud of you.
We finish working on the Sunshine coast today, Feels strange leaving.
, back to Bris.
Take care.
Fair winds and following seas.
Angus.
Congratulation on a remarkable achievement Jesse. Best wishes for the trip south and good weather conditions around Cape Horn. It's just like watching a TV serial.
You will have to watch that line again when you cross it the second time :).
Russ..Calgary
Congratulations Jess
All the Best
Safe & Happy Sailing
Christine - Boston
Hi Jesse,
Nice pics!
Cya Jesse,
Gabi
Good Morning Jess
CONGRATULATIONS! Well done on your fantastic achievement...
We went out last night to dancing practise and when I came home I saw you on the late Channel 10 news doing the traditional dunking of salt water for your first equator crossing! It was a lovely excerpt, with various footage pieces of you on your journey and an interview with your mum and dad! Go girl!! They are so proud of you and so are we all!
Love the photo's - you're right- a picture says a 1000 words! The ocean looks gorgeous, so crystal blue and the sky looks clear also. Love the joke about the line in the water - had a giggle at that!
It must have been a tropical, warm and humid day, as you are 'glowing' in the photo, but it's a stunning shot! You look so happy, fit and healthy, doing what you love best...Hope the celebratory chocolate was yummy! And yes I can see some streamers in the background of your photo! Woo Hoo!!!
Onwards and upwards so to speak - for a short time anyway and then you are back downwards again!
Thanks for taking us all on this journey with you Jess.
'We grow great by dreams. All big men are dreamers. They see things in the soft haze of a spring day or in the red fire of a long winter's evening. Some of us let these great dreams die, but others nourish and protect them; nurse them through bad days till they bring them to the sunshine and light which comes always to those who sincerely hope that their dreams will come true' - Woodrow Wilson
Keep your dreams alive. Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination, and dedication. Remember all things are possible for those who believe. -Gail Devers
Have a good day Jess, stay safe.
Sally In Sydney-
Good Morning Jess
CONGRATULATIONS! Well done on your fantastic achievement...
We went out last night to dancing practise and when I came home I saw you on the late Channel 10 news doing the traditional dunking of salt water for your first equator crossing! It was a lovely excerpt, with various footage pieces of you on your journey and an interview with your mum and dad! Go girl!! They are so proud of you and so are we all!
Love the photo's - you're right- a picture says a 1000 words! The ocean looks gorgeous, so crystal blue and the sky looks clear also. Love the joke about the line in the water - had a giggle at that!
It must have been a tropical, warm and humid day, as you are 'glowing' in the photo, but it's a stunning shot! You look so happy, fit and healthy, doing what you love best...Hope the celebratory chocolate was yummy! And yes I can see some streamers in the background of your photo! Woo Hoo!!!
Onwards and upwards so to speak - for a short time anyway and then you are back downwards again!
Thanks for taking us all on this journey with you Jess.
'We grow great by dreams. All big men are dreamers. They see things in the soft haze of a spring day or in the red fire of a long winter's evening. Some of us let these great dreams die, but others nourish and protect them; nurse them through bad days till they bring them to the sunshine and light which comes always to those who sincerely hope that their dreams will come true' - Woodrow Wilson
Keep your dreams alive. Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination, and dedication. Remember all things are possible for those who believe. -Gail Devers
Have a good day Jess, stay safe.
Sally In Sydney-
Wow thirty days and you still have chocolate left?.....you are amazing. Well done on crossing look forward to reading more as you go along. Also all these people writing in make great reading too.
Well done....push on girl
BM AK NZ
GREAT JOB ,ENJOYING your daily blog jim talbert
Well done! Congratulations and best wishes for your continued happy sailing.
wow you have such beautiful eyes. i really love these photos. also the one of silly the seabird, whata cute little puff ball. thanks for blogging everyday, it gives me something to look forward to. so fun to read your adventures and you write them so well. as they say in my second home, oahu, malama pono & pomaika'i~take care & good luck
jennifer
southern orange county, california
Congratulations from Austin Texas
Fair Winds
YEAH, YEAH, YEAH!!! Congratulations Jess!!! Im so excited for you and am super proud of you..Keep it up girl another milestone ticked off..take care..xo.
Woo Hoo,
You go girl,congratulations on reaching yet another goal. What a fabulous celebration yummy melted chocolates and a cleansing salty bath and that beaming smile,a great combination.
A nice connection with home-you crossed the line and at home year 12 students celebrated finishing high school with a dunking at Mooloolaba beach in their uniforms- I wouldnt mind betting there were some chocolates there as well.
Travel well Jessica
Happy Day
Ruth
Hey Jess,
Congrats again on crossing the line! Yet another wonderful achievement!
Also...
Much thanks for the superb (video blog) galley tour! -Sorry if it was posted some time ago and I just got around to spotting it.- It is really interesting watching the motion of the stove as it pitches back on forth on its gimbals; letting us really see how the boat is heeled way over to port. Hearing the boat clatter and din of the wind in the background truly helps to put us all aboard EPL. It’s these little things, which may seem a bit mundane to you (and a chore to video), that actually go a long way to helping everyone get a true sense of the GRAND ADVENTURE you’re on. Great fun!
Be Safe,
Mike D
Landlocked in Philadelphia, Pa, USA
Congratulations Jess and well done.What else can one say when one so young has done what one somewhat older person than you hopes to do. Live the Dream Jess Hope to meet you on the water one day
Julie :)j
Congratulations,
Good on you,
You go girl,
Yummy melted chocolates and a salty water dunking sounds like the perfect celebration for this occasion.
Love the pictures.
Travel well Jessica
Happy Days
Ruth
Woohoo - Go Jess. What a cool feeling that must have been, knocking off milestone #1. I haven't been leaving messages but I have been reading your Blog daily keeping tabs on what you're up to and how you're feeling. You're an amazing young woman, probably slightly crazy for doing what you're doing, but amazing done the less.
You go girl!!!
Jan - New Zealand
Congratulations from Irealand =]
You are amazing person!
COngrats Jess!! yah! you are doing so well :)
Hello Jessica,
congratulations on crossing the equator! The pictures are lovely!
I am finally back on line after 8 days!
I forgot the mobile modem in Austria! What a silly thing to do and had to buy a new one and install it!
Now I am in Mackay area and am enjoying the heat!
The flight was uneventful. I only slept 3 hours on the 25 hour flight, but I watched 6 movies!
'Mao's last dancer' was quite good. I read the book last year and that was memorable!
Next move....Airley Beach and my sailing experience, thanks to you!
I am also reading Kay Kottee's book at the moment!
Here is one of the poems she wrote, that also applies to you of course!
Universe
My universe is made of many parts.
The tide that tumbles round the earth
breathes life and death traversing its girth.
Overhead the sea fowl bank for the turn,
seeking food with eager eye in the wake astern.
Giant albatrosses glide silently on uplifting draft.
They have been there forever, hovered over all craft:
yachts, motor boats, dhows or sailing ships of old.
They have seen many a story, which could be told.
Fluttering flying fish go by,
their bright blue wings and tails outstretched,
transparent, colour as the sky.
beneath the sea, the images are much the same,
silent though, no voices, birdcalls in refrain.
And in place of these, the fishes swim,
strange lights filtering through the dim,
following, soundless, in the boat's shadow
as they glide weightless in the depths below.
For the sailor, at times, the quiet is not always peace.
There are rocks ahead, ships about,
tension builds, waiting for release
of oceans vast, where space around frees
long nights and days, sailing on light or heavy breeze,
with thousands of miles to run beneath the keel.
Keep well, happy and safe,
Trudy from Austria, now in Mackay
Welcome to the world "Up Over"!!! Congratulations, this is a big milestone. We are reading your everyday. You have an easy writing style that is a pleasure to read. I hope you are keeping a diary beyond what you post in your blog. You know it is customary for world explorers and adventurers to write a book about their exploits......please put me down for a copy from the first printing!
Congratulations from Szeged Hungary and Kelowna BC Canada
Charles
Congrats Jessica.. Saw you via Skype on The 7PM Project last night. Skype is so cool. What an achievement you reached yesterday. Be on your toes while heading to Cape Horn - i've read all about the wild winds and high seas down there. You'll be in our thoughts. MEL (Sydney)
Hey Jessica,
Your are a multi talented person, a high achiever, extremley nice and persistent in your efforts. A combination of characteristics that is very rare in the human species. This is very refreshing, especiallly for a person of your age. Your have taken the perception of what people think of Australians several notches up the competancy scale and we thank you for that.
Congratulations on your achievement and in doing it with such class.
Cheers,
Nick
Sydney, Australia
Fantastic!! well done & keep enjoying this amazing adventure :)
Congratulations Jessica on a fantastic achievement.
Mike (NZ)
Congratulations ...no more up hill
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