This weekend I was away again down in Brisbane to take part in a Multihull race from Brisbane to Mooloolaba on a 47ft ocean racing cat ‘Big waver rider’. But before we were going anywhere the rig that had been taken out for maintenance, had to be put back in. In-between the rain on Friday, the riggers tuned the rig back up and we made it to the start line on time Saturday morning.
The race started out very slow with no wind but by the time we reached Mooloolaba the wind and sea had picked up enough to give us an exciting finish surfing a wave meters from the rocks and crossing the line only a few seconds before another boat, putting us in forth place.
On the Sunday the whole family headed down to North Stradbroke Island where Mum and I spent some time talking to a very helpful and knowledgeable Mike Hogan about publicity. In-between all this I’ve been working hard to keep up with all the offers of support I’ve been getting.
Looking ahead I’m due to sail off down the coast of Australia on Big Wave Rider to Tasmania on the 5th of February. From there I’ll be flying back over to New Zealand and joining 25m ‘Evohe’ (see www.evohe.com) for a 10 day trip from the bottom of New Zealand into the southern ocean.
Hopefully I’ll then have a week to catch my breath in New Zealand before Flying to a more tropical Hawaii to join another boat. ‘Ragtime’ is a 68ft race boat and I’ll be sailing her to LA with skipper Brian Caldwell who was the first person under 21 to circumnavigate solo in 1996. Have a look at his website www.liquidflight.net
After that mouthful I’ll be home in March to begin the project of sailing and peppering my own S&S 34 for the big trip, departure date has been set for 7th November 2009!
Fair Winds,
Jessica
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Home to Australia
Skipper Jim and I with MagicRoundabout awaiting customs in New Zealand.
The sunset the night before we arrived in NZ.
Absolutely nothing out here and becalmed in the middle of the Tasman.
No hands, the windvain did a great job of getting us across the Tasman.
After a night on watch, my reply to Ricky's cheery 'Smile' my not have been all that cheery!
Finally behind the wheel and on to New Zealand! I arrived home Monday morning to find that my bedroom was undergoing improvements meaning that there’s not much more than a dusty hole left and was put to work moving dirt and rocks! Great for building up the arms.
My weekend spent in New Zealand was really worthwhile and lots of fun, I was very impressed with the support and interest from over there. Thanks everyone!
There’s plenty going on other than moving rocks but more on that later for now here are a few more pictures Ricky and I took during the voyage.
My weekend spent in New Zealand was really worthwhile and lots of fun, I was very impressed with the support and interest from over there. Thanks everyone!
There’s plenty going on other than moving rocks but more on that later for now here are a few more pictures Ricky and I took during the voyage.
Also I’m very happy and proud to say that the website has received 36012 hits this month so far! Most of the hits were from Kiwi's, come on Aussies!
Fair sailing and all the best,
Fair sailing and all the best,
Jessica
Friday, January 16, 2009
New Zealand's still rolling!
Becalmed off the New Zealand coast with dolphins.
First sight of land, North Cape New Zealand.
Sailing nicely off Lord Howe Island, 25kns of wind.First of all, an apology for the delayed and long awaited update from shore and for the often brief posts while at sea. Communication by sat phone isn't all it's cracked up to be! I'm newly inspired to find a communications' sponsor. For the wonderful posts and tracking map we did get I owe a huge thanks to Mum and Martin. Mum's efforts translating the static and getting descriptions out of me were heroic!
New Zealand still rolls every morning when I get out of bed but I've slowly been adjusting to shore life. The last few days feel like they have passed in a cloud of interviews and phone calls. I'm itching to get home as things are really starting to happen, but have been stranded over here till Monday morning when I'll catch the first affordable flight out. An ex kitchen hand with a very sorry looking bank account can't afford to be fussy!
I'm currently staying at Matapouri, a place just north of Tutukaka, where I can finally begin to deal with the mountain of emails in my inbox. But it's not all work. I've been discovering that the coast-line here is as amazing as it looked from the sea and meeting various Oceanswatch members.
Below is a list of links to media stories including TVNZ's video clip. Keep an eye out on my website and blog for more pictures, stories and videos, coming soon!
That's all for now,
Jessica 'out'
Dolphins off Tutukaka
The amazing dolphin display that we were treated to off the New Zealand Coast. What a welcome!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Arrived!
We got into the customs dock at Marsden Point Marina at 0840QLD Time 1140 NZDT.
Last nights sailing and tacking under the moon were so lovely I was just savouring the last night at sea.
The customs and TV crews were there to meet us. When all the filming and photos were done we headed into town for some more interviews.
I saw the TV news tonight and thought it was someone else!
Keen to get home to get on with the BIG trip!...there is so much to do!
I am still looking for a Major Naming Partner...so if there is anyone out there who wants me to take their name around the world, I'd love to hear from you.
Last nights sailing and tacking under the moon were so lovely I was just savouring the last night at sea.
The customs and TV crews were there to meet us. When all the filming and photos were done we headed into town for some more interviews.
I saw the TV news tonight and thought it was someone else!
Keen to get home to get on with the BIG trip!...there is so much to do!
I am still looking for a Major Naming Partner...so if there is anyone out there who wants me to take their name around the world, I'd love to hear from you.
We are comming into Whangarei Harbour in calm, flat coditions
-35°55'1", +174°35'7" (0600 13/01/09)QLD time, 0900 NZDT
We have a lovely breeze of 10 knots from the southwest and a flat Whangarei Harbour entrance to come into.
Last night we saw the moon rising, it was absolutely beautiful.
We are busy eating everything we can before clearing customs and they take it all away.
We are preparing to come in, getting fenders and mooring lines out and there is a boat on it’s way out to meet us.
We are monitoring the VHF Radio
We have a lovely breeze of 10 knots from the southwest and a flat Whangarei Harbour entrance to come into.
Last night we saw the moon rising, it was absolutely beautiful.
We are busy eating everything we can before clearing customs and they take it all away.
We are preparing to come in, getting fenders and mooring lines out and there is a boat on it’s way out to meet us.
We are monitoring the VHF Radio
Monday, January 12, 2009
Scenic coastline, flying fish and a specatular dolphin show
-35°39'9", +174°35'9" (1800 12/01/09)QLD time, 2100 NZDT
We have no wind! and a 1 metre sea.
The coastline is very scenic and we had a spectacular show from a pod of dolphins.
Some giant flying fish jumped on board, they were about 20 inches across.
The ones I've seen before are small and petite. They breed them big over here!
Our ETA into Marsden Point is 1100 NZDT.
We have no wind! and a 1 metre sea.
The coastline is very scenic and we had a spectacular show from a pod of dolphins.
Some giant flying fish jumped on board, they were about 20 inches across.
The ones I've seen before are small and petite. They breed them big over here!
Our ETA into Marsden Point is 1100 NZDT.
Nearing Tutukaka
-35°26'4", +174°28'6" (1200 12/01/09)QLD time, 1500 NZDT
We have a southeast breeze of less than 5 knots and a 1 metre sea.
We are 10 nm NE of Tutukaka.
We have a southeast breeze of less than 5 knots and a 1 metre sea.
We are 10 nm NE of Tutukaka.
We have 2-3 knots of SSE and a huge rolling sea of 2.5 metres
-35°03'6", +174°20'6" (0600 12/01/09)QLD time, 0900 NZDT
We have 2-3 knots of SSE and a huge rolling sea of 2.5 metres
We are on a heading of 195 degrees and about to tack out past Cape Brett.
We haven't done as many nm last night as we would have liked.
Our boat speed is currently 4.5 knots.
ABC Radio on the Sunshine Coast just did an interview and they had Bob McDavitt on also, so was good to say hi to him.
We have 2-3 knots of SSE and a huge rolling sea of 2.5 metres
We are on a heading of 195 degrees and about to tack out past Cape Brett.
We haven't done as many nm last night as we would have liked.
Our boat speed is currently 4.5 knots.
ABC Radio on the Sunshine Coast just did an interview and they had Bob McDavitt on also, so was good to say hi to him.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
27 knots and a 3 metre swell
-34°41'8", +174°01'7" (1800 11/01/09)QLD time, 2100 NZDT
We have 27 knots.
A 3 metre swell.
We are making 6 knots and heading for the coast at 195 degrees true.
Looking forward to arriving in Whangarei.
We have 27 knots.
A 3 metre swell.
We are making 6 knots and heading for the coast at 195 degrees true.
Looking forward to arriving in Whangarei.
We are under a blue sky but NZ is under cloud
-34°22'1", +173°52'0" (1200 11/01/09)QLD time, 1500 NZDT
We have 2 metres of mixed sea, on a heading of east and we are going 5.5-6 knots.
Our current ETA is Tuesday morning.
We are under a blue sky but NZ is under cloud. It is a pleasant 26 degrees.
We have 2 metres of mixed sea, on a heading of east and we are going 5.5-6 knots.
Our current ETA is Tuesday morning.
We are under a blue sky but NZ is under cloud. It is a pleasant 26 degrees.
Clearing the Cape now
-34°20'4", +173°14'2" (0600 11/01/09)QLD time, 0900 NZDT
We have winds of 15-18 knots from the SSE and a 3 metre sea.
We are getting along at 5.5 knots at 110 degrees True.
We watched the lights go by during the night and are now clearing North Cape now.
Saw the Moon some times during the night as the rain eased off.
We will give another position at midday.
We have winds of 15-18 knots from the SSE and a 3 metre sea.
We are getting along at 5.5 knots at 110 degrees True.
We watched the lights go by during the night and are now clearing North Cape now.
Saw the Moon some times during the night as the rain eased off.
We will give another position at midday.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
We are watching out for the Cape Reinga Lighthouse
-34°31'0", +172°10'0" (1800 hrs 10-01-09)Queensland time, 2100hrs NZDT
We have 20-25 knots of South easterlies.
A 2-3 metre sea which is 'interesting'. It is quite bouncy!
We are on a heading of 56 degrees and are getting along at 6 knots.
It is a rather miserable day all grey and raining, but we have the party poppers out to celebrate sighting land.....but I don't know if we are going to be able to see it with the weather like this!
There are heaps of birds about, Gannets, Giant Petrel, Turns and an Albatross.
At dawn there was a pod of very small dolphins just playing about. We saw another whale today, a Southern Right.
We are watching out for the Cape Reinga Lighthouse any time now.
We have 20-25 knots of South easterlies.
A 2-3 metre sea which is 'interesting'. It is quite bouncy!
We are on a heading of 56 degrees and are getting along at 6 knots.
It is a rather miserable day all grey and raining, but we have the party poppers out to celebrate sighting land.....but I don't know if we are going to be able to see it with the weather like this!
There are heaps of birds about, Gannets, Giant Petrel, Turns and an Albatross.
At dawn there was a pod of very small dolphins just playing about. We saw another whale today, a Southern Right.
We are watching out for the Cape Reinga Lighthouse any time now.
Heading for the top
34°57'1", +171°04'0" (0600 hrs 10-01-09) Queensland time
We have 5 knots from ESE with a 1 metre sea.
We are on a heading of 55 degrees true and are going along at 3.5 knots now but during the night we had the motor running and were getting along much better,
We have 5 knots from ESE with a 1 metre sea.
We are on a heading of 55 degrees true and are going along at 3.5 knots now but during the night we had the motor running and were getting along much better,
Friday, January 9, 2009
Getting close and an Albatross
35°31'4", +170°14'8" (1800 hrs 09-01-09)Queensland Time
We have a windspeed of 6 knots from the east and the sea is under a metre gentle roll.
We are on a heading of 65 degrees magnetic and vessel speed is 3 knots.
We are being very patient but it has been testing all this light weather and being so close.
We have had some scones and corned beef out of a can.
Ricky and Jim saw an Albatross and there have been heaps of birds around again.
The sunsets and sunrises have been cloudy and grey so nothing to look forward to.
There were some dolphins around this morning accompanying us.
We have a windspeed of 6 knots from the east and the sea is under a metre gentle roll.
We are on a heading of 65 degrees magnetic and vessel speed is 3 knots.
We are being very patient but it has been testing all this light weather and being so close.
We have had some scones and corned beef out of a can.
Ricky and Jim saw an Albatross and there have been heaps of birds around again.
The sunsets and sunrises have been cloudy and grey so nothing to look forward to.
There were some dolphins around this morning accompanying us.
Seas flat and running motor
35°46'0", +169°28'5" (0600 hrs 09-01-09)
We are on a heading of 146 degrees magnetic but have been circling.
We have 4 knots of wind and it is a very flat sea so we have been running the motor.
We are on a heading of 146 degrees magnetic but have been circling.
We have 4 knots of wind and it is a very flat sea so we have been running the motor.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Frustrating wait but being patient
35°31'5", +169°03'5" (1800 hrs 08-01-09)
We have an ESE 15 knots
2 Metres of rolling swell
We are going along at 3-4 knots at 120 Magnetic.
We have two reefs in the main and half a tuck in the Genoa.
We need to wait until the low coming down onto North Cape has passed before heading around the top.
With the current and wind meeting it could be too risky.
Everyone is in good spirits despite having to wait here in light weather.
Our chocolate, water and fuel supplies are holding out and we have been putting reefs in and out all day.
We have an ESE 15 knots
2 Metres of rolling swell
We are going along at 3-4 knots at 120 Magnetic.
We have two reefs in the main and half a tuck in the Genoa.
We need to wait until the low coming down onto North Cape has passed before heading around the top.
With the current and wind meeting it could be too risky.
Everyone is in good spirits despite having to wait here in light weather.
Our chocolate, water and fuel supplies are holding out and we have been putting reefs in and out all day.
We have 5 knots from the East
-34°54'4", +168°36'6" (0600 hrs 08-01-09)
We have 5 knots from the East and an annoying rolling 1 metre swell
We are on a heading of 120 degrees and going 2 knots.
We are just waiting for a forecast update but looks like we are going to head to North Cape.
I asked Mum if she could just get the guys in New Zealand to dig a canal through Manakau Harbour ....and tell them to make it snappy!, would save a lot of time.
We have 5 knots from the East and an annoying rolling 1 metre swell
We are on a heading of 120 degrees and going 2 knots.
We are just waiting for a forecast update but looks like we are going to head to North Cape.
I asked Mum if she could just get the guys in New Zealand to dig a canal through Manakau Harbour ....and tell them to make it snappy!, would save a lot of time.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Decisions
-34°44'8", +168°11'0" (1800 hrs 07-01-09)
Winds at ENE 13 to 15 knots.
A 1 metre swell.
We are watching the low forming off the top of NZ and are thinking about our route.
Bob has given us an update tonight.
We are steadily working on the chocolate supply.
Ricky has had her boat licence books out to study.
There were heaps of Tuna jumping around the boat this afternoon.
We have had a couple of beautiful days with clear starry nights.
Winds at ENE 13 to 15 knots.
A 1 metre swell.
We are watching the low forming off the top of NZ and are thinking about our route.
Bob has given us an update tonight.
We are steadily working on the chocolate supply.
Ricky has had her boat licence books out to study.
There were heaps of Tuna jumping around the boat this afternoon.
We have had a couple of beautiful days with clear starry nights.
2 knots from the East!
-35° 21.9', +167° 28.1' (MR: 0600 07-01-09)
Wind....What wind! 2 knots from the East
There is a very tiny swell.
We have been motoring during the night.
We have emptied some jerry cans into the tank.
It was a very nice night last night, very flat.
Wind....What wind! 2 knots from the East
There is a very tiny swell.
We have been motoring during the night.
We have emptied some jerry cans into the tank.
It was a very nice night last night, very flat.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Seas long and rolling
-34° 59.5', +166° 14.8' (MR: 1800 06-01-09)
We have a northeasterly at 10 to 15 knots.
Sea is 2 metres,long and rolling.
We are on a heading of 120 degrees magnetic.
Satellite phone is not making very good connections for the last few days.
Today we have seen dolphins and a whale came to visit us. Ricky thought it was a Southern Right.
Ricky is yearning for an outside galley .. like she had on the Wharram.
Sunshine Coast Daily has an article in today's paper mum said.
We have a northeasterly at 10 to 15 knots.
Sea is 2 metres,long and rolling.
We are on a heading of 120 degrees magnetic.
Satellite phone is not making very good connections for the last few days.
Today we have seen dolphins and a whale came to visit us. Ricky thought it was a Southern Right.
Ricky is yearning for an outside galley .. like she had on the Wharram.
Sunshine Coast Daily has an article in today's paper mum said.
Light winds and no swell
-34° 39.4', +165° 17.3' (MR: 0600 06-01-09)
Winds NE at 6 knots.
No swell.
Thanks for the forecast update from Bob McDavitt.
Radio Kaitia tried to get through but will try again later.
Winds NE at 6 knots.
No swell.
Thanks for the forecast update from Bob McDavitt.
Radio Kaitia tried to get through but will try again later.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Close haul, right on the wind
-34° 15.7', +164° 28.7' (MR: 1800 05-01-09)
We have an easterly at 8 to 12 knots.
Seas down to 2 metres.
Our heading is 140 degrees magnetic.
We are on a close haul right on the wind.
There is about 50% cloud cover.
We have had the reef in the main sail out today as it is much lighter conditions.
The wind vane is still working a treat.
We have an easterly at 8 to 12 knots.
Seas down to 2 metres.
Our heading is 140 degrees magnetic.
We are on a close haul right on the wind.
There is about 50% cloud cover.
We have had the reef in the main sail out today as it is much lighter conditions.
The wind vane is still working a treat.
Less wind and seas
-33° 27.1', +163° 49.1' (MR: 0600 05-01-09)
10 to 15 knots of Southeast wind
Seas 2.5 to 3 metres.
We are on a heading of 150 degrees and about to tack.
10 to 15 knots of Southeast wind
Seas 2.5 to 3 metres.
We are on a heading of 150 degrees and about to tack.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
It takes half an hour to get into your wet weather gear to go on deck
-32° 21.4', +163° 30.6' (MR: 1800 04-01-09)
20-25 knots of southeasterlies.
Seas are 3 metres and we are on a heading of 130 degrees but we have been tacking a few times and making slow progress, she does not go so well up wind.
We have got 100% cloud cover.
We got the wind vane started today and it is working well
We had some nice home made bread today, it is still very cold and it takes half an hour to get all the gear on to go on deck.
20-25 knots of southeasterlies.
Seas are 3 metres and we are on a heading of 130 degrees but we have been tacking a few times and making slow progress, she does not go so well up wind.
We have got 100% cloud cover.
We got the wind vane started today and it is working well
We had some nice home made bread today, it is still very cold and it takes half an hour to get all the gear on to go on deck.
On a heading directly South
-32°10'9", +163°00'9" (0600 hrs 04-01-09)
Wind is 18 to 23 Knots South East
Seas are 2.5 metres.
We are on a heading of 180 degrees, heading directly south.
On yesterdays bearing, the boom was directly over the aerial, today's sat phone connection is much better so maybe it was the boom was interfering with reception.
Wind is 18 to 23 Knots South East
Seas are 2.5 metres.
We are on a heading of 180 degrees, heading directly south.
On yesterdays bearing, the boom was directly over the aerial, today's sat phone connection is much better so maybe it was the boom was interfering with reception.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
We are getting a taste of the southern ocean
-31°39'5", +162°46'6" (1800 hrs 03-01-09)
Seas to 3 metres 18 to 25 knots of South East winds.
We are on a heading of 80 degrees.
It's not too uncomfortable but very wet because we are right into it.
Last night we had one of the casseroles was lovely.
We still have heaps of birds around, they are good company for being on watch.
Still not getting texts out but is great to hear from everyone.
It is still very cold, I can imagine now, what the Southern Ocean feels like.
Seas to 3 metres 18 to 25 knots of South East winds.
We are on a heading of 80 degrees.
It's not too uncomfortable but very wet because we are right into it.
Last night we had one of the casseroles was lovely.
We still have heaps of birds around, they are good company for being on watch.
Still not getting texts out but is great to hear from everyone.
It is still very cold, I can imagine now, what the Southern Ocean feels like.
It's really cold out here
-31°41'6", +161°28'9" (0600 hrs 03-01-09)
We are on a close haul.
We have a 25 knot SE wind and it is really cold.
Very bad reception on sat phone so not much information.
We are on a close haul.
We have a 25 knot SE wind and it is really cold.
Very bad reception on sat phone so not much information.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Lots of birds around us
2/1/09
Position at 18:00 hours
31:37:9 S
160:18:5 E
A 5 knot NNW breeze and the southerly due any time now.
We are on a heading of 130 degrees.
Really annoyed not seeing Lord Howe Island, hidden away in the clouds.
There are lots of birds around which makes a welcome change. A few squalls around us but nothing in our way.
We had some lovely Baked Beans with a cheese sauce for lunch. I’m afraid we have not made a dent in the supplies as we have not been very hungry for the first few days. We will have to spend the rest of the trip eating madly to make up.
Position at 18:00 hours
31:37:9 S
160:18:5 E
A 5 knot NNW breeze and the southerly due any time now.
We are on a heading of 130 degrees.
Really annoyed not seeing Lord Howe Island, hidden away in the clouds.
There are lots of birds around which makes a welcome change. A few squalls around us but nothing in our way.
We had some lovely Baked Beans with a cheese sauce for lunch. I’m afraid we have not made a dent in the supplies as we have not been very hungry for the first few days. We will have to spend the rest of the trip eating madly to make up.
Calm before the southerly
2/1/09
Position at 15:30 hours
31:30:9 S
160:06:7 E
NE winds under 10 knots awaiting the Southerly change.
We have been trying to sort out the satellite phone again to no avail.
Thanks again for messages.
Position at 15:30 hours
31:30:9 S
160:06:7 E
NE winds under 10 knots awaiting the Southerly change.
We have been trying to sort out the satellite phone again to no avail.
Thanks again for messages.
Cant quite see Lord Howe Island due to Clouds
2/1/09
Position at 6.00 hours
31:09:7 S
159:09.8 E
Seas 2.5 metres to 3.5 metres
Gusts to 36 knots and the average during the night has been 23 knots.
Are on a heading of 120 degrees.
Boat speed reached 11 knots during the night and has been averaging 7.5 knots.
The voyage forecast from Bob McDavitt has been exactly right with wind changes and strengths.
Are expecting a southerly change later on today or tonight.
It is raining and cloudy, I don't think we will get a look at Lord Howe Island due to the clouds.
Will try and establish contact with yacht S/Y Te Aihe a 16 metre Gaff Ketch travelling from New Zealand to Newcastle today.
Have been getting texts on the satellite phone but are still unable to send them and thanks to those sending messages through.
Position at 6.00 hours
31:09:7 S
159:09.8 E
Seas 2.5 metres to 3.5 metres
Gusts to 36 knots and the average during the night has been 23 knots.
Are on a heading of 120 degrees.
Boat speed reached 11 knots during the night and has been averaging 7.5 knots.
The voyage forecast from Bob McDavitt has been exactly right with wind changes and strengths.
Are expecting a southerly change later on today or tonight.
It is raining and cloudy, I don't think we will get a look at Lord Howe Island due to the clouds.
Will try and establish contact with yacht S/Y Te Aihe a 16 metre Gaff Ketch travelling from New Zealand to Newcastle today.
Have been getting texts on the satellite phone but are still unable to send them and thanks to those sending messages through.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
100 nautical miles off way point off Lord Howe island
1/1/09
Position at 1800 hours
30:24:6 S
157:32:6 E
25 knots NNE
2-2.5 metre swell and white caps.
Compass heading at 110 degrees.
We ran the motor today for half an hour.
It is a clear day with a bit of cloud arriving.
We have been on autopilot and making really good time.
Dad said we were on chanel 7 news again tonight.
Position at 1800 hours
30:24:6 S
157:32:6 E
25 knots NNE
2-2.5 metre swell and white caps.
Compass heading at 110 degrees.
We ran the motor today for half an hour.
It is a clear day with a bit of cloud arriving.
We have been on autopilot and making really good time.
Dad said we were on chanel 7 news again tonight.
130nm off Clarence Heads
Position at 0600 hours 1/1/09
29:41:2 S
155:54:9 E
We have a 15 knot NE breeze.
Heading at 140 degrees.
We had winds of 20 knots during the night.
29:41:2 S
155:54:9 E
We have a 15 knot NE breeze.
Heading at 140 degrees.
We had winds of 20 knots during the night.
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