Position 49.37 S 168.30 E 1045 hours (Qld time)
Its 15 knots with less than a metre sea and a lovely blue sky.
They tell me it’s always like this!
Julie as relayed by Jessica
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
Leaving Campbell Island
We left Campbell Island this morning at 1100 hours, stopped at Northeast Harbour to look at the old whaling station. There were heaps of birds nesting on the cliffs
Wind WSW 20 knots wit a long 2-metre swell. ETA Bluff, late Sunday
Wind WSW 20 knots wit a long 2-metre swell. ETA Bluff, late Sunday
Cold Day Today With South Westerly Wind Blowing.
26/2/09
Did all the shore runs and then went for a long walk, wet and windy up the hill but was really good. Albatross and chicks everywhere, stopped for a cup of tea at a little hut but no view as we were in the clouds, It is a big hill and lots of mud! Left at 0830 after all the breakfast jobs and got back 1830 in time to do the dinner rush.
Did all the shore runs and then went for a long walk, wet and windy up the hill but was really good. Albatross and chicks everywhere, stopped for a cup of tea at a little hut but no view as we were in the clouds, It is a big hill and lots of mud! Left at 0830 after all the breakfast jobs and got back 1830 in time to do the dinner rush.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
The Wildlife Here Is Incredible!
We spent the day running everyone back a forth from the beach in the dinghy, there is always a bunch of seals waiting for us to either welcome us or chase us away.
Another yacht arrived today with a hardy cruising couple on board.
There are three boats in, at the moment, the other is a trawler style boat from Otago University with some geologists on board.
The Elephant Seals are disgustingly fantastic, they are huge lumps of blubber, wallowing around in their own smelly ‘mud’!
The albatrosses are nesting on the nearby hills. All the ‘teenagers’ group together and wave, squawk and groom each other. While we were standing there, they soared all around us as if we weren't there. They are truly amazing.
There are empty nests everywhere some bearing the tragic remains of chicks that didn’t make it.
The met service people have been putting in new wind instruments and maintaining their gear.
We will go for a long walk tomorrow, Murray (first mate) is coming, so that will make it a slow walk because he constantly stops to take photos, he cant help himself.
We think we will still be here for another day or two.
This place really does something to you, I could see a heartfelt sigh of recognition from someone who has been here many times, when we were coming into Campbell Island. I can really understand it now, it is a truly amazing place.
Jessica
Another yacht arrived today with a hardy cruising couple on board.
There are three boats in, at the moment, the other is a trawler style boat from Otago University with some geologists on board.
The Elephant Seals are disgustingly fantastic, they are huge lumps of blubber, wallowing around in their own smelly ‘mud’!
The albatrosses are nesting on the nearby hills. All the ‘teenagers’ group together and wave, squawk and groom each other. While we were standing there, they soared all around us as if we weren't there. They are truly amazing.
There are empty nests everywhere some bearing the tragic remains of chicks that didn’t make it.
The met service people have been putting in new wind instruments and maintaining their gear.
We will go for a long walk tomorrow, Murray (first mate) is coming, so that will make it a slow walk because he constantly stops to take photos, he cant help himself.
We think we will still be here for another day or two.
This place really does something to you, I could see a heartfelt sigh of recognition from someone who has been here many times, when we were coming into Campbell Island. I can really understand it now, it is a truly amazing place.
Jessica
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Campbell Island
0740 hours (Qld time)
We got in at 0000 hours, really good view of the Island before dark.
Just finished getting everyone ashore with their packed lunches.
It is chilly and misty. Lots of seals splashing around everywhere.
0846 hours
Just been ashore, sea lions are so cool, they are not shy at all. Snapping at the dinghy and chasing us up the hill. We will be here 3-4 days.
Julie as relayed by Jessica
We got in at 0000 hours, really good view of the Island before dark.
Just finished getting everyone ashore with their packed lunches.
It is chilly and misty. Lots of seals splashing around everywhere.
0846 hours
Just been ashore, sea lions are so cool, they are not shy at all. Snapping at the dinghy and chasing us up the hill. We will be here 3-4 days.
Julie as relayed by Jessica
Monday, February 23, 2009
Arrived at Campbell Island
52.04 S 168.10.9 E at 1249 hours (Qld time)
Wind 10 knots South easterlies, right on the nose.
No sail up, sea, a rolling 2 metres and 100% cloud cover.
1322 Hours
Just sighted Campbell Island.
Wind dropping right out.
Lots of birds and Pilot Whales.
1723 Hours
Just getting close to Campbell Island, rugged and cliffs are very cool!
Not too cold, wind and sea still down. Have had a good day.
Julie, as relayed by Jessica
Wind 10 knots South easterlies, right on the nose.
No sail up, sea, a rolling 2 metres and 100% cloud cover.
1322 Hours
Just sighted Campbell Island.
Wind dropping right out.
Lots of birds and Pilot Whales.
1723 Hours
Just getting close to Campbell Island, rugged and cliffs are very cool!
Not too cold, wind and sea still down. Have had a good day.
Julie, as relayed by Jessica
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Arrived at Ross Harbour, Auckland Islands
We arrived at Ross Harbour at 0300 made good time from Bluff.
…and more importantly I kept dinner down! Feeling much more up with it now.
I did a watch last night.
Big day today, feeding everyone and getting gear onto beach.
Just headed out of Ross Harbour now.
Have a 24 hour trip to Campbell Island ahead. We have a 2-metre sea with 20 knot Easterly.
Julie as relayed by Jessica
…and more importantly I kept dinner down! Feeling much more up with it now.
I did a watch last night.
Big day today, feeding everyone and getting gear onto beach.
Just headed out of Ross Harbour now.
Have a 24 hour trip to Campbell Island ahead. We have a 2-metre sea with 20 knot Easterly.
Julie as relayed by Jessica
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Wind down now, was 45 knots!
Position 48.54.1 S 167.20 E at 1653 (Qld time)
A quick text came through to say the wind has come down now...from 45 knots!
She said they were half way to stop, not sure where that is and said a 'bit of sea but not too huge'.
Also said she was a bit green, so I suppose schoolwork has gone off the 'to do' list!
Julie for Jessica
A quick text came through to say the wind has come down now...from 45 knots!
She said they were half way to stop, not sure where that is and said a 'bit of sea but not too huge'.
Also said she was a bit green, so I suppose schoolwork has gone off the 'to do' list!
Julie for Jessica
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
A day of flights and New Zealand
At Bluff with Evohe in the backgroundFrom tying up in Hobart on Monday afternoon it was go go go, meeting Don McIntyre, packing my bag, a little sleep, then up at 0315 to say good bye to Big Waver Rider and catch my first flight. During the day my patchy land navigation skills were put to test finding my way through three different airports before arriving at Queenstown, in the middle New Zealand's South Island. I stayed with Auntie Wendy, caught up with Grandma and Grandad and talked to cousin Megan's year seven class at the local school before heading down to the very bottom of New Zealand, Bluff, to join Evohe see http://www.evohe.com/ We will be heading off this afternoon into 30-40knots of cold wind to take a Met service team down to the Auckland Islands to do maintenance work. While I'm away Mum will be posting short updates and if I'm able I'll post when I can, before I hand over to Mum have a look at the following link to a local news story.
Jessica
Monday, February 16, 2009
Across Bass Strait into Hobart and flying out
Position; S43, 00.0 E147, 33.5 Frederick Henry Bay 16nm from Hobart
Dinner, a 45cm flying fish arrived on the deck with a thud!
Passing through Denison Canal and the Swing Bridge, north of Hobart, a tight fit!
The crossing started off slow on Saturday with an afternoon of motoring into almost no wind but it picked up soon enough and we surfed most of the way across at over 10knots under a clear sky with very little sea. Sunday night was a little cool with the temperature down to 14c and squalls and rain. We passed five boats heading north and sighted land, northeast Tasmania just before it got dark. Monday morning started with an interview on Sunshine Coasts ABC radio and Bacon and eggs to celebrate reaching Tasmania.
In Hobart I hope to catch up with Don and Margie Macintyre, who have been amazing with support and advice before flying out to New Zealand for the next leg.
Dinner, a 45cm flying fish arrived on the deck with a thud!
Passing through Denison Canal and the Swing Bridge, north of Hobart, a tight fit! The crossing started off slow on Saturday with an afternoon of motoring into almost no wind but it picked up soon enough and we surfed most of the way across at over 10knots under a clear sky with very little sea. Sunday night was a little cool with the temperature down to 14c and squalls and rain. We passed five boats heading north and sighted land, northeast Tasmania just before it got dark. Monday morning started with an interview on Sunshine Coasts ABC radio and Bacon and eggs to celebrate reaching Tasmania.
In Hobart I hope to catch up with Don and Margie Macintyre, who have been amazing with support and advice before flying out to New Zealand for the next leg.
Friday, February 13, 2009
15nm From Bermagui
Position; S 36 12.5 E150 11.4
We never quite made it to our intended destination Bermagui after another day of Southwesterly headwinds. We left Jarvis bay yesterday after a squall at 0915 and spent the day tacking, reefing and getting wet before pulling into Batemans bay in time for fish and chips. Our current position is 15nm from Bermagui and we’re finally making good progress after more squalls and extremely shifty winds this morning, eta is 1130 today.
Jessica
We never quite made it to our intended destination Bermagui after another day of Southwesterly headwinds. We left Jarvis bay yesterday after a squall at 0915 and spent the day tacking, reefing and getting wet before pulling into Batemans bay in time for fish and chips. Our current position is 15nm from Bermagui and we’re finally making good progress after more squalls and extremely shifty winds this morning, eta is 1130 today.
Jessica
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Cape St George Lighthouse
Position; Hole in the Wall, Jervis Bay NSW S35 08.0 E150 44.6
Yesterdays highlight was finding ruins of Cape St George lighthouse at the end of a 5hour round walk. We set off after a slow morning, dinghyed ashore and set off up the hill. After a bit of debate over directions we managed to find the lighthouse and a nice view.
Bit of depressing place, to begin with the lighthouse was built in the wrong place then the light keepers suffered one disaster after an other, typhus fever, more typhus fever, falling off the cliff, kicked by a horse and accidently shot. Worse than that ships continued to be wrecked till the lighthouse was knocked down and another was re-built in a better place.
Our early start was delayed this morning with miserable weather, more head winds and showers but we hope to be off later today.
Thinking of everyone in Victoria and hoping for Northerly’s
Jessica
Bit of depressing place, to begin with the lighthouse was built in the wrong place then the light keepers suffered one disaster after an other, typhus fever, more typhus fever, falling off the cliff, kicked by a horse and accidently shot. Worse than that ships continued to be wrecked till the lighthouse was knocked down and another was re-built in a better place.
Our early start was delayed this morning with miserable weather, more head winds and showers but we hope to be off later today.
Thinking of everyone in Victoria and hoping for Northerly’s
Jessica
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Into Jervis Bay
Position; Hole in the Wall, Jervis Bay NSW S35 08.0 E150 44.6
We surfed into Jervis Bay this evening after 17houres pounding into the wind and rain down from Sydney. The wind was shifty all day and we forced to tack back and fourth clocking up 148nm on a trip that shouldn’t have been more that 80nm.The last few nautical miles into Jervis bay were painfully slow in confused seas at the base of the cliffs and after arriving and shaking off the salt crystals! we managed to find a mooring in the dark and had a nice hot meal.
With more of the same weather forecasted for tomorrow we plan on spending Wednesday on the mooring before pushing south to Bermagui, Victoria then on to the Bass straight.
Jessica
We surfed into Jervis Bay this evening after 17houres pounding into the wind and rain down from Sydney. The wind was shifty all day and we forced to tack back and fourth clocking up 148nm on a trip that shouldn’t have been more that 80nm.The last few nautical miles into Jervis bay were painfully slow in confused seas at the base of the cliffs and after arriving and shaking off the salt crystals! we managed to find a mooring in the dark and had a nice hot meal.
With more of the same weather forecasted for tomorrow we plan on spending Wednesday on the mooring before pushing south to Bermagui, Victoria then on to the Bass straight.
Jessica
Monday, February 9, 2009
Sydeny
Position: Roselle Bay (The Glebe, Sydney) S 33 52.2 E 151 10.9
We sailed through Sydney heads at 1045 yesterday into the complete chaos that is Sydney Harbour on a sunny Sunday and dropped anchor under the Anzac Bridge.Our last night at sea was a fast one with a top speed of 21.2kts! We sailed from Southport to Sydney (448nm) in 44 hours and 55 minutes.Before leaving for Bermagui and then Hobart on Tuesday, I’ll have the chance to meet Kevin Green editor of Yachting Australasia and Brian Caldwell the first person to circumnavigate under 21 as well hopefully seeing a little of Sydney.
Jessica
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Climbing the mast at sea
Position: 50nm off Newcastle, S 32 04. 4 E 152 55.7
Mostly slow progress and motoring today but the winds are back up to 15-23kns from the NE this evening and we’re getting along nicely at 11-14kts. The morning was extremely hot with no wind. Breakfast was protein power and yogurt, everybody seems determined to feed me up!
In the afternoon I rugged up in long trackies to avoid too much of a bruising as I hauled myself up the mast to re-lash the radar reflector. I was pretty slow going up, remembering how to use the solo climbing system with the mast seeming to sway all over the place. Anyway the job got done with out to many buises, nice view of the boat sailing along from up there. Worked on the school work for a while, ready to send when we reach Sydney late tomorrow.
Other than that we had a great view of the coast line for most of the day, a great display by a pod of Bottlenose dolphins and a pretty amazing sunset.
Off to bed,
Jessica ‘Out’
Friday, February 6, 2009
Off Ballina
-28°47'5", +153°42'8" (1830 06/02/09)QLD Time
We have just tacked and are off the coast at Ballina on a heading of 180 degrees.
10 Kts of Southeasterlies and we are doing 8 kts!
We have a 1.5 m swell.
Southport seaway was a bit lumpy when we came through at 1100hrs and lots of dolphins to meet us.
We are expecting the wind to be light tonight and then some good northerlies tomorrow afternoon.
We had a 'combination effort' stirfry for tea tonight, was lovely.
Jessica
We have just tacked and are off the coast at Ballina on a heading of 180 degrees.
10 Kts of Southeasterlies and we are doing 8 kts!
We have a 1.5 m swell.
Southport seaway was a bit lumpy when we came through at 1100hrs and lots of dolphins to meet us.
We are expecting the wind to be light tonight and then some good northerlies tomorrow afternoon.
We had a 'combination effort' stirfry for tea tonight, was lovely.
Jessica
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Day one: Blakesley Anchorage
Position: Blakesley Anchorage North Stradbroke Island
We departed Mooloolaba at 0930 this morning after a quick interview with T.V. Chanel 7. The sail down would have been perfect but for the wind being on the nose all day, wind was 13-18kts, sea less than 1.5m.
The plan for tomorrow is to head down the inside of South StradbrokeIisland, out the Southport Bar and straight to Sydney.
Jessica
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Off to Tasmania on Big Wave Rider
My bag is packed ready for tomorrows departure and is feeling heavier than last time with the added weight of lots of warm gear for the southern ocean and my portable classroom.
I will be bringing along science and geography.
After a send off in front of the cameras tomorrow, we plan to stop the night in Moreton Bay before sailing to Sydney, where I am looking forward to sailing under the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Sunshine Coast Daily’s latest article can be seen in the link below
http://www.thedaily.com.au/news/2009/feb/04/watson-practises-solo-attempt/
Also the following site is well worth having a look at, it covers some of the current significant solo voyages as well as the up and comings, like myself.
http://www.thedeepradioshow.com/Pages/circumnavigation.html
Keep an eye out for daily position reports and short updates.
Fair Winds
Jessica
I will be bringing along science and geography.
After a send off in front of the cameras tomorrow, we plan to stop the night in Moreton Bay before sailing to Sydney, where I am looking forward to sailing under the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Sunshine Coast Daily’s latest article can be seen in the link below
http://www.thedaily.com.au/news/2009/feb/04/watson-practises-solo-attempt/
Also the following site is well worth having a look at, it covers some of the current significant solo voyages as well as the up and comings, like myself.
http://www.thedeepradioshow.com/Pages/circumnavigation.html
Keep an eye out for daily position reports and short updates.
Fair Winds
Jessica
Tracking, Safety and Met Services-Bob McDavitt
I am pleased to announce that TracPlus, Chemring Pains Wessex and Met Services- Bob McDavitt have offered sponsorship and support for the voyage.
TracPlus Global has offered full service sponsorship of tracking for my record attempt.
They are well known for providing tracking for James and Justin’s ‘Crossing The Ditch’ Expedition and the Fuel Record attempt Earthrace’s circumnavigation.
Mike Rhodes from renowned Chemring Pains Wessex has offered all Distress Signalling equipment including McMurdo beacons and pyrotechnics.
Bob McDavitt -Weather Ambassador, New Zealand’s well-known meteorologist since 1975, forecasting for marine, aviation and the general media, has offered his support and weather routing service throughout the trip.
One of Bobs quotes is "Weather is a mix of pattern and chaos".
Here is to a voyage that is safe and well tracked!
Jessica
TracPlus Global has offered full service sponsorship of tracking for my record attempt.
They are well known for providing tracking for James and Justin’s ‘Crossing The Ditch’ Expedition and the Fuel Record attempt Earthrace’s circumnavigation.
Mike Rhodes from renowned Chemring Pains Wessex has offered all Distress Signalling equipment including McMurdo beacons and pyrotechnics.
Bob McDavitt -Weather Ambassador, New Zealand’s well-known meteorologist since 1975, forecasting for marine, aviation and the general media, has offered his support and weather routing service throughout the trip.
One of Bobs quotes is "Weather is a mix of pattern and chaos".
Here is to a voyage that is safe and well tracked!
Jessica
Preparing ‘Big Wave Rider’
This week has been a rush of preparing for the trip down to Tasmania, talking to sponsors and starting schoolwork for the year. Below are pictures of me looking pathetically small dangling from the rig of ‘Big Wave Rider’
Jessica
Jessica
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