We’ve had a busy and exciting week with Don McIntyre, a long-term supporter and Mike Perham (www.totallymoney.com/sailmike) popping up from Tasmania for an unexpected visit. We went sailing, hunted down some of the essential equipment I’ll need, got some great video footage, talked, plotted, planned and made many long lists.
To be able to call on all Don’s years of experience managing projects and adventures was amazing and having the chance to talk to Mike about his trip so far has given Mum, Dad and I a lot of confidence! In many ways they opened our eyes to aspects of the trip that we hadn’t even considered, we talked a lot about the rainbow at the end of all the hard work and about having the right mind set to get me around the world.
Both Don and Mike where amazing to spend time with, as well as constantly taking the words out of each other’s mouths, they were great fun!
One of the helpful and essential pieces of equipment that we picked while roaming the local chandeliers was… wait for it… a 12volt hair dryer! I’m a bit confused as to what I’ll use it for, but the boys tell me I’ll use it to doll myself up for the albatross while sailing past Cape Horn! That’ll be a picture not to miss!
I also had the chance to see and experience, using a life raft, after we came across an old,out of date, life raft. We put it to test in the swimming pool, I understand the meaning behind the old sea saying ‘step up to a life raft’. A good solid yacht is definitely no comparison to something that resembles a pool toy!
On Tuesday morning, Don, Mike, Mum, Dad and I did a joint interview on the ABC local radio, you can read the teaser and hear it on the following link.
http://www.abc.net.au/local/audio/2009/04/21/2548196.htm?site=sunshine
Everyday more people commit to help pull the project together and I’m finding it amazing that my departure date can feel so far away and so close at the same time, I’m nervous, excited and inpatient all in one.
I wish Mike good luck and all the best as he returns to take on the rest of the world, I’ll be following his daily blogs, knowing that I’ll soon be having similar experiences.
Back to considering how to best use my 12volt hair dryer!
Jessica
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Search and Rescue Coordination Centre Visit
John Ashby showing me around the Search and Rescue co ordination centreWhile we were in NZ Mum, Dad and I visited the Search and Rescue co ordination centre in the Hutt Valley. What an amazing place. We were given the full briefing and a few power point presentations to bring us up to speed with the capabilities of their resources eg the Air forces Orions routine for search and rescue and a demonstration of their program for estimating drift.
We talked about the need to have many different backup systems for communicating and encouraged me to make and maintain contact with them whilst I am in their coordination area.
They have many resources available to them when coordinating, from medical experts to equipment and technical advise.
It was great to see a ‘real life’ search and rescue operation that was taking place on the outer eastern limits of their area of responsibility. The information they had gathered, the options that were open to them and all the data about equipment, conditions, daylight hours etc were all just so comprehensive.
We also got a tour through to the Radio operations Room, which was all a buzz with radio transmissions. They told us all about their role in assisting in the communications of vessels at sea, right from the smallest circumnavigators to the biggest commercial ships.
I’m looking forward to making contact and checking in whilst I am travelling through their area.
Bruce and Susanne off ‘BWR Multihulls’ did well in the 3 peaks race in Tasmania (www.threepeaks.org.au), they were up a place from last years race and did plenty of rowing due to lack of wind!
I am busy chasing gear, every little thing needs to be perfect! Researching designs for solar panel frames and keeping everything rolling.
Jessica
We talked about the need to have many different backup systems for communicating and encouraged me to make and maintain contact with them whilst I am in their coordination area.
They have many resources available to them when coordinating, from medical experts to equipment and technical advise.
It was great to see a ‘real life’ search and rescue operation that was taking place on the outer eastern limits of their area of responsibility. The information they had gathered, the options that were open to them and all the data about equipment, conditions, daylight hours etc were all just so comprehensive.
We also got a tour through to the Radio operations Room, which was all a buzz with radio transmissions. They told us all about their role in assisting in the communications of vessels at sea, right from the smallest circumnavigators to the biggest commercial ships.
I’m looking forward to making contact and checking in whilst I am travelling through their area.
Bruce and Susanne off ‘BWR Multihulls’ did well in the 3 peaks race in Tasmania (www.threepeaks.org.au), they were up a place from last years race and did plenty of rowing due to lack of wind!
I am busy chasing gear, every little thing needs to be perfect! Researching designs for solar panel frames and keeping everything rolling.
Jessica
Monday, April 6, 2009
New Zealand Again!!
The Watson Clan Celebrating Granny and Granddad’s 50th Wedding Anniversary
Back in New Zealand celebrating Granny and Granddad Watson’s 50th wedding at the Avro motel in Wanganui. While I’m over here I will be catching up with New Zealand Search and Rescue to give them all the details of my voyage and hear any advice they have for me.
Yesterday I caught up with the local news paper and on Wednesday I’ll be giving a presentation for my 7 year old cousin Noahs’ school before heading home and back to work Easter Sunday. Looking ahead there’s a big boat and equipment announcement coming up and the time line up till departure date on 7th of November looks to be pretty busy.
Securing communication and finance sponsors are on the priory list as well as planning and personals preparation over the next month. After than it’s launching into solo sea trials and fulltime boat preparation, with Bruce Arms as boat manager.
Jessica
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Announcing…
Mooloolaba Marina
Has been named as the departure point and base through out the yachts preparation and sea trials. Mooloolaba Marina will be providing berthing for both before and after the voyage. Jessica will be more than happy to call this great Marina home.
Fleming Windvanes
Have supplied this vital piece of equipment which will be given the role of skippering Jessica and her yacht around the world. In the hands of Fleming and their bulletproof GE 400 windvane, Around the World will be a breeze.
Fibre Glass International
Have supplied all the materials needed to refit and strengthen the yacht, to ensure that the yacht is up to the challenge. With FGI comes a reputation of excellence in boat building and the assurance that yacht will be ready to take on the world.
Has been named as the departure point and base through out the yachts preparation and sea trials. Mooloolaba Marina will be providing berthing for both before and after the voyage. Jessica will be more than happy to call this great Marina home.
Fleming Windvanes
Have supplied this vital piece of equipment which will be given the role of skippering Jessica and her yacht around the world. In the hands of Fleming and their bulletproof GE 400 windvane, Around the World will be a breeze.
Fibre Glass International
Have supplied all the materials needed to refit and strengthen the yacht, to ensure that the yacht is up to the challenge. With FGI comes a reputation of excellence in boat building and the assurance that yacht will be ready to take on the world.
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