I know sunny and foggy isn't your normal combination and up and until yesterday I had no idea that the two could exist together either. It was certainly very strange, as one minute I had a perfect sunny conditions and the next the sun was still shining, but through a thick layer of fog. A bit odd or I thought so anyway. The fog hung around for the rest of the day and the night reminding me of the foggy conditions we had at around this latitude heading south in the Pacific.
We've also had really gentle sailing conditions, I can hardly believe how little swell there is and flat it is, which makes life nice and comfortable. We haven't been making the most amazing speeds with the light winds, but Ella's Pink Lady has been able to keep up a steady pace to the east. All this warm sunshine and easy sailing reminds me of the tropics and feels like holiday!
It's amazing that after only a few days of quiet conditions so many of my habits have changed. Mostly little things like leaving things out on the bench and sleeping out in the cockpit , its actually quite a thrill to be able to sit a cup down for a moment without it flying across the room. I have to keep reminding myself to keep everything tidy and shipshape, as I know that this will only last so long.
Only 2000nm to the Cape of Good Hope. That's going to be it from me today as I'm keen to get back outside into the sunshine!
Jesse
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Present!
The picture below is of my very cool new t-shirt which was a present from Mum in my latest food bag. I had to share it with you guys as my crew aren't doing a very good job of sharing my excitement!
Jesse
Pic: My new 'One Tough Cookie" t-shirt!
Jesse
Pic: My new 'One Tough Cookie" t-shirt!
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Eastward
The temperature is hardly cold anymore and Ella's Pink Lady and I am now far enough north to avoid the worst of the nasty weather systems to the south (not that we couldn't still cop a storm anywhere). So it's time to start making some serious ground to the east. Go too much further north and we would risk losing the prevailing westerly winds that mean easy sailing and good progress.
With only 2300nm till we pass under The Cape of Good Hope and Africa we're getting pretty close to being half way across the Atlantic already. Time flies when you're having fun!
There's really not too much new and exciting to report from out here, just that all's well. I'm still loving every moment, enjoying all the little things. I've still been finishing up a few jobs from after the storm and yesterday I made the most of some sunshine to catch up of some washing - the rigging and lifelines make a great washing line!
With everyone back home back to school (sorry guys!) it's probably time that I have a go at finding where I stowed my school work too.
It looks like I'll be in this calm patch for a while longer so we should have quiet sailing and hopefully good progress for a while longer.
Jesse
With only 2300nm till we pass under The Cape of Good Hope and Africa we're getting pretty close to being half way across the Atlantic already. Time flies when you're having fun!
There's really not too much new and exciting to report from out here, just that all's well. I'm still loving every moment, enjoying all the little things. I've still been finishing up a few jobs from after the storm and yesterday I made the most of some sunshine to catch up of some washing - the rigging and lifelines make a great washing line!
With everyone back home back to school (sorry guys!) it's probably time that I have a go at finding where I stowed my school work too.
It looks like I'll be in this calm patch for a while longer so we should have quiet sailing and hopefully good progress for a while longer.
Jesse
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Australia Day!
Every year at school we used to get asked what Australia Day meant to us, this year I couldn't be much further from Australia, there's none of the things that make a typical Australia Day celebration out here, no sunshine, beach, no taking the day off or BBQ but this year I really can say I'm proud to be an Aussie! And also how great it feels to have the support of the country behind me!
I've still got a lot of the world to see (a lot of Australia too actually!) but the things that are special about Oz to me (other than all the cool scenery!) is our relaxed positive attitude and 'can do' approach! I'd like to think that we're a county that's capable of coming together to tackle challenges, one that's capable of showing the world that we can achieve the things that we believe in.
So how am I celebrating? Well last night I was pretty thrilled to get a call on the sat phone from Kevin Rudd who offered to pass on a Happy Australia Day message to everyone from me! That's about all I needed to make my day!
In other news, I'm pleased to report that the dunny is all back together (thank goodness!) and that the stove fired up again (yessss!!!) after drying out a little. Can I just say that, after enduring a few days without a stove my respect for James and Justin (the guys who kayaked the Tasman) and any other sailor or adventurer who's main food source was self-heating freeze dried meals has just gone up about a million notches!
So getting Ella's Pink Lady back into shape after our little battering has been going well, not helped by another front that passed yesterday but luckily it didn't give us any more than 40 knots of wind. I'm currently waiting for the wind to ease a little more so that I can finish patching the main sail and pull it right up again. Ella's Pink Lady looks a little worse for a few battle scars but more importantly is still as strong as ever.I shouldn't really be surprised as this is what we set her up to take and why we picked the S&S 34. Still it's nice to know.
I certainty can't complain about the miles we've been covering lately, we're flying across the Atlantic, I'm starting to worry that it's all going to be over and we're going to be home before I'm ready!
Well I'm going to sign off and have a go at making meat patties with tinned mince for a hamburger. Then maybe even some cake or muffins just because I'm so thrilled about the stove working!
Happy Australia Day!
Jesse
P.S. Congratulations times a million to Abby Sunderland for departing on her voyage last Saturday, I know what a challenge it is, just to get to the start line. Despite the fact that there seems to be a lot of adults determined to see Abby and I pitted against each other as rivals, I only wish her the best of luck and am totally thrilled that there's another girl going for the record!
I've still got a lot of the world to see (a lot of Australia too actually!) but the things that are special about Oz to me (other than all the cool scenery!) is our relaxed positive attitude and 'can do' approach! I'd like to think that we're a county that's capable of coming together to tackle challenges, one that's capable of showing the world that we can achieve the things that we believe in.
So how am I celebrating? Well last night I was pretty thrilled to get a call on the sat phone from Kevin Rudd who offered to pass on a Happy Australia Day message to everyone from me! That's about all I needed to make my day!
In other news, I'm pleased to report that the dunny is all back together (thank goodness!) and that the stove fired up again (yessss!!!) after drying out a little. Can I just say that, after enduring a few days without a stove my respect for James and Justin (the guys who kayaked the Tasman) and any other sailor or adventurer who's main food source was self-heating freeze dried meals has just gone up about a million notches!
So getting Ella's Pink Lady back into shape after our little battering has been going well, not helped by another front that passed yesterday but luckily it didn't give us any more than 40 knots of wind. I'm currently waiting for the wind to ease a little more so that I can finish patching the main sail and pull it right up again. Ella's Pink Lady looks a little worse for a few battle scars but more importantly is still as strong as ever.I shouldn't really be surprised as this is what we set her up to take and why we picked the S&S 34. Still it's nice to know.
I certainty can't complain about the miles we've been covering lately, we're flying across the Atlantic, I'm starting to worry that it's all going to be over and we're going to be home before I'm ready!
Well I'm going to sign off and have a go at making meat patties with tinned mince for a hamburger. Then maybe even some cake or muffins just because I'm so thrilled about the stove working!
Happy Australia Day!
Jesse
P.S. Congratulations times a million to Abby Sunderland for departing on her voyage last Saturday, I know what a challenge it is, just to get to the start line. Despite the fact that there seems to be a lot of adults determined to see Abby and I pitted against each other as rivals, I only wish her the best of luck and am totally thrilled that there's another girl going for the record!
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Wind, Waves, Action and Drama!
My quite sunny conditions ended with a bit of a bang, Ella's Pink Lady and I have been having a very interesting time out here. The wind had been expected to rise to a near gale, but none of the computers or forecasts picked that it would reach the 65knots that I recorded, before losing the wind instruments in a knockdown!
That much wind means some very big and nasty waves. To give you an idea of the conditions, they were similar to and possibly worse than those of the terrible 1998 Sydney to Hobart Race. We experienced a total of 4 knockdowns, the second was the most severe with the mast being pushed 180 degrees in to the water. Actually pushed isn't the right word, it would be more accurate to say that Ella's Pink Lady was picked up, thrown down a wave, then forced under a mountain of breaking water and violently turned upside down.
With everything battened down and conditions far too dangerous to be on deck, there wasn't anything I could do but belt myself in and hold on. Under just the tiny storm jib, the big electric autopilot did an amazing job of holding us on course downwind, possibly or possibly not helped by my yells of encouragement! It was only the big rogue waves that hit at us at an angle (side on) that proved dangerous and caused the knockdowns.
The solid frame of the targa (the frame that supports the solar panels) is bent out of shape and warped (see pic below), which provides a pretty good idea of the force of the waves. Solid inch thick stainless steel tube doesn't exactly just bend in the breeze, so I think you could say that Ella's Pink Lady has proven herself to be a very tough little boat!
With my whole body clenched up holding on, various objects flying around the cabin and Ella's Pink Lady complaining loudly under the strain, it was impossible to know what damage there was on deck. It was a little hard at times to maintain my positive and rational thoughts policy, but overall I think I can say that the skipper held up us well as Ella's Pink Lady. It was certainly one of those times when you start questioning exactly why you're doing this, but at no point could I not answer my own question with a long list of reasons why the tough times like that aren't totally worth it!
So in the middle of all the drama, back at home Mum received just about the worst phone call possible from the Australian Rescue Coordination Center (RCC), telling her that one of my EPIRBs (emergency signaling devices) had been activated. One of the knockdowns had caused the automatic EPIRB mounted under the dodger to turn on without me knowing. Luckily I called in only a few minutes later before anyone could really start to panic. I was pretty annoyed at the stupid thing for going off and giving everyone such a scare!
We didn't come though completely un-scathed though, as there's plenty of minor damage, but luckily nothing bad enough to stop us. Actually I think it's a huge credit to our rigger David Lambourne, that the that mast is still standing and appears in perfect working condition. So other than the wonky looking targa, the starboard solar panel is all bent up and the windvane is now sitting on a bit of an angle, but amazingly and very luckily, it still works fine (go Parker!). There are also a few tears in the mainsail and one of the stanchions is bent in.
Down below, the cabin was a totally disaster zone, everything is wet or damp. The dunny (toilet) which fell apart, was in pieces spread from one end of the boat to the other, along with other equipment. The meth stove wont light, but will hopefully fire up when it dries out a little more.
After clearing up the worst of it and despite finally managing some good sleep, I still feel like a giant marshmallow. Physically, my arms and legs are all heavy and pathetic and of course I have a lovely collection of bruises! Mentally, I feel like I've aged a good 10 years, but I'm back to normal now and in good spirits as we approach the half way mark.
When the wind had finally calmed down, I was treated to a pretty incredible sunset and as I was clearing things up on deck, a couple of dolphins stopped by just as if they were checking that we were all OK.
I owe a huge thanks to Bruce, who was completely perfect, saying just the right things on the phone every time I called in and also to Bob who stayed up through the night to keep me updated on when the wind could be expected to ease.
I could go on forever, but better finish up as this has turned into a total novel and there's plenty still to do!
That much wind means some very big and nasty waves. To give you an idea of the conditions, they were similar to and possibly worse than those of the terrible 1998 Sydney to Hobart Race. We experienced a total of 4 knockdowns, the second was the most severe with the mast being pushed 180 degrees in to the water. Actually pushed isn't the right word, it would be more accurate to say that Ella's Pink Lady was picked up, thrown down a wave, then forced under a mountain of breaking water and violently turned upside down.
With everything battened down and conditions far too dangerous to be on deck, there wasn't anything I could do but belt myself in and hold on. Under just the tiny storm jib, the big electric autopilot did an amazing job of holding us on course downwind, possibly or possibly not helped by my yells of encouragement! It was only the big rogue waves that hit at us at an angle (side on) that proved dangerous and caused the knockdowns.
The solid frame of the targa (the frame that supports the solar panels) is bent out of shape and warped (see pic below), which provides a pretty good idea of the force of the waves. Solid inch thick stainless steel tube doesn't exactly just bend in the breeze, so I think you could say that Ella's Pink Lady has proven herself to be a very tough little boat!
With my whole body clenched up holding on, various objects flying around the cabin and Ella's Pink Lady complaining loudly under the strain, it was impossible to know what damage there was on deck. It was a little hard at times to maintain my positive and rational thoughts policy, but overall I think I can say that the skipper held up us well as Ella's Pink Lady. It was certainly one of those times when you start questioning exactly why you're doing this, but at no point could I not answer my own question with a long list of reasons why the tough times like that aren't totally worth it!
So in the middle of all the drama, back at home Mum received just about the worst phone call possible from the Australian Rescue Coordination Center (RCC), telling her that one of my EPIRBs (emergency signaling devices) had been activated. One of the knockdowns had caused the automatic EPIRB mounted under the dodger to turn on without me knowing. Luckily I called in only a few minutes later before anyone could really start to panic. I was pretty annoyed at the stupid thing for going off and giving everyone such a scare!
We didn't come though completely un-scathed though, as there's plenty of minor damage, but luckily nothing bad enough to stop us. Actually I think it's a huge credit to our rigger David Lambourne, that the that mast is still standing and appears in perfect working condition. So other than the wonky looking targa, the starboard solar panel is all bent up and the windvane is now sitting on a bit of an angle, but amazingly and very luckily, it still works fine (go Parker!). There are also a few tears in the mainsail and one of the stanchions is bent in.
Down below, the cabin was a totally disaster zone, everything is wet or damp. The dunny (toilet) which fell apart, was in pieces spread from one end of the boat to the other, along with other equipment. The meth stove wont light, but will hopefully fire up when it dries out a little more.
After clearing up the worst of it and despite finally managing some good sleep, I still feel like a giant marshmallow. Physically, my arms and legs are all heavy and pathetic and of course I have a lovely collection of bruises! Mentally, I feel like I've aged a good 10 years, but I'm back to normal now and in good spirits as we approach the half way mark.
When the wind had finally calmed down, I was treated to a pretty incredible sunset and as I was clearing things up on deck, a couple of dolphins stopped by just as if they were checking that we were all OK.
I owe a huge thanks to Bruce, who was completely perfect, saying just the right things on the phone every time I called in and also to Bob who stayed up through the night to keep me updated on when the wind could be expected to ease.
I could go on forever, but better finish up as this has turned into a total novel and there's plenty still to do!
Jesse
Pic: The bent tubing on the targa frame from a rogue wave!
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Pre Storm Pics
Below are some pics Jessica captured before the big storm. For more information, please go to the Latest News section of Jessica's website at: www.jessicawatson.com.au
Pic 1: The rising sea just before the storm
Pic 2: The sea rising fast!
Pic 1: The rising sea just before the storm
Pic 2: The sea rising fast!
Thursday, January 21, 2010
What I Miss The Most
Ella's Pink Lady has been steadily plodding along north and east out into the Atlantic and yesterday I was treated to a day of incredible sunshine. It was so lovely that I actually drifted off to sleep, sprawled out across the cabin top (of course, with my Ella Bache sunscreen on!). The warm sun and the sound of the water against the hull had me nodding off within minutes.
Better still I was woken up by a pod of beautiful back and white dolphins swimming along next to us. As always they were a treat to watch, playing in the greeny, blue swell. Then there was the pretty pink sunset that I could actually enjoy sitting outside without feeling like my fingers and toes were about to fall off. Sorry, I feel like I'm bragging!
Seeing as I've been out here for over three months and very almost 100 days, I thought I'd put together a list of what I miss the most. Not that it's not all totally worth it out here!
Family and friends pretty obviously come first .Particularly my brother and sisters. Second is being able to sleep and relax without the constant feeling of needing to be ready for anything. Third would be sleep - long, uninterrupted sleep with no alarms and nothing to wake me! (That's how I intend on spending my first few weeks back home, so please don't make any plans for
me!).
Then there's walking. I really miss being able to stretch my legs on the beach or anywhere actually. And food. Even though I'm still not at all bored with what's on-board, I'm often having a craving for various types of fresh food, a crunchy salad, any type of fruit, even vegetables. I'd give a lot for a good cup of coffee, as you can't do much with slightly gross tank-water and powdered milk!
A long hot bath goes without saying and I can't say how much I'd appreciate someone else taking a turn at washing the dishes for a change!
Oh, and chocolate that hasn't been melted and re-set, I certainly miss that. It just doesn't taste the same!
It's another nice day in this part of the Atlantic. Ella's Pink Lady is reaching at 5knots with 13knots of wind. I'm off to put the fishing line out again. Something that I've neglected since it got cold. I'm not sure what there is to catch down this way, but no harm in trying right?
Jesse
Better still I was woken up by a pod of beautiful back and white dolphins swimming along next to us. As always they were a treat to watch, playing in the greeny, blue swell. Then there was the pretty pink sunset that I could actually enjoy sitting outside without feeling like my fingers and toes were about to fall off. Sorry, I feel like I'm bragging!
Seeing as I've been out here for over three months and very almost 100 days, I thought I'd put together a list of what I miss the most. Not that it's not all totally worth it out here!
Family and friends pretty obviously come first .Particularly my brother and sisters. Second is being able to sleep and relax without the constant feeling of needing to be ready for anything. Third would be sleep - long, uninterrupted sleep with no alarms and nothing to wake me! (That's how I intend on spending my first few weeks back home, so please don't make any plans for
me!).
Then there's walking. I really miss being able to stretch my legs on the beach or anywhere actually. And food. Even though I'm still not at all bored with what's on-board, I'm often having a craving for various types of fresh food, a crunchy salad, any type of fruit, even vegetables. I'd give a lot for a good cup of coffee, as you can't do much with slightly gross tank-water and powdered milk!
A long hot bath goes without saying and I can't say how much I'd appreciate someone else taking a turn at washing the dishes for a change!
Oh, and chocolate that hasn't been melted and re-set, I certainly miss that. It just doesn't taste the same!
It's another nice day in this part of the Atlantic. Ella's Pink Lady is reaching at 5knots with 13knots of wind. I'm off to put the fishing line out again. Something that I've neglected since it got cold. I'm not sure what there is to catch down this way, but no harm in trying right?
Jesse
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Typhoon Jetfighter and North Again
After a few days of light winds, we're only just properly clearing the Falkland Islands now. The birds, kelp and shipping that I've been seeing a lot of lately is steadily becoming less common as we head out in to the South Atlantic. I'm sure that it can be just as nasty as any ocean, but after looking over all the latest charts, I can't help being a bit surprised at how small the South Atlantic seems after the never ending Pacific!
The other day while slowly drifting off the coast of the Falklands, I was treated to a flyover from a RAF Typhoon Jetfighter. Even though I was expecting him, I still got quite a fright when he turned up making a pretty amazing noise as I was finishing my breakfast. He did a couple of passes, put a big smile on my face and then took off again. Very cool!
After seeing the pictures taken from the two flyovers, I'm totally thrilled at how great Pink Lady is looking, cute as ever! It's sure a credit to the many coats of anti-foul from International Paints that the hull is completely free of growth, and also to Ullman Sails that the sails are holding up
so well and still looking almost new! It's great to have come this far with so few signs of wear and tear.
With Cape Horn being the subject of all my attention for so long, it's strange now to refocus and start thinking ahead to the rest of the voyage and the other milestones along the way. Even though it's all been very exciting and a total novelty, I'm also glad to again be clear of land and the shipping that comes with it. It's nice to be able to settle back into some sort of vague attempt at a routine and to be able to sleep better knowing that it's just Ella's Pink Lady and I again. Actually I don't really think that you could describe my random sleeping and eating habits as routine!
Even out here I've been hearing all about the terrible earthquake in Haiti, I can't imagine what it must be like for the survivors and for everyone working with aid organisations in what sounds like horrific conditions. My thoughts and good wishes are with them. It's great to hear about all the support pouring in for them from all around the world.
Jesse
The other day while slowly drifting off the coast of the Falklands, I was treated to a flyover from a RAF Typhoon Jetfighter. Even though I was expecting him, I still got quite a fright when he turned up making a pretty amazing noise as I was finishing my breakfast. He did a couple of passes, put a big smile on my face and then took off again. Very cool!
After seeing the pictures taken from the two flyovers, I'm totally thrilled at how great Pink Lady is looking, cute as ever! It's sure a credit to the many coats of anti-foul from International Paints that the hull is completely free of growth, and also to Ullman Sails that the sails are holding up
so well and still looking almost new! It's great to have come this far with so few signs of wear and tear.
With Cape Horn being the subject of all my attention for so long, it's strange now to refocus and start thinking ahead to the rest of the voyage and the other milestones along the way. Even though it's all been very exciting and a total novelty, I'm also glad to again be clear of land and the shipping that comes with it. It's nice to be able to settle back into some sort of vague attempt at a routine and to be able to sleep better knowing that it's just Ella's Pink Lady and I again. Actually I don't really think that you could describe my random sleeping and eating habits as routine!
Even out here I've been hearing all about the terrible earthquake in Haiti, I can't imagine what it must be like for the survivors and for everyone working with aid organisations in what sounds like horrific conditions. My thoughts and good wishes are with them. It's great to hear about all the support pouring in for them from all around the world.
Jesse
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Highlights From An Incredible Few Days!
I'm going to apologize in advance for the over-use of exclamation marks (!), but it's certainly been an amazing few days! Sorry not to have updated you all earlier on my side of events, but after running on not much more than adrenalin for a good 4 days, I've only had one thing on my mind - sleep!
So much has happened lately. So many highs. But I'm going to start at the beginning with Tuesday and 60nm between us and the Cape. Passing squalls, the waves standing up a little as we passed in to shallower water, the wind settling into a consistent 40knots by nightfall, all made life pretty interesting.
But the fast disappearing miles till the Cape and sighting land (Diego Ramirez Island) on that afternoon had me completely pumped up and totally bouncing with excitement! Seeing land after so long was incredible. I can hardly remember feeling so thrilled, which when I think about it, seems like a bit of an overreaction considering I couldn't actually see anything more
than the outline of a grey bit of rock disappearing frequently, as we dropped into the troughs between waves. Through my eyes at the time, that distant bit of rock was the most beautiful and incredible thing I'd seen. It's amazing how deprivation can make something look a million times more special! I imagine that my first long hot shower when I get back home will be much the same!
That night was a busy and sleepless one as we approached the Cape. To ensure that we didn't just go surfing by in the dark, I put a bit of effort into slowing us down and just as it was getting light, there it was - the distinctive outline of Cape Horn!
Against the grey sky and with albatrosses flying in the foreground, it was just as I'd imagined for so long. Mythical and striking pretty much sums it up! The poor visibility didn't exactly make it the best sightseeing weather, but if we'd drifted comfortably by on a nice sunny day, it wouldn't have been half as special! In between taking pictures and phone calls, it was an extremely proud moment!
Then the flyover with Mum and Dad sure turned out to be quite an adventure in itself. With pretty poor weather conditions it was only on the third attempt that the plane managed to find Ella's Pink Lady. I'm sure you can imagine what an emotional roller-coaster it was for me, not to mention Mum and Dad. First I'd hear that they'd just taken off and would be overhead within a few hours. Then would come the bad news that they had to turn back! When the plane finally did find us, the 45 minutes that they spent overhead, passed in an extremely fast blur. I got myself very dizzy and totally tangled up in my tethers watching then fly around in circles! In the end I think it was a good thing that I couldn't really make out Mum and Dad through the windows, because if I had been able to I don't think that I would have managed to keep my composure. I owe a really big thanks to everyone who made the flyover happen.
Mostly the wind has been nice to us over the last two days and we're already very close to the Falklands. But with quite a bit of shipping around and with the side effects of all that adrenalin, I hardly managed any sleep at all till yesterday. Today I was treated to full clear skies and tonight I've got stars like I haven't had in a very long time!
But I haven't been the only one not getting a lot of sleep lately. Mum, Dad, Bruce and Andrew have all been keeping very strange hours and they're only a few of a very long list of people that played a huge part in seeing Ella's Pink Lady and I safely around the Cape. Thanks a million!!
Love Jesse
So much has happened lately. So many highs. But I'm going to start at the beginning with Tuesday and 60nm between us and the Cape. Passing squalls, the waves standing up a little as we passed in to shallower water, the wind settling into a consistent 40knots by nightfall, all made life pretty interesting.
But the fast disappearing miles till the Cape and sighting land (Diego Ramirez Island) on that afternoon had me completely pumped up and totally bouncing with excitement! Seeing land after so long was incredible. I can hardly remember feeling so thrilled, which when I think about it, seems like a bit of an overreaction considering I couldn't actually see anything more
than the outline of a grey bit of rock disappearing frequently, as we dropped into the troughs between waves. Through my eyes at the time, that distant bit of rock was the most beautiful and incredible thing I'd seen. It's amazing how deprivation can make something look a million times more special! I imagine that my first long hot shower when I get back home will be much the same!
That night was a busy and sleepless one as we approached the Cape. To ensure that we didn't just go surfing by in the dark, I put a bit of effort into slowing us down and just as it was getting light, there it was - the distinctive outline of Cape Horn!
Against the grey sky and with albatrosses flying in the foreground, it was just as I'd imagined for so long. Mythical and striking pretty much sums it up! The poor visibility didn't exactly make it the best sightseeing weather, but if we'd drifted comfortably by on a nice sunny day, it wouldn't have been half as special! In between taking pictures and phone calls, it was an extremely proud moment!
Then the flyover with Mum and Dad sure turned out to be quite an adventure in itself. With pretty poor weather conditions it was only on the third attempt that the plane managed to find Ella's Pink Lady. I'm sure you can imagine what an emotional roller-coaster it was for me, not to mention Mum and Dad. First I'd hear that they'd just taken off and would be overhead within a few hours. Then would come the bad news that they had to turn back! When the plane finally did find us, the 45 minutes that they spent overhead, passed in an extremely fast blur. I got myself very dizzy and totally tangled up in my tethers watching then fly around in circles! In the end I think it was a good thing that I couldn't really make out Mum and Dad through the windows, because if I had been able to I don't think that I would have managed to keep my composure. I owe a really big thanks to everyone who made the flyover happen.
Mostly the wind has been nice to us over the last two days and we're already very close to the Falklands. But with quite a bit of shipping around and with the side effects of all that adrenalin, I hardly managed any sleep at all till yesterday. Today I was treated to full clear skies and tonight I've got stars like I haven't had in a very long time!
But I haven't been the only one not getting a lot of sleep lately. Mum, Dad, Bruce and Andrew have all been keeping very strange hours and they're only a few of a very long list of people that played a huge part in seeing Ella's Pink Lady and I safely around the Cape. Thanks a million!!
Love Jesse
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Pictures of the Cape!
Pic 1: Surfing along in 40 knot winds approaching the Cape
Pic 2: The Cape - how exciting!
Pic 3: The Cape again looking almost mythical!
Pic 4: Despite the conditions, rounding Cape Horn was amazing, the highlight of the trip to date!
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Jessica Rounds Cape Horn!
http://www.jessicawatson.com.au/jessica-conquers-cape-horn
Pic below: Diego Ramirez Islands in the background, taken by Jessica earlier today, approx 60nm before reaching Cape Horn. This is significant in that it was the first land Jessica has seen since departing Sydney on 18 October.
Blogmaster Andrew
A Stones Throw from the Cape
With the wind gusting to 35knots Ella's Pink Lady is really surfing away the last 80nm to Cape Horn. It's looking like we'll be rounding the Cape first thing tomorrow morning, super exciting! Fingers crossed that the cloud lifts a little and I get a half decent view as we sail past.
Up in Punta Arenas (Chile), Mum and Dad are getting ready to take off later today and will be circling around overhead in a plane. We'll be able to chat over the VHF radio so looking forward to that.
Also, boats from both the Chilean Navy and Argentinian Navy are expected to swing by to give us a wave. It's been over a month since I've seen another boat and almost 3 months since I've seen another person, so I feel totally thrilled and spoiled to have so many guests all at once! I was extra careful brushing my hair this morning, (which is of course completely pointless in this wind!).
The other exciting news is that I heard from Dilip that he and Mhadei rounded the Cape ahead of us and are now on course to the Falklands to sort out his steering problems.
Anyway, there's plenty happening and things that need my attention out here, so I'm going to sign off for now.
Jesse
Up in Punta Arenas (Chile), Mum and Dad are getting ready to take off later today and will be circling around overhead in a plane. We'll be able to chat over the VHF radio so looking forward to that.
Also, boats from both the Chilean Navy and Argentinian Navy are expected to swing by to give us a wave. It's been over a month since I've seen another boat and almost 3 months since I've seen another person, so I feel totally thrilled and spoiled to have so many guests all at once! I was extra careful brushing my hair this morning, (which is of course completely pointless in this wind!).
The other exciting news is that I heard from Dilip that he and Mhadei rounded the Cape ahead of us and are now on course to the Falklands to sort out his steering problems.
Anyway, there's plenty happening and things that need my attention out here, so I'm going to sign off for now.
Jesse
Monday, January 11, 2010
Closing on the Cape. Slowly!
I'm really not having the most exciting time down here at the moment. We've still got very, very little wind meaning very, very little progress towards the Cape. All this slow progress and light winds really wasn't something I expected in these latitudes, so I've sure had to adjust my expectations.
Yesterday the wind dropped out again to the point that Ella's Pink Lady sat completely stationary rolling on a glassy swell for quite a few hours. Making any ground at all in conditions like this means a lot of sitting out in the cold, either hand steering or constantly adjusting Parker to keep us on the right heading. I have to say I'm a lot more prone to giving up and just letting us drift and going back in to the warmer cabin, than I was when we were becalmed in the warmer areas in the doldrums!
To try to take my mind off the tedious speeds and uncomfortable rolling, I've been working away at a few books, totally throwing myself into the stories. Mum keeps asking me what books I'm reading and I think she's a bit surprised at my replies. I've hardly picked up an adventure or sailing story since leaving. Instead I've been reading and re-reading the most mindless, trashy
stories that I have. When part of your mind (and often all of it) is constantly thinking of nothing but sailing and all the different aspects of looking after Ella's Pink Lady, the last thing I feel like doing is reading about more sailing!
So things out here couldn't be more different to all the stories of swimming, sunshine, diving and surfing from back home. But as always, I wouldn't be anywhere else. Having no wind can completely drive you up the wall, but at the same time seeing the surface of the big, gentle swell become so glassy that it reflects the moody, grey sky is just incredible. So good things still do come with the bad.
Anyway down to business. The has wind has finally picked up to a steady 12knots in the last few hours, so Ella's Pink Lady is pushing along nicely again now. You have no idea how good it feels to be moving again! We've still got about 270nm till Cape Horn and if the wind behaves as expected, we are aiming for the rounding sometime on the 13th.
I've got all my fingers, toes, limbs and everything else crossed hoping that the weather works out ok for the fly-over with Mum and Dad!
Rounding the Cape is sure going to be a huge milestone!
Jesse
Yesterday the wind dropped out again to the point that Ella's Pink Lady sat completely stationary rolling on a glassy swell for quite a few hours. Making any ground at all in conditions like this means a lot of sitting out in the cold, either hand steering or constantly adjusting Parker to keep us on the right heading. I have to say I'm a lot more prone to giving up and just letting us drift and going back in to the warmer cabin, than I was when we were becalmed in the warmer areas in the doldrums!
To try to take my mind off the tedious speeds and uncomfortable rolling, I've been working away at a few books, totally throwing myself into the stories. Mum keeps asking me what books I'm reading and I think she's a bit surprised at my replies. I've hardly picked up an adventure or sailing story since leaving. Instead I've been reading and re-reading the most mindless, trashy
stories that I have. When part of your mind (and often all of it) is constantly thinking of nothing but sailing and all the different aspects of looking after Ella's Pink Lady, the last thing I feel like doing is reading about more sailing!
So things out here couldn't be more different to all the stories of swimming, sunshine, diving and surfing from back home. But as always, I wouldn't be anywhere else. Having no wind can completely drive you up the wall, but at the same time seeing the surface of the big, gentle swell become so glassy that it reflects the moody, grey sky is just incredible. So good things still do come with the bad.
Anyway down to business. The has wind has finally picked up to a steady 12knots in the last few hours, so Ella's Pink Lady is pushing along nicely again now. You have no idea how good it feels to be moving again! We've still got about 270nm till Cape Horn and if the wind behaves as expected, we are aiming for the rounding sometime on the 13th.
I've got all my fingers, toes, limbs and everything else crossed hoping that the weather works out ok for the fly-over with Mum and Dad!
Rounding the Cape is sure going to be a huge milestone!
Jesse
Friday, January 8, 2010
Becalmed
Just a quick update. Becalmed today, but the Albatrosses have joined us again (see pic below).
Only 450nm to Cape Horn and I'm even more excited now as Mum and Dad flew out of Australia today to watch Ella's Pink Lady rounding the Cape!
Jesse
Pic: Becalmed in the Southern Ocean with Albatrosses sitting in the water off Ella's Pink Lady's bow
Only 450nm to Cape Horn and I'm even more excited now as Mum and Dad flew out of Australia today to watch Ella's Pink Lady rounding the Cape!
Jesse
Pic: Becalmed in the Southern Ocean with Albatrosses sitting in the water off Ella's Pink Lady's bow
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Closing on the Cape
Thanks for being patient waiting for the next blog. My great shore team will always post an update when I don't have the time to.
The wind hit 40 knots again on Tuesday which kept life interesting and a little bouncy. Since then it's steadily dropped off to my current 8 knots today, which is really only just enough to keep us moving, slowly!
In typical Southern Ocean style, the visibility hasn't been great with almost constant light, misty drizzle and not the slightest hint of a clear sky. But no complaints from me. Like I've said before, in its own way it's just as pretty as sunshine and blue water. Looking at it another way, you could always say that at least the low visibility means that you can see very little of the bad weather!
The good news is that I was able to fix the little problem with the mainsheet block easily. But the bad news is that despite spending yesterday morning trying to fix the heater, it still won't play nice! Oh well, on the scale of things the heater not working really isn't much of a problem, just one of those optional extras.
I'm really starting to get pretty excited about Cape Horn as we're getting so close now, with just over 500nm to go!
That's going to have to be it from me today as my fingers as are pretty keen to slip back into some nice warm gloves!
Jesse
The wind hit 40 knots again on Tuesday which kept life interesting and a little bouncy. Since then it's steadily dropped off to my current 8 knots today, which is really only just enough to keep us moving, slowly!
In typical Southern Ocean style, the visibility hasn't been great with almost constant light, misty drizzle and not the slightest hint of a clear sky. But no complaints from me. Like I've said before, in its own way it's just as pretty as sunshine and blue water. Looking at it another way, you could always say that at least the low visibility means that you can see very little of the bad weather!
The good news is that I was able to fix the little problem with the mainsheet block easily. But the bad news is that despite spending yesterday morning trying to fix the heater, it still won't play nice! Oh well, on the scale of things the heater not working really isn't much of a problem, just one of those optional extras.
I'm really starting to get pretty excited about Cape Horn as we're getting so close now, with just over 500nm to go!
That's going to have to be it from me today as my fingers as are pretty keen to slip back into some nice warm gloves!
Jesse
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Cold!
The good news is that so far the wind hasn't been nearly as strong as expected. But on the down side, it sure has been and still is very cold!
The cabin temp has been sitting on 4 degrees Celsius and the wind chill outside is really quite something. Handling wet lines on deck is just downright painful, but mostly I'm staying toasty warm in all my layers. But without any help from the heater which seems to have picked this as a good time to blast cold air rather than hot! I think the problem is fixable but that's going to have to wait till things are a little quieter.
I've also got a little problem with a block on the main sheet (the line that controls the mainsail). Again it's not a biggy, but for now I've got the mainsail down and seeing as there's still plenty of wind, Ella's Pink Lady is making good ground with just the headsail up.
So as I'm writing this, the wind is sitting at about 30knots and it's just become daylight again to reveal an angry, grey ocean. Nothing too serious, but I'm still a bit on edge, as there's more wind expected again today and the odd big wave is knocking us around a bit.
With everything in order there's not really much for me to do for now, so in between frequent glances at the instruments and out the companionway I've been reading, watching the occasional DVD and working my way through all the messages and comments from you guys.
I hope I don't sound like a broken record, but once again thanks so much for all the messages of support. Whenever I sit down to down to read them, I normally laugh and smile the whole way through!
Oh, and I just love the way you guys all keep yourselves entertained chatting in my absence!
Jesse
The cabin temp has been sitting on 4 degrees Celsius and the wind chill outside is really quite something. Handling wet lines on deck is just downright painful, but mostly I'm staying toasty warm in all my layers. But without any help from the heater which seems to have picked this as a good time to blast cold air rather than hot! I think the problem is fixable but that's going to have to wait till things are a little quieter.
I've also got a little problem with a block on the main sheet (the line that controls the mainsail). Again it's not a biggy, but for now I've got the mainsail down and seeing as there's still plenty of wind, Ella's Pink Lady is making good ground with just the headsail up.
So as I'm writing this, the wind is sitting at about 30knots and it's just become daylight again to reveal an angry, grey ocean. Nothing too serious, but I'm still a bit on edge, as there's more wind expected again today and the odd big wave is knocking us around a bit.
With everything in order there's not really much for me to do for now, so in between frequent glances at the instruments and out the companionway I've been reading, watching the occasional DVD and working my way through all the messages and comments from you guys.
I hope I don't sound like a broken record, but once again thanks so much for all the messages of support. Whenever I sit down to down to read them, I normally laugh and smile the whole way through!
Oh, and I just love the way you guys all keep yourselves entertained chatting in my absence!
Jesse
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Calm Before The Storm
It's been calm and sunny again today. I spent the morning doing jobs on deck and soaking in the lovely sunshine. Talk about a treat to have such lovely conditions!
I end-for-ended the headsail sheets, runners and windvane lines (as they were all showing signs of chafe), re-lashed the spinnaker poles, scrubbed at a few rust stains and re-stowed all my rubbish in the aft locker.
But it doesn't look like the calm is going to last though, with the wind forecast to really start coming up again tomorrow. Its sounds like this one is going to be pretty nasty, so this is probably the last time you'll hear from me for a few days. But please don't worry as Ella's Pink Lady and I are completely ready for it!
The wind is not expected to be too much stronger than last time, but it is blowing straight up from Antarctica, so it is expected to be very cold. The little diesel heater will probably cop a bit of a workout!
My action plan for this one is really very simple; stay calm and confident. If I can't manage that, then I will fake it and just pretend to be!
I'm off to get some sleep while I can.
Jesse
I end-for-ended the headsail sheets, runners and windvane lines (as they were all showing signs of chafe), re-lashed the spinnaker poles, scrubbed at a few rust stains and re-stowed all my rubbish in the aft locker.
But it doesn't look like the calm is going to last though, with the wind forecast to really start coming up again tomorrow. Its sounds like this one is going to be pretty nasty, so this is probably the last time you'll hear from me for a few days. But please don't worry as Ella's Pink Lady and I are completely ready for it!
The wind is not expected to be too much stronger than last time, but it is blowing straight up from Antarctica, so it is expected to be very cold. The little diesel heater will probably cop a bit of a workout!
My action plan for this one is really very simple; stay calm and confident. If I can't manage that, then I will fake it and just pretend to be!
I'm off to get some sleep while I can.
Jesse
Friday, January 1, 2010
Happy New Year!
I've had a very different day again. We've spent the day almost completely becalmed. But the novelty of having a clear sky, sunshine, slightly warmer temperature and the company of two Albatrosses that kept me from getting too frustrated.
There was so little wind that even the Albatrosses were flapping their wings today. I know a lot of you have requested some pics, so I had the chance to get some close ups today as they kept landing on the water right next to Ella's Pink Lady (see pics below). An Albatross taking off without any wind is very clumsy, as they have to flap hard to lift themselves off the water which is very out of character for such graceful birds!
I also caught some vision on video (see Videos section of my website).
So it's now New Years Eve for me and now just 5 minutes away from midnight (see pic below). There's quite the wild party planned out here, all the big names from miles around are attending! Entertainment will include party poppers and a range of my favourite treats will be served - believe me, the treats are one part that you really don't want to miss!
This makes it the second New Year in a row that I've spent at sea. Last year I was out in that Tasman sailing another 34footer to New Zealand. As it was only the third day out and a bit bouncy, we were still all feeling a bit queasy. So the treats that Mum had packed for us last year were completely ignored. But not this year!!
Deciding on my New Year's resolution wasn't exactly hard. I think that getting back to Sydney safely will be quite enough of a challenge and my main wish for 2010!
Happy New Year everyone and thanks so much again for all your support!
Jesse
This makes it the second New Year in a row that I've spent at sea. Last year I was out in that Tasman sailing another 34footer to New Zealand. As it was only the third day out and a bit bouncy, we were still all feeling a bit queasy. So the treats that Mum had packed for us last year were completely ignored. But not this year!!
Deciding on my New Year's resolution wasn't exactly hard. I think that getting back to Sydney safely will be quite enough of a challenge and my main wish for 2010!
Happy New Year everyone and thanks so much again for all your support!
Jesse
Pic 1: Just before midnight on New Year's Eve with the moon and its path on the water!
Pic 2: Albatross at sunset
Pic 3: The Albatross in full flight
Pic 4: Even the Albatross likes a rest sometimes!
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