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
Monday, January 11, 2010
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
489 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 401 – 489 of 489Hello Jess. This is all very exciting Jess. Thinking of you right now. It's the 12th here in New Zealand, Tuesday. But you go around Cape Horne on our Thursday. Can't wait to hear from you as you go around Cape Horne. Take Care. Love from Grandma Viv. New Zealand. x
Hi Jesse
Some info of the Albrtrosses I found on the net for you and your
world wide friend's
Info: Albatrosses are one of the most marine of all birds, traversing the oceans of the southern hemisphere, and only returning to land to breed. The dark eye-stripe of this species gives this bird its common English name... (more)
Threats: The greatest threat to this species is thought to be an increase in bycatch as a result of longline fishing in the southern oceans, especially along the Patagonian Shelf off the east coast of Argentina and Uruguay... (more)
Placemark details: Black-browed albatrosses spend much of their lives at sea in the Southern Ocean, feeding on fish, squid, octopus and crustaceans, as well as carrion floating on the water's surface.
You too are a rare breed for which
we need to admirer and protect
Robert
Brisbane
New news info has been published on www.jessicawatson.com.au. She had 150 nm to go on tuesday 9PM (Aus east time).
Since the wind will be relatively strong, the passage of Cape Horn can now be estimated to around Wednesday 9-11 PM (Aus east time) or 10-12 AM (Greenwich) or 5-7 AM (US east), about same local time. This is well after sunrise, so there will be daylight.
Can't wait!
Hay Jess,
Good to see your closing in on the Cape. Hope it turns out to be a beautiful day with plenty of visability when you go round.
Stay safe and hooked on.
Tim and Rosie
Caboolture
Michael how was your Birthday?
Hope you had a good one.
Hi Jesse,
Thinking of you always, you must be getting excited now.
Take care little one,
The McGraths, Nowra NSW
Lori, Brisbane to Ground Control -
Thank you SO much for the update, it is so exciting isn't it, hope it doesn't get too blowy out there just now or she will shoot straight past and miss the sights, and have to do a 'U turn' and do it over!
Good luck Jesse and big hi to all fellow bloggers, spine tingling stuff now........x
-Lori, Brisbane
Thanks for the update ground crew it is much appreciated.
You go Jesse! It wouldn't be nearly as exciting if you rounded Cape Horn without any strong winds. We know you can handle anything thats thrown at you.
The combined energy from your online family is with you all the way.
All the very best,
Bluefin, Buderim, Queensland.
Prayers are zinging your way Jesse
Love and hugs
Evie from Bendigo
according to the last position posting, you have now crossed meridian number 072 West, headed for 071.
WELCOME JESSICA, WE SALUTE YOU.
Joshua Slocum set off in his SPRAY more than 100 years ago to become the first person to circumnavigate the world, solo. He was about 6,000 nautical miles north of you, but on the same longitude when he set sail.
We are proud of Captain Slocum, AND I AM EXCEEDINGLY PROUD OF CAPTAIN JESSICA WATSON.
You have joined the ranks of great sailors and adventurers.
YOU LIFT THE HUMAN SPIRIT.
YOU IMPROVE THE HUMAN CONDITION.
YOU SHOW US THE WAY.
WELCOME JESSICA, WE SALUTE YOU.
Fair Winds,
Richard Lathrop
Hi Jessica,
Good luck and GOD SPEED on rounding the cape.
Don't forget to take a photo of your parents plane when they fly over and post the shot.
Cheers,
Nick
Sydney, Australia
Captain Jessica
All of your blog family are with you as you round the cape. Just read the shore team update that the winds will pick up, but conditions will ease as you and EPL round the cape. What a celebration that will be....
As the bette midler song says " You are the wind beneath my wings" you can sing that as you round the cape.
Keep positive, another milestone is now within arms reach - grab it with both hands and pat yourself on the back Jesse.
Thinking of you.
Carole (Mackay) QLD
Hey Jess
I forgot to add, that it will be such a high for you to get around the cape and to hopefully (visability permitting) see your parents fly over - rejoyce in the moment - smile a lot as you pat yourself on the back - and cheer loudly - as we are all cheering loudly for you too.
No doubt you will feel emotional and perhaps a tad homesick, that is only natural.... but keep focussed and most of all reward yourself for this most amazing milestone in your adventure.
Have you decided what your treat will be? Hot milo and biscuits perhaps?
Yay for Jess !!! Im hoping for a clear day and calm seas as you round the cape - but whatever is thrown at you - you can handle !
Carole :) :) :)
Hi Jesse,
we know that you are well prepared for the rounding of the cape and our thoughts are with you.
Thanks to the shore crew (or 'ground control'...) for the update.
For the weather observers and hobby meteos: there is a weather station on Isla Diego Ramirez which is abt. 50 miles SW of Cape Horn - here's the link (hope it works) with a forecast for the Drake Passage: http://www.wunderground.com/global/stations/85972.html
Take care,
Sven, Hamburg.
Hi Jesse,
The Cape is just one more achievement that I am confident you will add to your tally. Remember Nike......"just do it"
We know you will and look forward to hearing you on the other side.
Take care Jesse we look forward to talking to you in the ATLANTIC Ocean
Steve..........Sydney
Jesse, I'm so excited for you! What a milestone. Your blog is wonderful and a great book in the making. What an incredible future you are resolutely shaping for yourself. There is no greater joy than to live your passion. Well done Sweet Pea...hmmm don't know where THAT came from! Despite your strength, competance and a maturity beyond your years it appears you have lost nothing of your obvious warmth and femininity Jesse. WOW, now that is a complete package. GO girl, we are all so proud of you. What a joyous yet emotional wave coming up. Can hardly stand the tension and longing to hear you have made it safely around Cape Horne.
Blessings and love.
Susan in Melbourne.
Impresionante!!!.. Sigue Adelante!.
Oscar
Brisbane
We landlubbers in Tallahassee (Florida) are right with you! What an amazing journey you are on! We are constantly amazed at your spirit and your skills. Hope the fly-over goes well!!
- Tom and Judith
Looks like it isnt going to be boring around the Cape. 20kt winds already.
Obviously this is keeping you busy.
Go Jesse, show the world how its done, especially the critics.
Go Jesse,
we're all behind you in spirit as you head into the gale and round the cape...
thanks to your shore team for the update.
Go Jesse... Go Safely... Go Well.
jo
Jessica, el cabo de hornos es tuyo, disfruta este momento, ya ingresaste en la historia de los grandes aventureros, buenos vientos para ti.
Jessica, Cape Horn is yours, enjoy this moment, and entered on the history of the great adventurers, good winds to you
The wold is watching,hoping ,praying
and waiting for two very special safe deliveries.
JESSE and DOKKOON
.............._...................
............./..\---\.............
..._______|..(O)..\...............
.//..........\_...\_\.\...//......
|.|...............|..\.\_//.......
..|..\.......\..../\...\__/.......
./|...|------|...|.\..............
/_|__|......|__|_|................
Dokkoon is about to deliver Melbourne Zoos first baby elephant and I can hardly wait!!!!!We need a worldwide blog prayer for the safe passage for these two special girls Jesse and Dokkoon.
Nature Rules.
Sally inMelbourne by Anticipation Bay and the waiting is almost more than I can bear.
Hello Captain Jesse,
Jessica DRIFTING "round the cape".....NO WAY.....GAME ON !! ...let's...GO GO GO JESSE.
Thanks ground crew for the update.
Julie and Roger and family and team....my heart is "racing" in anticipation. I hope the view from the air will be spectacular.
Jesse....safe journey...BIG HUG.
john,
Bay of Quinte, Lake Ontario, Canada
PS Happy Birthday Michael...still young at (74) or is that now (75)?
Thanks to Room 401/RIO The Homework Dog (Jesse is secretly doing her homework...multi-tasking)
With you Jess!
Hi Jessica, I love to read your great blogs and to follow your progress, and like everyone else I am getting excited as you get closer to Cape Horn.
I wish you safe sailing around the Horn, with just the right amount of wind in EPL's sails. How great for you that your parents will be flying over to see you from the air as you round the Horn.
I hope your 'crew' are all ready for this exciting event !
Best of good wishes.
Beth, Queensland
Hi JW Bloggers,
I found this music video done to a Glenn Tilbrook song saying it's a tribute to Jessica's voyage. A few pics of Jesse interlaced with a lot of video of some woman dancing on a beach.
He incorrectly identifies the singer as Grant Tilbrook not Glenn Tilbrook
Anyway it's on YouTube - you know what to do.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SElkzW_mzAw
Nice melody and something to do (if you want to) while waiting for the rounding.
Georgia Guy
USA
Dear Stephen M.,
Transplanted ''Aussie'',
Maryland .USA.,
January 12, 2010 7:06 AM
You said...
The ''world family'' should get together and do a Banner that reads.....''YOU GO GIRL,THE WORLD FAMILY IS WITH YOU,MUCH LOVE AND SUPPORT''
Well, this is the best I can do for now. Albert Ross is a big help 'though, don't you think?
Sorry I couldn't find a pink flag.
Cheers...Sam
Keep your spirits up Jesse...you will be moving soon...as for the cold...im in Minnesota, USA...and its been about -13 degrees here...so i feel your pain:) Stay warm and stay positive:)
Jessica
Sail on!
Michael
So glad to hear Ella's sails were once again filled with energy to get you moving along.
I am praying for good weather for you and your parents to get that precious glimpse of their daughter.
My son is in the Coast Guard and I remember driving to a local point here in Santa Barbara binoculars in hand so we could go get a glimpse of the ship as they passed through our channel.What we parents do to see our kids :))
blessings to you Jessica,
julia
Hi Jessica and fellow bloggers
This (below in quotes) is something I posted on Commander Donde's website but it represents how I am feeling right now.
"I am a big football fan (American football not soccer) and your and Jessica's Cape rounding is like watching the Super Bowl in the fourth quarter, with maybe 30 seconds remaining, and the game is all tied up.
You want it decided (somebody to win), you're on the edge of your seat waiting for it to happen, but in the back of your mind the nagging feeling of having to deal with the event coming to conclusion.
I am certainly sure there are more adventures to come in the personal odyssey both of you have undertaken but rounding the Horn is the "biggie" as it has been for centuries for those who go down to the sea in ships."
In this respect however, I am pulling equally for both teams in the game - you Jessica and The Commander!
Safe sailing and Godspeed.
Georgia Guy
USA
"
Hi Jesse,
Welcome to my time zone! I bet you can hardly believe your almost around Cape Horn! Your patience is about to be rewarded. Here is a quote I found on the Cruuisers Forum
Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage.
Anais Nin
Jesse, you are Livin Large!
Sail On Hero Jesse!
Richard W
dwe are all keepimg por fijmgers crossed too, bit it is jard to tupe tis way!
Thinkinf od you Jess!
Ann in toa snm (Taos, NM, UsA)
Dear Jessica!!! (Beverly here in Tassie). You should be wading EPL's whiskers in the first drops of water of Drakes Passage. It is Wed mng, 3:55am and I cannot sleep! I just wish somehow, someone could be filming you live so we could watch you perform this wonderful fete of rounding the Horn. I can't imagine what is going on in your mind, your parents' mind, the blog families' minds. Heavens, I imagine half the world is awake just waiting for you to accomplish this. So for Heaven's sake, just put the "crew" to work rowing (oops, can't do that) have them blow into the sails, have the Albatross' swim around to make waves heading for the Horn to carry you along on the current.
In all seriousness - while you are arched back looking up at Mom & Dad's plane, PLEASE be careful! Don't want you to lose your balance and fall over backwards. Make sure you are CLIPPED ON, and have one hand holding onto something as you wave with the other. As one blogger said, your safety is the most important and I'm sure we all agree!
Have you dug into the food bags to make sure you have lots of chocolate to eat in celebration?
Weather has cooled down here immensely, thank God! Whereas yesterday was 38C, today was 31C, tomorrow is supposed to be 21C. That I can handle. Now if I could get to sleep before 6am. See, we (here in our cul-de-sac) have been adopted by a "rogue" rooster. He is really, really beautiful. Deep colours of dark brown, oranges, and reds and he is really big. But...he starts off crowing across the way at 6am, fine, that's what roosters are supposed to do. But nobody taught this one any manners, then he walks across the road to our house, we have a 10 foot hedge around the front and side so he likes to get under it, and the following happens. He crows at 7am for about 10 mins, then he is real quiet til about 10 to 8am, then he is in another spot under the hedge so I reckon he has to crow to claim that area, so another 10 mins he's at it. Then all is quiet and I slip back into a blissful slumber. But alas, not for long, now he's next door for the 9am and 10am wake-up calls. I have never heard of a rooster waking people up for 4 hours. So, if some day you hear of me saying what a nice tea we had of "chicken" and dumplings, you will know the crowing got to me...and "as the raven quoth...Nevermore."
Well, just me rambling again! Hi to all the blog family and welcome to all you new members. And a hearty, warm hello to Jessica's Grandma & Grandpa. You are two very special people, and your grand-daughter is a chip off the ol' block.
Okay Jesse, remember that God is right there beside you and I imagine He is getting excited for you as well. He has feelings just like you and me you know. So tell Him how thankful you are you have been able to embark on this journey, how thankful you are for your parents and their love for you and the fact they are coming just to see you round the Cape, even though they know they can't hug you. And His Legions of Angels are surrounding you and EPL, guiding you safely and surely around the Horn and into the Atlantic. {{{HUGS}}} Beverly & Andrew Penney, Bridgewater, Tasmania
"BEGIN AGAIN IN 2010"
AUSSIE AUSSIE AUSSIE OI OI OI
(even tho' I'm American, we won't tell). See ya - GOD BLESS
Verification word was "saling" guess they don't know how to spell "sailing", LOL
CHEERS, see you in the Atlantic
Beverly
01-12-10 @13:48
Hi Jessica,
Just read the up-date from the Shore Crew, so it will be a little ‘bumpy’ now and pick up a little more later on, nothing you, and EPL can’t handle. Then you get into the ‘good news area’ and it sounds like some pretty good sailing coming around the Cape.
Be strong, and keep the faith, you’ll do fine.
Loads of love and hugs, your faithful fan and follower.
May God be with you and watch over you and may the angels keep your sails full, and I, I will keep you in my prayers.
Michael (75) from Kingwood, WV
To Mike Hezakiah299, Hi neighbor, Happy Birthday Mike, even tho late. I had to quit my job to take care of mom here, things are very hectic, but Happy Birthday nonetheless, OK? At the moment I'm fixing the neighbors snowblower.
I'm getting nervous, but I just KNOW Jessica will navigate thru the Cape w/o complications. She has a very strong boat, and we are all in that cabin with her!
Jess knows that. Mike, isn't Jessica an AMAZING girl? I truly
hope Jessica can make visual contact with her mom and dad.
ELBOW YOUR WAY IN THERE JESSICA
Tons of prayers your way,
Fingers are crossed.
GO SWEETIE GO
Jessica - what a joy to get to follow your trip. I'm from the US and I spent some time on the water growing up (and my dad just finished sailing to Australia from here!). I harbored dreams of being the youngest to sail solo around the world when I was growing up, and I'm very happy to get to watch you actually put the effort into DOing it. Your reports of 40knot winds make me a wee bit squeamish - we weathered one storm with similar winds and I remember the waves being spectacular to watch (although I did most of my watching hanging off the back of the boat...ew). Well, now I'm landlocked in South Dakota (the geographic middle of the US) and very happily reporting news of how far you've gotten to my husband each week. Quite a nice diversion from -37 degree Celsius weather here. Thanks for sharing your trip with all of us! We're thinking of you.
Laura Jean
South Dakota, USA
Jessica,
Good luck on making more headway on rounding the cape! I have everything crossed for you. I love reading your blog and I always try and leave a comment when I can. Always wishing you the best.
Jessica
Virgina USA
01-12-10 @13:13
Hello Shore Crew,
Thanks for the up-date, I figure we won’t be getting any posts from Jessica, until she passes thru this section. Looks like she’ll be pretty busy concentrating on sailing.
So all of us ‘Jess stressed Jessaholics’ will be hoping you’ll keep us informed as to what’s happening with our girl. Thank you.
You guys are a great team, and I can only imagine how busy you are. I look at other blogs and they don’t get 1/10th the amount of posts as Jessica gets.
But then she is special. Oh, yeah…….. Thanks again.
For gsimmons, Patricia, Richard and John, Albacore Lia Fail, RichieParis.
Thanks for the Birthday wishes and neat comments, I really did appreciate them, but I didn’t celebrate like I did 40 or 50 years ago. (Wow, them numbers really make it look bad, I am getting old). LOL…..
Michael (75) from Kingwood, WV
it is a joy to follow you!
I've enjoyed watching some of Mike Perham's videos. Here's the link if anyone is interested.
http://www.totallymoney.com/sailmike/?page_id=50#
OOOOO Jesse Jesse OOOOO
Magnificent...
Having some gale force winds up to 35 knots is nothing else than a kind of celebration by the forces of Nature bowing at your passage
Thank you, Shore Team guys, for letting us savour your beautiful job all along the last hours... So we can imagine you steering your indomitable Ella's Pink Lady through the swell and make a triumphant entrance in the Atlantic Ocean/
What a work, what an example, what an inspiration... The tears are in my eyes.
You are like the heroic rider, on your white stallion (in the shape of a good pink yacht, ok), gallopping on the ocean and jumping over the waves. A legend, the word is appropriate.
Australia must be not far from bursting from pride.
How will your great country feel when you will enter Sydney Harbour? Possibly somewhere between collapsing and jumping high enough to touch the stars. You are the brightest of all tonight.
Good morning Jesse - if all goes to plan you will be achieving your prized possession in the next 24 hours, wow, we are so proud of you and everything you stand for.
Breath in the moment as we hold our breath that all is well with you achieving this moment in time.
To Michael, WV, thank you for your reply. :)
To Jenny, Sunshine Coast, happy 21st birthday. I remember I just couldn't wait to be 21, but now cannot remember why. :)
Jesse, you are in our hearts and prayers always....x
-Lori, Brisbane
Hey Jesse,
You must be half way round the cape by now, just a short note to wish you well and hope everything is going OK, I would guess your parents are flying over about now. Give them a wave for all of us.
God speed.
Fair winds and following seas.
Angus.
Hi Jess (and blogfolks). Still around, just having a great time with 13000 other Scouts here at the 22nd Australian Jamboree near Sydney. We are watching your progress and getting ready for a big united push, if required.
Your calm weather doesn't surprise me at all and I hope that anybody in a responsible position will reconsider a sceptic attitude to climate change. Years ago, way back in the Stone Age when I went to school, being tuned to traditional Geography lessons, I encountered a progressive teacher, who rejected established school books full of boundaries, capital cities, rivers, mountains and other well known features only to impress on us, that all these features can be changed by the push of a button, be it by weapons in war or skillful engineering in peace. "BUT ( and class pay attention...!), we can not change the climate yet. So, bear with me, when going through the world regions this year our main subject will be climate research". That was roughly 30 years ago. I hope for my teacher that he is still alive and being well (in retirement...), but your theories have been changed by Man's ability to trash this planet as well. So folks, relax, take every day as it comes, do your best to keep this earth in a better shape and thank those who have the power to turn things in the right directions but couldn't be bothered, because they are too busy negotiating secretly with those who are too keen to figure out how to milk this environment from "white to pink" (pump the cow until you suck into the blood stream...).
And please, stop pesting Jess to reveal what trashy novel she is reading. Being the "Pastel Blue Lady" (from shivering in the cold) that she is, she is politely trying to explain, that she is reading the comments of the blog.
O.k., folks, as usual after my appearance, start throwing your rotten eggs, tomatoes and false teeth in my direction. I'm out of here, lapping up the great atmosphere of this Australian Jamboree (in 39 C heat...) before its going back to frosty cold Germany.
Regards
Victor C. Pankouken
Dear Jessica,
Very very proud and surprrised at your maturity of interpreting the rolling or drifting time...its vaery natural to be impatient at such points...when you are stuck at the glassy sea..
and as the law of the universe goes " this too shall pass"...you are moving again..
All the best to go around the horn and for waving at your proud parents...have fun
Dilip is experiencing a gale again after crossing the horn...hope it will subside soon and hope you will have a fair weather tomorrow
What's the plan for celebrating rounding of the horn???
take care and be safe
Swati (India)
Hey, Bengt. Have you calculated yet, what to have for lunch ?
Jessica,
Forget the blogging, you got your hands full, looks like strong head winds the next couple of days according to passageweather.com. It'll be 'bouncy', hang in there, you can and will DO IT.
Wishing you the right winds in that neck of the seas,
Steve from SCalifornia
Be careful and look out for icebergs! We hope you get to see your mum and dad and fix your heater. We're cheering for you!
We wish you safe sailing.
Mrs. Hardman's Class
Inza R. Wood Middle School
Wilsonville, Oregon, USA
You are doing GREAT! Wish we were there.
Fellow sailor from USA
The World is waiting. JESSICA WATSON slowly rounds Cape Horn. Lousy wind conditions aren't much of a help for her slow progress. A restless murmur is stirring the crowd locked to their internet terminals.
And there is "Ella's Pink Lady", her deck close to the waterline loaded with numerous fat albatrosses, hitching a ride into fame.
So bear with Jessica, standing in the middle of this travelling colony, swinging one big bird after the other off bord, yelling to the world: "ALBATROSS. COME AND GET YOUR A L B A T R O S S ...!"
You're doing an excellent job in approaching the Cape. And you will do a whale of a good job in rounding it! You've planned, you're prepared, you'll persevere!
Your 'whole-world' family is thinking of you continually and sending special good wishes and prayers your way! Your victory will be ours too! :)
Keep your goal in mind and press onward!!
YOU GO GIRL!
Hugs and prayers,
Janell in Oklahoma, USA
Hey Jess,
You are so inspiring to us all . Could this be the big Day. Stay safe and enjoy the moment as you sail through. Our prayers are with you always.
The Lovells Nelson NZ
Hi Jesse,
So happy those 12 knots gave you you the push you needed as you edge toward Cape Horn!! We are all rooting you on and... singing... shouting..... lighting sparklers and jumping up and down on those little springer trampoline things for you here in Michigan!!! We wish we could be there and hail you on as you curve around the tip of South America. How close will you be able to see your parents from where your sailing?
Well, see you around the corner! Love Gypsy, Barb, Jenny and Tigger
Shore Crew
Thanks for the update was getting stressed to the max not hearing anything.
Jesse - have got everything crossed as well - good luck - we're all with you.
Love Aunty Chris, Country Music Capital Tamworth, NSW, Oz.
Good morning Jess
Here I am, not far from where you live on my little place thinking why do I live in Dubbo! Family has alot to do with it as you will no doubt come to terms with later in life. Enough of my complaining. Nearly there "flying' maybe even "jetting" along at huge speeds towards the Horn. Isn't it great reading junky books now and then...makes you think why do people bother writing them? So suckers like us buy them and read them and they are on some tropical island laughing and living off their profits...ah well that's life.
Hey Jess go go go stay rested and clipped and warm
Sea ya
Dusty from Dubbo
Thank you shore team for the update!
Only 150 nm to Cape Horn, the excitement builds
And more wind to speed Jessica along. I watched the video clip of Sir Robin Knox J, when he rounded the Cape for the BBC.
It was calm and sunny. I wish the same for Jessica.
To Barry from Bribie Island,
great and true comment,
Peter from Hyden:
You are a thinker and poet, I still roll this description around in my mind and get the jollies every time:
Critics and dooms day land loving sea leg less lost sail me not souls!
Brilliant!
Sail on Jessica, you're nearly there, one peak and then onwards to the next!
Keep well, happy and above all safe,
Trudy, Austria, Mackay
With you the whole way Jess.
We will be more than happy when you are around that Cape.
Cheryl and Steve
@Victor C. Pankouken
No rotten eggs, pal! Your Stone Age memories are interesting, and your offer for a big united push certainly welcome. No, no, you're not a black sheep!
Enjoy the Jamboree. I would add, sorry for the heath, but as you seem to enjoy it, I don't. Happy austral Winter!
Great to read the latest update from the shore team, thank you.
Not long now, Jesse, until you can wave to Mum and Dad and complete what you have described as a significant milestone in your voyage.
Sending warmest of wishes to you.
Jessica,
Your update just popped up after my posting,great the winds have got you and the ''Pink Lady ''surfing ,should put on my ''Beach boy's'',''SURFING IN THE CAPE'',whops in the US,hey it's more fitting to change the words right now.
Can't wait along with the entire ''world family'' your video and your update.
WE CONTINUE TO BE PROUD OF YOU and again my warmest CONGRATS.
Your Mum and Dad must be so so proud of you right now and what a special thing for them to do the ''flyover'',hope you get a 21 GUN SALUTE FROM THE NAVY VESSELS,maybe a fire boat with a welcome ''spray of it's hoses'' to honor you.
CONGRATS once more young lady,you make us proud to be part of your adventure.
Hugs and much love and support,
Stephen M.,
Transplanted ''Aussie'',
Maryland,USA,
''I CRACK ONE OPEN IN YOUR HONOR,''
Congrats Jessica! What a thrill this must be for you, your family, and team. Say hi to the Atlantic for me. :)
Jesse dear.. My heart is pounding with excitement for you!! Today (the next 24 hrs) is the day you will round Cape Horn!!! How cool is that to be amongst the ranks of a handfull of intrepid sailors. Wednesday 13th January 2010 - the day Jessica Watson rounded Cape Horn.. let me congratulate you now as I am sure there will be a chorus from around the world Woooohoooo!! Know that it will be hard for both you and your parents to not be able to reach out and hug, but they will be there for you as always - what incredible parents you have Jesse!! urghhhh I got to go get eady for work - will be thinking of you and will rush back home to eagerly switch this on to see the blog posting that you HAVE rounded Cape Horn!!! Stay safe, hooked on, fed well and warm.
Love Trish (CYC) Cairns
Hi Jesse; Sounds like winds @ 30 knots are the very best improvement to your morale; we had hoped this for you 3-4 days ago. Surf Baby!!! We are totally excited and also praying for fair weather so your visit (well almost touching) with your Mum & Dad will be incredible. This surely beats becalmed air. Stay clipped securely and mind all those sheets and stays. Fair seas, prayers and love for you. John and Louise in Redding, Calif.
Good luck! I would love to know your reading list!
Hey Jess,
I don't think a week goes by when someone hasn't mentioned your name! Everyone is so excited for you; and my daughter loves your pink boat!! be good to you!
Benn, from Buderim
G'day Champ.
Weel Done! Congratulations! 80nm in 35 knots of breeze; I reckon you must be doing at least 6 knots. Your post was at 9.30 am this morning, therefore I reckon that you're passing the Horn RIGHT NOW!
I hope that I'm the first to congratulate you.
What you are doing is bloody marvellous. To all your critics and nay sayers I say "Stick that in your pipe and smoke it!"
Once again Jess, you are incredible; your parents must be Soooo Proud.
Only 2 more capes to go.
Good Onya and Gopd Blessya
Peter
You are so brave Jessica hope that wind picks up and you fly home to sydney.
Stay resilient and keep plugging away we are all with you
Nick
Melbourne
TO: IAN from BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA
A BIG HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!
I'm 12 days ahead of you but 14 years behind.
Gayle Ann
Captain Jessica -
I don't see my post congratulating you about "rounding the cape", SO CONGRATULATIONS!
With all the flybys and the navy ships waving their happiness and congratulations to you, you will be having a wonderful time.
Enjoy!
Gayle Ann
I have flybys everyday (not for me), it's that I'm on the 45 degree for the right downwind to
RW18 at Luke Air Force base. Gets kinda loud sometimes!
Hope you feel better ):
Be happy!
-Dimitri, USA
BRAVO!!! You make us so proud of you. What a milestone and you had me in tears when I saw you had reached the Cape.
With you the whole way and congratulations.
Love
Cheryl and Steve
Anna Bay NSW
Dear Jesse,
When i first saw you on the tv, i thought this girl cant be for real. Surely she is not going to do what she said she wanted to do and thought it as publicity stunts.
How wrong was i? VERY.
HUGE apologies to you and i am proud of you and believe that you will successfully complete this journey in good time. I pray for your safe return to your family and friends and to the nation who longs to hear of your adventure.
Keep moving girl ... HOME is around the corner. We all love you and thinking of you.
Dadan - Trevallyn
hey jessie !
hang in there girl ! its all down hill now best wishes !
stormy.
gold coast.
Hey Jesse congrats on a great achievement. Lex and Gail qld
carlo from venezia italy
hallo Jesse, congratulation go, go, go !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I had the same boat, but I am not able like youdializin
Hi Jess
Congrats wow what an experience. My hubby and I are currently in South America in Cusco heading down south and we´ve travelled from Tassie and have been watching your progress.
Keep safe.
Jen from Hobart
Hi Jess,
Wow! Amazing to read your blog of the recent storm you went through...you are a brave girl to say the very least. I have enjoyed reading about your passage and what you have achieved. Keep it up!
All the best.
Richard
Sydney
Hello Jessica. I told you to hold on tight & you did, WOW, what a storm. I am so thankful you where kept safe. I woke up in the middle of the night & found myself praying for you at about the time the storm was on. I did not know about the word ( knockdown ) in sailing, but boy I do now. I find myself learning a lot about sailing these days. Thinking of you often. Love from Grandma Viv xo. Auckland New Zealand.
I was reading your account of the knockdowns in the Atlantic storm and it reminded me of Sir Francis Chichester's books in which he describes going through the same thing. So you are in good company! What you are doing has the same pioneering spirit. Good on yer!
Hi Jesse, Just reading about the HUGE storm you have been through that was like the Sydney to Hobart in 1998. Like many people, I was very sceptical about your journey as you are so young. But after your latest post, you are simply the most AMAZING teenager on the planet EVER! Your courage is beyond belief. You are a legend and if anyone deserves Australian of the Year it is YOU! You have done your parents and country proud! I think an A+ is too low a mark to give you.
Our prayers are with you, my wife and I talk about you when we are laying awake in bed at night, we admire your courage and our positive thoughts are sent out to you via the starts above...
Stay Safe, we will be amongst the 1000's of faces welcoming you home to Sydney Harbour all too soon...
Scott & Nuria...
Sydney.
Hi Jessica,
What an achievement ! We are proud of how you have mastered the recent storm and the knock-downs - it must be a terrible experience, but you got through with flying colours ! We believe in you and support you to the hilt - waiting to greet you in Sydney Harbour soon !
Keep up the good spirit !
Björn
Kia ora Jesse
I've read about you through newsclips and seen you on TV (before and during your mammoth sea adventure) but for the first time today I came to your webiste and read your blog (you'd just sailed through a massive storm). Your blog akins to your determined and strong inner strength Jesse. Wonderful and inspiring reading!! You're such a brave girl with an enormous spirit right up there equal with the greatest adventurers who have conquered the world! You are equally where you want to be and it is so right for you! Keep smiling and writing your lovely blogs that full us with admiration and happiness for you. Continue to be at peace within yourself and with the elements of nature. You have the full support of your family, friends, sponsors, and fans but YOU AND ONLY YOU ARE DOING THE DEED! You will achieve your goal Jessica Watson! God bless you and keep you safe throughout your epic sea voyage.
Kia kaha
(Stay strong)
Samme
Bay of Islands
New Zealand
Hello Jessica,
Keco again.
Sorry to read about the rough time you have been having with the weather.It was bound to happen. Glad your damage is not to bad.
It is going to take a lot more than a busted loo and a knock down to dampen that ANZAC spirit, at'a girl, chin up and keep pushing on.
Only 12000 mile's to go, ha ha ha ha.nearly there. On Australia day I am going to drink a toast to you and "Ell's pink lady".
Hope you get the stove working soon so you can enjoy a hot meal and a drink.
The dolphins are a good oman, sent there to look after you young lady of the sea.
Take care Jessica, keep that Anzac spirit flying from crest to crest.
Keith xxxxxx
Hi Jessica,
Best wishes on your voyage, I remember the dramas when you first set off from Mooloolaba. My wife and I pray for your safe return.
Enzo & Kaz
NC
Happy Australia day Jess. Trust the day will be a good one and that you and the damage are on the mend. Have a safe days sailing.
Eric Penguin
Central Coast
to the shore team.
you are doing a great job.You must be getting about as much sleep as Jessica is, ha ha ha.Glad Jessica did not have any broken bones in last Friday's storm. She has got a great presance of mind to take the super photo's.
EPL, is one hell of a boat.
Keep up the good work and pass on my thought's to Jessica. Will write to her again soon.
Keith [keco]
Jessica. If you can get through the storm unscathed and still 'going for it' you can get thru anything! You're doing brilliantly. Wonderful girl! Take EVERY small opportunity to rest. Rgds, Gin
Post a Comment