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
Profile
- Jessica Watson
- Sunshine Coast, QLD, Australia
- Ambition: Become the youngest person to sail solo, nonstop and unassisted around the world
661 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 201 – 400 of 661 Newer› Newest»Happy New Year!
Thanks for posting the great pics and your experiences. It must make you feel great knowing there are people all over the world following your adventure. Keep up the great work!
You're a legend - best of luck from Wellington, NZ... where it's always cold and windy, so we have an idea of what you're going through!
Jessica, you were the highlight of our holidays. We had relatives visiting, and we quickly ran out of things to talk about. Then I showed everyone your website and especially the videos. Everyone was glued to the computer. We can't stop talking about you! Now I check your website daily, and everyone asks about you as if you were an old family friend. You are very brave, and we all admire your courage and stamina on your epic adventure. You must be related to Joshua Slocum somehow! IMHO, you are going to be a global celebrity...if you make it that is.
..Uh..you are wearing gloves out in that cold aren't you? Its so easy to damage your fingers and not be aware that you have when it happens..Cold lines and icy temps..Brr..Your heater is probably putting out its just too cold to realize it..Hopefully that will turn about soon. Glad you've got your layers..and if the sea will let you..mabe a cup cake or two...The crew wouldn't disagree. Press on. Sorry to hear about the balky block..But also glad to hear you are still plowing ahead with the head sail.. Yep..It's still cold here in Savannah too..dipping down to 23*f..I just went out and picked up some insulation for the 22 gal water tank..and I'm waiting on my solar panel to keep up the battery..that reminded me that everything you need you have to have on board..and hopefully all those scenario were played out and nothing too critical was left out..no running down to the local yacht shop for whatever you wish you had..Atleast the scope of your venture helped you frame the possible needs.
Speaking of dvds'- Jan & I just watched a dvd I special ordered for her for Christmas..'Lost In Austen'..very enjoyable.. different spin on 'Pride and Prejudice'..
I do hope we are some comfort to you in those wee hours..just knowing that we are thinking about the little pink boat..with a girl in it..that we've never met but care very much for..I was reading my sailing books again and looking at the history of the passage. Well just be sure You are in our prayers double sure..We know you will keep your wits about you. You've already shown that constitution of yours..before you even left Sydney..We do all enjoy hearing about your trials and your happinesses..We all smile seeing you smile about some goofy birds. And we all brace ourselves for the difficult waters through which you are beginning to make way now..do you sing? I always find myself singing or whistling when things are on my mind..I just picked up an incredible book entitled Teaching Musicians..and in it theres this really interesting harp player..yeah..I said harp player..shes' got this incredible gift..her name is Deborah Henson-Conant. She plays the Blues and Rock,.and some pretty phenomenal rifs that as a guitarist I associate with guitar..flamenco and simply unimaginable things coming together on her fingers..I'm impressed..and couldn't keep it to myself..Like telling everyone I meet about EPL and the incredible voyage of Jessica Watson... Today After a very productive meeting at work one of the vendors and I were left alone while the organizer spoke on his cell..and the conversation came around to you. I mentioned your mission and he finished the sentence..and was aware of your attempt..not up to date on the present which I quickly filled him in on..and he told me of his sailing the intercoastal waterways on 48 footer with a friend of his..He was very much impressed by what you have accomplished so far..as he said..the open sea sets apart those who sail and those who want to sail. He said just sailing the Intercoastal is challenging..but he couldn't imagine striking across the open blue...
It was great hearing from you..Keep warm..keep safe and stay clipped on..bundle up..even for a quick dash out..We think of you often..our adopted daughter sailing through the grey..towards the bluest blues..You'll be back in warm water before you know it..keep the faith..and remember to eat..and drink plenty of water..and vitamin C and ..okay..you know..Be Blessed Miss Jess. Tell the crew to take good care of you..rest..hopefully good rest and Peaceful sleep...
Prayers...
Gary & Jan
Savannah.Ga
Finding you and your voyage very inspirational Jess.... continue to have a safe trip ... am following with pride and wish you nothing but good fortune cheers Debbie
Hi Jess
As always your bravery is an inspiration to us all! This is so exciting and we know you and Pink Lady are going to nail it!
Blessings
Jo in Brisbane
Hey Jess
Been away down at South Yundy in our undies. 40oC in the shade, even the dolphins wouldn't surface. We'll take some of that cold stuff over here in the West.
You are amazing and I'm so glad you are coping well. Shame someone can't fund a big Jess Watson blog family get together and fly us all to Sydney to watch you cross the line, but with in-excess of 400 people x other days entries, might just break the bank.
Happy to see your little entry. Feels like waiting for the teenager to come home from being out at a party. You don't sleep until you know they are say. I think this blog is a lot like that for most of us. We're happy when you've checked in and then we can go do other things. Makes our lives sound pretty boring in comparison to yours. Anyway, stay safe and keep the dream alive.
Thinking of you.
The Griffs of Hillarys Perth WA.
I am not sure how good youe internet connection is, but if you can check out http://berrimilla2.blogspot.com it is a 30ft'er SE of Cape Town being sailed back to Sydney doublehanded after double circumnavigations including the both Caps, the North West Passage, 2 Sydney to Hobarts and 2 Fastnets just to make it interesting. You may well catch them below Australia.
Hey Jess, I also wanted to let you know too, that my partner and I think and talk about you all the time, and are keeping up to date with your progress on your blogs. You are doing an awsome job and we both are wishing you a safe journey! Happy Sailing Jess!!!
Mark and Troods
Perth Australia
HIYA JESSE,
Great to hear from you !! I am so happy for the update. I can see that you happy with EPL's performance, isn't she great, she comes to the party and travels along, whatever the sail. Block in the main sail...How do you fix that exactly? Hope it is easy.
Don't know about heaters that blow cold air, it will have pick its game up or walk the plank?? Cheers Michael-Hezakiah299 for reason of not using the heater anyway, makes sense.
There is a saying that 'people who are not living on the edge are taking up too much space'...!! So 'edge' is good, will keep you alert. All your kangaroos will be assembled in the top paddock and ready for anything.
You can see that we have missed you in the last couple of days as you tackle the hard stuff, but the company of the blog family has been great. How good was RichieParis, interview with God Neptune!! Samurai's riddle I am still trying to work out, may need some assistance with that, no surprises there.
Thinking about you lots as you transition around Cape Horn to hopefully more comfortable conditions for you soon. Have fun Jesse, talk when you can, get some shut eye. Cheers.
Hi Jesse, ooh so it's cold and yucky today, never mind sweet thing you keep dry and warm and think happy thoughts. I imagine it will be cold and grey for a little while yet, but hopefully the sun will shine through soon and the winds will calm. You know we are all riding out there with you in spirit. I hope the crew are behaving themselves and keeping you company. Relaxing with a good book and something hot to drink is a nice way of keeping warm. I'm sure your dolphin friend is not too far away from you. Sending you happy warm thoughts, take care 'til next time.
Jo
Sydney
Keep up the good Skipper work..One of your best friends for the weeks to come will be you Safety harness and tethers...Do you drag a tether line from the boat..
God Bless
Hi Jesse:
Three straight days of snowfall and wind gusts over 40 knots in Boston, MA, USA, with wind chill making it feel like -20 C or lower.
I hope this contrast makes you feel a little better!
As for boat heaters, I wonder if they vex ol' King Neptune, because they always seem to go on the fritz once one gets far enough offshore!
While your days may be gray at times, do find warmth in the fact that you brighten all of ours!
Bill in Boston
You are amazing! I read your blogs everyday and wish you the best. Keep up the spirit and know that you have lots of support from New Hampshire, USA!
You are amazing! Keep up the spirit and hopefully you'll feel the positive energy coming from me in Peterborough, New Hampshire, USA. Don't let those small problems become big ones!! Jenny
Brrr, sounds really not fun with the weather you've got but I suppose that's all part of the challenge. 4 degrees minus the wind chill has got to be tough. We know you can do it with all the prayers and your support crew and are very proud how well you are doing. Are you going far enough south that you'll have to watch for ice floating in your path? I bet you can't wait til you're able to turn back north a bit.
My family sends their prayers and safe travel wishes to you every day.
Paul W., Fort Worth, Texas
Its freezing here with tons of wind - but nothing compared to what you must be going through. I will send my warmest thoughts and waves your way. And I will try not to complain about getting in the car in the morning with my 2 boys to bring one to school. That 5 mins of being out there is unbearable-what a horrible comparison. Keep your spirits high and warm.
Jessica
Virgina USA
hi jess, i hope the guys back home are running through the possibilities of what is wrong with the heater, and are going to tell you how to fix it. one thing i don't like is cold and wet. but we deal with what we are delt, and it is all good.
i hope the winds and sea treat you well, and take care.
ausie rules football is on tele tonight. whos your favorite team?
jessiegirl, your mum has raised you rite... very considerate of you to pop us a line with all you have going on at the moment... we are all a bit on edge and hearing from ya does give a relief...
p.s. its bone chilling around here, i'm wear my loudest hawaiian shirt over sweats, it always bumbs up the temp, now i just need some tiny umbrella's for my hot coffee!!
Godspeed & good warm thoughts comin ya way...
dan in nc, USA
Hi Jess
Good to hear that the wind is not too strong yet and that you are cool with it all. Hopefully that mainsheet problem is fixed by now and ELP is rocking along. Are you planning to go in close enough to get a look at the rock, or stand off a bit where it is not quite as bumpy?
Oh, and will you then be sporting a gold earring on the port side??
Stay well and happy
Alan
"I an Sailing ... I am Sailing...." Hey do you have a DVD player? and Rod Stuart singing this song?? If not down, load it, beef up the volume; get at the helm Captain, get the grin gear working and head the Lady further Eastwards. The grey seas and Cape Horn onced passed will be over before you know it and again you have sailed yourself and all of us many more Nautical Miles closer to home. YGG
Hi Jessica,
What an inspiration you are. My children are just a tad older than you and whenever they ask me what they should do, I say.. "do what makes your heart sing".
Keep singing...:)
Much love
Jax
Gday, Jessica, Just wanted to send a few words of encouragement. Ive been watching your voyage eagerly, and am proud that it is an Aussie Lady being the first to do this!!!! Pat yorself on the back!!! I know Gods looking after you. And im glad the animals are keeping company, it must be amazing to see them in such wild conditions. Keep up the great work, Your aussie mate.
Trish, Tamworth NSW
Hi Jesse
You told us your diesel heater is on the blink, just a thought as to getting it working. Did you take your hair dryer that you talked of getting when getting supplies for the trip, if you did use it to warm the fuel lines of the heater there may be a blockage in the lines due to cold air. If this helps its a simple solution to your cold weather drama. I hope it works Pet and you are able to get the heater working .
Here in Bendigo we are heading for 40 degree celcius heat this weekend and of course dire fire warnings.
Make sure you wear gloves the cold can cause frost bite warm your hands and feet slowly not rapidly.
The cold weather you are having is also great for making home made icecream. As kids we did not have a refrigerator and we would make ice cream and freeze it on the fence post over night during winter tasted fantastic.
I looked up a recipe in an old book of mine that you may be able to adapt from your supplies in the pantry.
mix 4 heaped tablespoons of powdered milk with 3 tablespoons of cold water to a paste. add 1/2 cup sugar to 2 cups of milk (1/2 cup cream to 1 1/2 cups of milk) and vanilla mix well. lastly add 2 teaspoons of gelatine dissolved in 1/4 cup hot water beat well and put in container allow to partially set then beat well again then allow to set. Jesse you can use a normal jelly (jello)mixed in 1/4 cup of hot water. Will set in your cold climes without freezer.
Hope you are enjoying your dvd's and books, cold weather is a great time for putting one's nose in a good book.
Take care Pet my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love and hugs
Evie from Bendigo
Good Work Jess,
My three-year-old son was pointing to countries on the world map last night, asking us the names of each place. Then he said: "...and where's Jessica?" I dutifully pointed out a location west-ish of the Drake Passage. He then drew a line with his finger across the Southern Ocean and around to Sydney saying "and here's where she finishes!"
So, you are inspiring many of all ages.
I've posted online my interview with you (on stage at the Sydney Boat Show) before you departed, which fellow bloggers can hear on my home page at www.timstackpool.com
Keep Warm,
-Tim
Hang in there!
Hey lil Jesse,
Yup, your a brave and one heck of a saler.
So cold and so wet and you still have it all going.
YOUR DOING IT.
We are all proud of you.
We all worry about you too.
keep it up youg sailer we all love you,,,,you have a big family out here... God Bless you and Ells's Pink Lady
your friends Robert,Ellen,Autumn and Alison.
Hi Jessica:
Great blog once again. Thank you for the update. I hope you are able to work out the problems soon. I know that your Support Team is already at it...
Keep your spitits up..think positative...all will go well..
Stay warm..eat well..and BE SAFE..
Good Luck
Joe Springfield VA USA
hi Jesse,
No doubt you are already aware that you have been getting a bit of attention on the ABC news web site, as they quote your last couple of blogs. What is a real hoot is that the most recent one, posted about midday today (Tuesday), shows a picture of you at the helm, in something like a sarong, on a calm sea, bathed in sunshine, while the article mentions the freezing cold, the winds, the swell, and the broken heater!
It did make me smile! Non-sailors just won't get what you're up against at the moment.
Stay happy and fair winds
Toni
Hi Jessica!
We admire your courrage .I am also happy to know that Dilip has someone near him also sharing his experience. i am sure both of you will soon come up with good news and safe landing. All the best
So glad to hear from you Jesse, seems like you are in your element.
I guess the good thing about the cold is one can always rug up and get comfortable. So much more difficult to cool off in hot humid conditions. I use to love winter in my small campervan for that reason.
Im a bit relieved your not using the diesel heater, been a bit worried if theres a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. You cant smell the stuff, and it destroys your alertness in low quantities and kills in a few minutes in high quantities. Does anyone know if these heaters have that risk?
Oh, and you now have free refridgeration. No more melted chocolate.
Stay safe, you.ve been on our minds constantly and in our prayers.
Russ
Bowen Qld
Stay warm, child.
-TX, USA
Hi Jessica,
Just wanted to say that you are such an inspiration to everyone! Thank you!
I have to admit that I just found your web page before Christmas, but I now check up on you each day. We all appreciate you taking the time to up-date your blog and we especially enjoy your photos and videos!
I am a grade two teacher in Canada and thought it would be fun for my class to follow your sailing progress during the rest of our year (our school year ends is June, so that should work out nicely). By the way, our class name is, the "Killer Whales". This week we are drawing a world wall map to help us follow the Vancouver 2010 Olympics. So now we can create a mini "Ella's Pink Lady" to show your progress around the world too! I know the class will love checking your web page.
Try to stay warm, and thanks again for the inspiration,
Paul
Hi Jesse,
Wishing you "warm" best wishes for a happy new year! We continue to pray for a safe journey and hope you soon have the heater up and running.
Thank you for keeping us in touch with your activities.
John - from San Francisco - written on the bus on my way home from work!
Halloooo, All!
Dear Jess, I'm thinking of you and dearly hope that you're managing well, that you're warmer and that you've had time to eat and drink something tasty.
I wrote about eating hot oatmeal while sitting on a Super Hot Sandy Beach in Tobago. Yeah, just a visualization but it works for me every time. Hope you make a vision that works for you.....and....that the heater decides to work for you.
What an amazing crowd of well-wishers, all speaking so tenderly and with good humor for you, Jess. Lots of wisdom, too.
With an ocean of lov'n hugs.
YOU'RE SIMPLY THE BEST!
Mary, Maine, USA
Hi Jesse,
Its Keith from Melbourne. My third ever post haha.
Good to hear from you.
We and the dolphins are with you all the way.....
Hi Jesse, it's wonderful to hear from you.!!
I'm glad that the winds have not been as strong as expected. But it must be freezing. It must be so hard to handle the wet lines.
I hope that you will be able to fix your heater and the other problem when time and conditions allow. Please keep safe.
I'm glad that you have all your layers of clothing to keep you warm, especially with the heater not working.
It's wonderful to know that you enjoy reading our messages.
We are all thinking of you and cheering you on.
take care, keep warm and safe and God Bless.
Wendy
Armidale NSW
Also Hello to your family and all your land based fans.
Happy New Year Jess
You are always in my prayers and I believe you are in safe hands and will be cared for till the end of your voyage. You are wonderful. I read every blog and feel inspired daily.
Love and blessings
LM
PS That dolphin is probably one of your angels!
We are grateful to Captain Jesse for her update! First the "Jess-Stress" barometer immediately pops up, second, we are delighted to read the news with her so graceful and jolly writing.
Wouldn't the scallywags' gang be responsible for the heater's failure? Those furry blokes complained from heath near the Equator, and might well have made some sabotage to have a colder air in the cabin. Is a mutiniy on its way?
I guess Neil will help for that soon. The mainsheet won't resist to Captain Watson's skills when she will have time to look at it seriously.
Cold... Though, it is supposed to be Summer time in the austral hemisphere, isn't it? That's probably the (in)famous "Global Warming". I am happy Jessica is not sailing in Winter; how would it be???
Thank you Jessica, too, for your kind words towards the hundreds of support messages left on your blog. We are all so happy to tell you our admiration and love, but knowing you appreciate reading them is a priceless reward.
These last days before the Cape Horn look so long, and though EPL is progressing well. I can't wait for seeing our Ladies turning up North in the Atlantic!
Go, Jesse, You Go Girl. You are a giant.
And thank you to the shore team for its extraordinary support in this wild passage!!!
Pardon me, a few words about The Legend of Jessica!
Thank you to fellow bloggers of the landlocked ladies' lovers, for your sweet comments about the Legend of Jessica (3). Georgia Guy, Mike Kay, Clint Jeffrey, Hezakiah99, Amazedbyou, Lori, Susan in Oregon, Workerbev and others, and of course the lovely McGraths with such a generous offer, you kept me warm; in Paris this morning we had minus 5 Celsius, and I didn't even notice it! Thanks a lot!
I should also tell you that Mr Neptune must be getting old, because he forgot to precise that his distant cousins, the Nereids, were responsible for the bunch of squids thrown on EPL's deck... They hoped to frighten Jessica, make her jump overboard, and they would have stolen the pink boat... But Jessica is no ordinary young girl,she doesn't fear tentacles beasts nor spiders!
Hi Jessica
Always good to hear from you Jesse, damn cold weather , don't you hate it. But reading all the blogs from our northern friends with tempertures from 0c to -25c , I can't believe how they can live in those weather condition , give hot weather anytime, 49c (130f) on Saturday ,no that's a little to hot.
Jesse, could you answer this question for me. So far on your adventure, what do you prefer, warm to hot weather or cold to freezing, I'm having a debate with some friends on this subject, so you are our referee.
I'm sure you can do without the mainsail for a while until the weather settles down a little, don't try and fix any problems if the conditions are bad, I know you know all this.
So find a nice comfortable spot, read a nice book, have some hot drinks and enjoy the ride.
It's great that you get some time to go through all the messages from all of us around the world. We should be saying thanks to you for allowing us to enjoy the ride with you.
So keep having fun and most of all KEEP SAFE.
George Simmons
Lots of love from Exmouth WA Australia
PS Sam(urai)
You are welcome any time for some fishing and diving. Whale Shark season coming in a few months, Cheers.
Hey there Sailor Jessica...
Sorry to hear about the "Cold" conditions, Richard in Maryland comments were excellent about your heater issues, I thought it might have been as simple as a pilot light had gone out....but as Richard and a few others have mentioned run your Diesel Engine for a few minutes to warm the cabin and start this blasted heater...make sure its out of gear first!.....
The News is reporting today that its Official that Australia has just gone through the warmest decade since Weather details have been recorded, and in fact this last year was the warmest on record!....so enjoy the "cold" while you've got it!....yes yes yes, I know you love the Sunshine you're a warm blooded girl through and through, well you better get that heater running then.
I remember running a 30KM Fun Run many years back in the dead of winter along the Peninsula, following the Bay the off shore head wind was cold, when we finally crossed the finish I didn't really realize how cold is was until I tried to talk to someone, my lips were frozen and I couldn't form words...felt really odd, just a little experience of mine I thought I'd share...
For Brian, I'm enjoying my Ice Cream right now.....mmmm, nice and cold melting in my mouth, chocolate chocolate and more chocolate...lovely!...just stirring you Jess.
And to Tim09, Mr Albert Ross....oh I get it..."Albatross!"....the Kangaroo in the top paddock had gone out grazing...I like it!
And rdv, he's spot on, I play the same record everyday and it doesn't worry me!
Oh by the way, I went to see "Avatar" last night watched the 3D version, absolutely the state of art film making, I doubt that you have it in your DVD collection on board but I recommend a viewing when you get back and just want to settle down and relax....anyway enough of that.
To Sam's riddle, I'd reckon they'd have to be either very good mates or there's some hankie pankie goin on?...I dunno, I'm not got a riddles..the jury is still out.
To Jesse...Stay Warm!...but as Sam says stay Hydrated!
Cheers
Clint - Melbourne Town
Way to go Jesse. Good to hear the weather hasn't been too bad but even if it was, I'm sure you'd manage OK. Just thought I'd let you know that here in Adelaide we're about to enter a heat wave over the next week. So while you're freezing think of us sweltering.
Anyway, Bye for now.
Stay Safe
Mick
Hey Jesse
Thank the lawdy - a blog from you. Was getting a bit worried even though your shore crew told us you were fine. Had to spend my time watching the tennis & cricket and mowing and mowing and mowing. Lots of grass now, hard to get used to after the drought conditions. Sheep are smiling.
I think getting the heater fixed should be a priority you need somewhere nice and warm to come to after your freezing conditons you are coping with.
Love Aunty Chris from very green Tamworth, NSW, Oz
Go Girl! Hi Jessica, I think you're the bravest and an inspiration to us all! Best of luck - stay harnessed!
Regards, Michelle C.
HI Jessica
Here's hoping the heater decides to work its gotta be so cold in Pink Lady right now so i should pass on having any salt water rub downs for now and watch your temperature don't get too cold.
Don
Adelaide
What an inspiration you are to teenagers everywhere. I am sure your parents are very proud of you. They also should be congratulated for the job they did raising an exceptional daughter like you. I am in awe of what you have achieved so far. Having been a serving member of the Royal Australian Navy from the age of 16 I have an idea of what you are experiencing out there. God bless you Jess and I will continue to read your blogs and look forward to your videos.
My wife and I check your blog every day, now we are VERY concerned about your two malfunctions. Being avid and rather adventurous liveaboard boaters we know how scary it can be with things get rough. You are doing an excellent job, you are an inspiration to all of us out there, but please be careful, ask for help if you need it, thousands of folks out here are ready to offer advice.
Be safe, Godspeed!
Dan and April, Vancouver USA,
Exmouth WA 1979-1980
Hi Jessica,
Been following your progress since day 1 but this is my first comment (I followed Mike Perham around the world too -- seems like I'm addicted to circumnavigationists).
Congratulations so far but I'm on edge for when you hit "the Horn". Are you planning on sailing round it or to "visit" it through the nearby navigation channels? Seems either way is dangerous.
Anyway, keep your chin up and your hands warm.
Cheers,
Steve
Suphanburi, Thailand
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Hi Jesse,
Sending you all I have to give HUGS across the seas. Wish I could be more helpful :[
Sally in Melbourne by the Bay.
Hope you get the heater working soon! We are pulling out the winter clothes in Georgia, USA, with below average temps. Thank goodness for layers!
Hi Jess, first time have had a chance to wish you ongoing good wishes and fine weather.
Very proud of your efforts to date and looking forward to hearing more about your journey as you continue to make your way across the big blue.
Take care and enjoy the ride.
Bill
Gold Coast
Jessica,
Well I hope that you remembered to pack Chick-With-Attitude’s beak warmer. I wouldn’t want to see her vocal cords freeze up. I’m hoping the problem with the heater is something relatively simple to fix. An electrical connection, fuel issue or glow pin? You’ve got a lot of cold weather to go. And as long as you’re doing O.K. with just the headsail maybe working on the block for the main sheet can also wait until the weather settles down a bit.
That sure is cool that your old boss, John Bankart, is going to try to sail close enough for the two of you to make visual contact on his way from Argentina to Antarctica. I’m sure that will be really exciting for you. A familiar face on your way past Cape Horn would have to be a real morale booster.
I’m glad that you get a chance occasionally to read the comments. They do keep us all entertained but it’s when we hear from you that really makes us smile. Thanks for finding time to write. With the conditions that you’re experiencing, you’ve got plenty to do to keep busy maintaining and sailing the boat, so put blogging on the back burner when you have to. That angry, grey ocean is keeping you on edge for good reason. It keeps you alert. So stay safe, Jess, and we’ll be looking forward to hearing from you when can write again.
Have fun, stay safe and happy sailing.
From Seattle, WA, USA
SaltyDog
Hmmm, cold & bumpy...... would not be my fave conditions...... but there is an antidote - more hot chocolates!
Great to hear you in such good spirits, Jessica. Give the heater a kick from me!
Cheers from donna in perth.
Jessica,
Wow...what to fix first?
The 39 degree F cabin temp must be getting old by now.
I am glad to hear that you noticed the block problem on your mainsheet before the sheet failed. That would make for a bad day.
Well I hope that your next blog reads that you are proud of yourself for fixing everything and your cabin is nice and cozy!
Best wishes,
Greg
South Portland, ME USA
I paddled 20km up the Hunter river on Monday! A water skier produced 150mm waves for me to negotiate!!!!!!!
Best Wishes
With smiles.
Brian
Cooranbong Au
Hope the sail gets fixed and the heater but standing by the diesel motor for a bit sounds a good trick. And a couple of chocolate bars ofcourse :)
Hi Jess, I'm sure I'm one of the many people who have read your blog every day but haven't commented yet. I just want to say I'm hooked!I'm following you each day and am worried when you miss one. I'm praying for you and will be relieved when you're headed north into the Atlantic.
Flemming
USA
Hey Jesse,
Bummer about the heater in the cabin, just keep layers of clothing on & 2 pairs of socks if you can. An old wives tale but actually works, keep your hat on because if the top of your head is warm the rest of you will stay warm.
Also, your little problem with the block on the main sheet... I read a post that if you repair it as soon as you can that it will help with stability when the mainsaill is up. I'm sure you know that but just in case.... Sounds funny coming from me as I have no idea about sailing terminology.
Apart from that you know we love you, are proud of you, respect you and just a little in awe of what you're trying to achieve.
Also glad to hear our comments mean something to you and that you get a giggle out of us.
Take care little one!
The McGraths, Nowra NSW
hi .
iread your blog from time,find it very intresting and how you manage to get thing's fixed or running again.
while you'r out there battling the high sea's , and going from cold day's to good day,s ,the same as australia ,it is flooding in the out back, which is great for the farmer's and in w a they have had bush fire's.
like all good aussie's keep up the fight and happy and safe sailing .
larry
I check for new blog entries every day and think about you often - far away from me in the US. Actually, you're far away from just about everyone! I know it sounds odd coming from someone you've never met, but I'm proud of you. Keep it up.
Oh Jessica, since you first mentioned your diesel heater and how it would keep you warm it was such a nice thought that you would be able to pop into your cabin from the icy dodger to dry off and warm up. Now, that you say it isn't working it is such a shame.
I hope you are keeping up a steady round of hot tea and cocoa. Hope your heater shows some compassion soon and throws out some heat. Have you tried a swift kick to the heater? Maybe some harsh language?
I hope when you post next you will be able to relieve us all from worry by telling us the heater has
changed its mind and is now keeping your cabin warm. Always sending toasty warm thoughts and wishes your way. I'm keeping my laptop glued to oceanweather and passage weather wondering just exactly where you are and hoping it's between the lime green wave patches. You're doing a great job.
Minnesota Mom
Oh Jessica, since you first mentioned your diesel heater and how it would keep you warm it was such a nice thought that you would be able to pop into your cabin from the icy dodger to dry off and warm up. Now, that you say it isn't working it is such a shame.
I hope you are keeping up a steady round of hot tea and cocoa. Hope your heater shows some compassion soon and throws out some heat. Have you tried a swift kick to the heater? Maybe some harsh language?
I hope when you post next you will be able to relieve us all from worry by telling us the heater has
changed its mind and is now keeping your cabin warm. Always sending toasty warm thoughts and wishes your way. I'm keeping my laptop glued to oceanweather and passage weather wondering just exactly where you are and hoping it's between the lime green wave patches. You're doing a great job.
Minnesota Mom
Hi Jessica,
I'm not one for being comfortable on water but I've been reading your blog daily since you've started this journey. Someday I may enjoy sailing around on a lake and maybe even the Pacific ocean. Be safe and enjoy!
Ed
Oregon City, Oregon USA
Hello again Jesse,
Forgot to say there was a beautiful photo of you in the Sunshine Coast Daily yesterday and you are getting quite a few mentions on various TV channels now too.
To Richard (Qld)
I enjoy your regular, lovely, short but too the point blog comments. You manage to say so much in just a few words.
Jesse I hope that motley crew of yours are behaving themselves and you are all managing to stay warm and dry.
"But you be strong and do not lose courage for there is reward for your work."
All the very best,
Bluefin, Buderim, Queensland.
Hi Jessica,
I'm not one for being comfortable on water but I've been reading your blog daily since you've started this journey. Someday I may enjoy sailing around on a lake and maybe even the Pacific ocean. Be safe and enjoy!
Ed
Oregon City, Oregon USA
Hi Jessica,
I'm not one for being comfortable on water but I've been reading your blog daily since you've started this journey. Someday I may enjoy sailing around on a lake and maybe even the Pacific ocean. Be safe and enjoy!
Ed
Oregon City, Oregon USA
Brave capitan,
Brave you are to venture beyond where others fear to go. I wonder now at your deepest thoughts before the Horn. I wonder if your dreams are warm and landbound, in your fits of sleep, or watery and blue with clouds and white birds. Brave you are capitan to face the cold, steel grey seas, braver still to face your own fears, with focused and sure hands, as the cold bites them, to sort through EpL's constant needs and adjusments.
Our admiration runs deeper, than the fathoms below you, brave capitan!
Pipefish, California Usa
Enjoyed your blog today, to know you are safe and have things under control. What a little treasure.
Bessen's Mypolonga SA
Glad that the angry grey sea isn't toooooo angry! Keep warm! Hope you can get your troublesome mainsail block and your heater fixed soon!Go Jess!
Jill (Newcastle)
Hey! Hang in there! I'm in California and I'm rooting for you!
Hi Jessica,
Thinking of you in those cold conditions; you are one strong, determined creature! And a lesson to everyone too afraid to take a risk in life. Thanks for inspiring all of us - as a mum, I'll be very glad to hear you've passed Cape Horn! Good luck, God speed and may the winds favour you,
Nicola
Berowra Heights, NSW
Hi Jesse good to hear from you again and glad this one went ok. You are just so funny the way you write we just love reading your blog. But if you are preoccupied with a few waves and a bit of wind, then of course we will chat amongst ourselves.
Stay safe and stay warm dear girl.
Love from Faye and Max (Mulgrave Vic).
hi Jesse I think the blog guys dont like my sense of humour...but try candles to warm up the old cabin...I hope you keep warm..they may need to be stabilized,,,so the boat wont catch on fire...on the brighter side you may be able to sell all your garbage when u get home on e bay...I will bid on the Toblerone Packet...it can help with like having extra cash around which is always a good thing...bye 4 now Bernie 777...
My wife and I were at the Mooloolaba yacht club Sunday last and were glad to see they are keeping your blogs and photos posted on the window. We were at the club the day before you left for Sydney. You and your companions were too busy for us to get a G'day in. So G'day and bon voyage Jess. Hope to say hi in person one day. Dean and Deb
Hi Jess, My granddchildren and I follow your journey everyday. We think you are inspiring and amazing and wish you well for the remainder of yor journey. Good luck Jess!
From Barrie, Emilie, Josie and Chloe
Goodnight, Jess,
It's late here in Maine, after midnight, Jan.5th now....I'm hoping the seas are subsiding a bit for you and that you'll be able to get some sleep on your course tonight.
I just posted to Cdr.Donde and wished him the same as I wish you,
safety, warmth and improving weather conditions.
I know it's going to be a long week for you as you approach the Horn.
I am
holding you in the light
of all blessings.
Mary, Maine, USA
Hi Jess, You are doing super!! Think warm thoughts! It is cold here also in Canada, but at least we are all warm in our homes. I think about you every day. You are probably feeling miserable in the cold, warmer weather will be soon for you, drink lots of hot stuff and don't forget to take your vitamins. You are so brave, keep the drive alive!
Diana
It's quite cold here in southern california as well... all of 65 degrees! Good on ya to keep up the good cheer. Love reading your blog, stay warm and safe. good luck rounding the horn. I spent last new years at Catalina Island and it was 45 farenheit and too cold for me on our Beneteau 36, wish we had a heater. Love sailing. Lisa
Just wanted to say you are doing Fab. Our thoughts are with you.
A&T Brisbane Qld Australia
Hi Jess,
been following your blog and praying for you almost daily - you continue to amaze us all here. Stay calm girl, you've got what it takes and then some!
John & Co
Hervey Bay
I still think that hair dryer can help warm you up while the heater isn't working. Stay warm. :)
Hi Jessica, Us here at Gia Web are wishing you the best of luck on the rest of your journey. I hope it gets a bit warmer. If you want to listen to some music or see what Movies are around go to Gia Web. www.giaweb.yolasite.com
Good Luck!
Hi Jessica,
I am on the Central Coast and its great weather. Have fun rounding the cape watching the DVD's.
Hope you fix the sail and make it before you are 16
Hi Jessica,
I am on the Central Coast and its great weather. Have fun rounding the cape watching the DVD's.
Hope you fix the sail and make it before you are 16
Hello Jesse, I've been following you since day 1 and was going to wait until the comments dropped off to send a line but.....you seem to have a huge following. I sailed with friends from VIctoria, BC to San Francisco USA and gained a huge respect and love for your sport. I hope to sail across the Pacific someday so am watching your journey with interest. I hope that you meet all of your goals in this journey and the many more to come. Take care and Happy New Year.
JPF from NM USA
Try to keep safe and warm. I'm thinking of you. Warm blessing to you.
Mark from Adelaide
01-05-10 @ 01:17
Hi Jessica,
How are you feeling today Jessica, are you ready for a run across the Cape?
Did you have any luck with the heater yet? Are you staying warm? Are you eating well and drinking lots of water. Nag, nag, nag, I know but I worry. LOL….. I know you’re taking good care of yourself, I just have to agitate you a little bit. It’s just because we love ya, and you mean so dang much to us. OK, no more questions,.…… for now.
We’ve had snow almost constantly for the past week or so up here (WV) but the traveling isn’t so bad. I stay indoors mostly so I don’t really care. I can look out my window and enjoy the way the snow lays on the trees, and that’s good enough for me.
Well it looks like things have settled down a little bit on the computer, posts are all in and read, just waiting for the next batch.
Someone mentioned that Abby had set sail, but that's not so, she's still packing. Her Mom and her still have to load the food on the boat. No date mentioned yet. She said that they condemned her heater and after hearing about how cold you got she's glad she'll have a new heater.
I sent a post to Dilip the other day and my word verification was “flymast”, now isn’t that ironic. I hope that isn’t a mocca. (like that, I just learned it)
Take good care of yourself and all them scallywags, I know you will.
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, will keep you in my prayers.
Michael (74) from Kingwood, WV
Hi Jess
I read your blog every day and look forward to each new posting, good on you and good luck - you are an inspiration.
Here in Perth WA we are sweltering in 38 degree heat!
Hi, Jessica,
Okay, let me get this straight, the heater is broken and the mainsail can't be used -- and you're calm enough to sit around reading and watching DVDs.
That's the right stuff. Most of us would be more than "a bit" on edge.
I hope everything proves repairable once the weather calms down enough to attempt the fixes. It's early in the voyage to permanently lose anything major. On the other hand, before the end of the journey, you're almost sure to lose something and not be able to get it back, and it sounds like you have a backup plan for your backup plans, just as I'd expect -- you prepared well.
Good luck coping with the wind and the cold. Eat lots of hot food.
Best wishes,
Michael from Texas, USA
Hi Jess,
Your courage and determination is a credit to you. Love reading the blog and will continue to do so. Sail on, be safe and get warm.
Carolyn
Sydney, NSW
Hey Jess, every day I have a little check here to see how you're doing. All the best. Take care :-)
Jessica?...are you sure the heater is broken?
A couple of years ago the winter was so cold that when we were driving although the heater in the car was full-blast, it seemed like it was blowing cold air.
Could it be that it is just so cold right now that the heater isn't able to keep up with it?
Not sure, but worth asking your support about it. (We know something about cold up here in Canada!)
Take care / keep warm.
Love, MoonWynd.
Its sounds like you are unquestionably having the time of your life and tackling it all as cool as a cucumber (not faking it I trust :-) ) - enjoy every moment. You are one very lucky girl.
Continue giving it horns !!
Hi Jess
I live in Perth Western Australia and get sea sick standing in a puddle.
You are doing something quite incredible that most of us would'n't dream of ever tackling.
It is the fear of failing that stops many people from ever trying something difficult. By vertue of the fact that you are out there I think you are a great success.
Keep up the great work, hope you have some warmer weather.
Best wishes for the rest of your adventure.
Phillip from Perth WA
Hi Jesse
No washes for awhile in that temperature!!
Great to hear from you a bit earlier than I expected.
This adventure will change the path of your life Jessica forever.....always remember that you are not alone .....we are all there in spirit with you.
Ros (Sydney)
HAWKEYE
Hi Jesse - you are doing well with the current challenge and if another big wind shift is on the way you just keep the head in the moment and continue to do the basics and the things that seem to be working well for you so far. I'm sure the support crew have matters in hand to give you sound and advanced advice.
I sure you are uneasy and it's perfectly normal to feel that way and I might add a safe way to - there is no room darl to be gung-ho about anything out there and I'm sure you're not; your safety and the New Years resolution are paramount. The 4 Celsius sounds lousy - I have just got back from some good surfing and the weather was in the high 30s - a bit of a contrast - huh!!
My Worry Beads and Jess-Stress meter are working long hours and my thoughts are constantly with you out there. I do hope you find a mate - another Dolphin would be nice; they are very calming to watch.
'til next time precious one stay safe, think safety first, rest when it is safe to do so and it's good you are keeping up to speed on the condition of the boat.
God bless darl and be happy!!
HAWKEYE
Hi Jess,
Hang on and remember for every hour you are cold you are 1 hour closer to being warm.
You would think the body heat of the crew and the thousands of supporters who travel every metre with you, would make the cabin quite stuffy.
Keep smiling
Stay warm
Stay safe
You are tough enough and smart enough for the Cape Jess, you can do this, one hour at a time.
best wishes from graeme and annabelle dodd
You are an absolute Legend!
Hi Jessica,
1. Belated Happy New Year. Was away to a place with no internet - you still find some places like that, Thank God. Good to know you are having fun and reading all the crazy comments.
2. The ocean may look angry but looks can be deceptive. Who can be angry at a gem like Jessica? The ocean god (Varuna) is by your side and will guide you.
3. My daughter, Khushi, is about six and I will be overjoyed if she grows up to be like you.
4. Will continue to follow and be more regular.
Take good care Kid,
Subir.
hey Jessica, probaly you´ve solved the ´little´ problem in the rigg, the coldness you discribe remembers me to the ´good old days´when i´v been on sea years ago. Working on deck with icecold
line, chains and wires is not that funny, i feel with you. Anyway , good progress furthermore ans perhaps the thoughts of all your friends worldwide heaths you up a bit
All the best so far, yours Marcus
from Germany
Hey Jess,
haven't checked for a week and it appears you have made great progress. Sorry to hear about the heater not blowin hot air when you need it but comforting to hear you are staying warm. stay safe when out in the cold on deck..our thoughts are with you.
The Dunlop family - Port Macquarie NSW
hey jessica. Hope that your not getting too cold and it is a bummer that the heater has cracked it. Not to worry i am still very certain that you will finish in sydney. just a question (it may be a little early but when are you expected to come into sydney).
Keep us all posted as we love your updates.
Macca
P.s jess is cute
Jessica, you poor, COLD, girl! Beverly here in Tassie. I can't imagine being on the water with that kind of temps. Too cold for me, I'm glad you have lots of clothes to rug up in. Did you take a doona with you also? I love to wrap in in them and just snuggle down. Glad you can watch DVDs. I imagine with all the bumping around you are getting it would be a little hard to read - yeah, try to focus on little print with 4-5mtr waves. Not gonna happen is it?
My husband just told me about your new blog cause I was talking about you so here I am. I've read yours but have read the comments yet, there are 206 of them (as we speak) and that takes awhile to read through. But that is what I do, I love reading from all the blog family. Yes, we do seem to keep ourselves entertained don't we? We are a resourceful bunch.
Is the problem with the main sail something you can fix? Cause you aren't stopping like Cdr Donde so if you don't fix it, it don't get done! Ha, kinda like, "If Momma ain't happy, nobody's happy!" Please be very, very careful if you do have to do any maintenance outside during this time.
I hope everything will hold together until you get to calm seas on the other side of the Falklands. Then maybe you will have glass-like seas so you can scamper around, up and down, in and out, and do all your maintenance before you get into the Southern Ocean over here towards home.
I'll check out for now and read comments. Probably will have to comment again as I read, but that's okay with me.
Just remember, God is right there beside you, reach out and you can touch Him. And His Legions of Angels are all around you and EPL, guiding you safely towards your goal.
Fair winds and calm seas, {{{HUGS}}} Beverly & Andrew Penney, Bridgewater, Tasmania, workerbev@yahoo.com
Sorry to hear about your heater...fine time to die, huh? Too bad you can't run out to the store and replace it. It is clear and sunny here today with snow still on the ground. Wishing you safe sailing as you keep going! We are still tracking you on our world map! Keep up the good work! Rachel and Dora, Czech Republic
Hola :)
Hello Jessy I am Spanish, Englishman excuses my calligraphy so(then,since) nose, I suppose that sera as a letter written by an Indian good (Siux) I do not want to annoy you very much, that you know that you are a small great woman.
Hey,
even if we are not family or friends. I'm proud of you. Keep going and stay warm in your heart and confidence.
Greetings.
Thomas (another one)
Dresden, Germany
Hi Jessica, at least one thing we have in common at the moment...the cold. Stay comfy in your layers and don't forget the occasional "cupachar"...Following you in my thoughts
Alex
Hi Jessica,
I must say it was a bit of a relief to hear from you again after a few days. I don't know you personally and I live on the other side of the world but I think about you pretty much daily and hope all is well. Being cold is is such a bummer. It's one of my least favorite things. How long until you can expect warmer weather? You're awesome. Hang in there.
Sal
Jessica ""When the going gets Tough the Tough Girl like you gets Going"" Its great to hear from you.4degrees you must dream of our Warm Tropical Queensland."Dream a little dream of Home" and you will feel warm.I can understand its not easy in that kind of enviroment.
Have you heard afrom Captain Dilip Donde how is he doing.You also take care and God Speed.
"Bravo Zulu" Jessica
Gleeson
Brisbane
QLD
Hi there Jessica
I think what you are doing is fantastic and I will watch your progress daily!
Keep safe!
Kirsten
Hi Jessica, been watching your progress through your website, you are doing well girl.In 9 years in the merchant navy I never did get around the Horn, but I think that this will be your most difficult part. Once you have past this stage of your voyage things should get easier for you. You will look back on this experience in years to come and know that THIS is where you found YOURSELF! GO Jessica! Live your dream! God speed!
I noticed someone asked about a link to a site to convert metric to imperial measurements for people who live in the USA and the like.
Here's a handy link, covers temps, distance etc.
http://www.sciencemadesimple.com/conversions.html
Jess, you are simply amazing. You are remaining cool and collected despite the hurdles that have been thrown your way what with your heater chucking a wobbly and the sail playing up.
I hope you get the chance to get both items fixed up soon, especially that heater. Those temps sure are chilly when compared to the usual tropical temps year round that you are used to from living in Queensland.
Would love to know what books and DVD's you have with you to keep you occupied when you have spare time.
Lots of rain here in Hervey Bay, our lawn is no longer brown, crisp and dead, instead it is lush, green and way too long!
Wishing you safe sailing and may the wind be at your back and pushing you onward to your goal.
Lily, Hervey Bay, Queensland.
Hey Jess
Finally found the word I have been looking for to describe your efforts.
The word Moderation for today is "bighemi"
To all out there in blog land of the land of Oz with miles under our belts a "bighemi" is the old description for a famous engine made by the Chrysler motor company.
It was always thought of as a motor of immense strength and always reliable.
Jess Watson the "BIGHEMI" , strong and reliable.
God Speed
Take Care, thinking of you often stay warm, young lady
Peter and Sally
Hello Jessica,
sooo good to hear from you!
Not so good, that the heater is not doing what it is supposed to be doing, giving out heat!
I can feel it all, what you describe.......the wind chill, handling wet lines, that is horrible, when your fingers are numb, because it is so cold and wet to boot, but Captain Jessica, the good jobs, the thrills and the challenging parts are all yours too!
And you can do it!
Hopefully that block on the main sheet can be fixed too, thank goodness you are not slowed down using the headsail.
I feel rather proud, knowing the difference....hahahaha!
I can imagine that you would be on edge, not quite able to settle down and relax!
You are doing all you can, Ella takes care of the rest.
No, you definitely don't sound like a broken record, you are telling us what's happening in Jessica's world and we are interested in everything that you experience!
Stay in the moment, enjoy the ride, there is really nothing else you can do! So you may as well go with the flow! (Or bounce)
Hope you can catnap in between and be cosy in your thermals!
Keep well, sail on Captain Jessica, tons of supportive energy is flowing towards you seeing you safely through this and any other storm.
Be happy and stay warm, above all else stay safe,
Trudy, Austria/Mackay
Keep smiling.
Hi Jesse
Like so many of your devotees, I extend my sympathy to you. Your positive attitude is the thing that places you above the masses. The more I read of your blog, the more I see a "glass half full" girl. Interestingly a lot of your followers also see this attitude as well.
Anyway Jesse stay warm and positive.
Go girl
Bruce
Knock Knock
Who's there !
Water !
Water who ?
Water way to answer the door !
Knock Knock
Who's there !
Figs !
Figs who ?
Figs the doorbell, it's broken
Knock Knock
Who's there !
Bless !
Bless who ?
I didn't sneeze !
Knock Knock
Who's there !
Blue !
Blue who ?
Blue your nose !
Knock, Knock.
Who's there?
Repeat.
Repeat who?
Who Who Who!
Knock, Knock.
Who's there?
Nobel.
Nobel who?
No bell, that's why I knocked!
Knock, Knock.
Who's there?
Hoo.
Hoo who?
You talk like an owl!
Knock, Knock
Who's there?
Pudding!
Pudding who?
Pudding your shoes on before your trousers is a silly idea!
Knock, Knock.
Who's there?
Tank.
Tank who?
You're welcome!
Knock, Knock.
Who's there?
Wire.
Wire who?
Why are you asking?
Knock, Knock.
Who's there?
Water.
Water who?
Water you doing in my house?
Knock, Knock.
Who's there?
I love.
I love who?
I don't know, you tell me!
Knock Knock
Who's there ?
Cows !
Cows who ?
Cows go 'moo' not who!
:) Tim B.
hi jess
hope things are going well
you are so brave . good luck
alan
sanctuary point nsw aust
Stay warm Jess, not nice being cold.
When I lived in Scotland I was soooo cold one day I rubbed deep heat on my feet to keep them warm. It worked!! haha
I really wasnt expecting to see a blog up so soon.
Your really doing well keeping up with things.
Hope that heater kicks in soon.
Thinking of you chicky
keep on keeping on
Ally (from Sth Aust)
This is a great voyage and reminds me of the ancient voyages made by the vikings in the 9th century in the north Atlantic around the Faroes and from Iceland to Greenland and America.Your voyage is going to change history too.
We are all thinking of you as you round the cape. Keep warm and safe.
Hi Jessica, We as a family are following your journey & think it's an incredible thing to do. Sounds like you are having alot of good times with your own company & are a strong headed person. All the best & our thoughts are with you. My nine year old daughter Kate-Lynn thinks your an enthusiastic, brave inspirational girl & loves to keep up to where you are on the globe we have. Thanks for being you. Look forward to your next updates. The Lynns
Jesse,
Stay warm and dry. Direct the pointy bit to the SE. In 30 knot winds you don't need too much sail. Again, stay warm and dry. There is always tomorrow to fix things up on deck. I reckon a bar of chocolate is required about now!
We are all wishing you well.
Sail safe.
Allen, Hervey Bay, Qld, AU
Hi Jesse,
How's it all going? I hope the sea/swell hasn't gotten too big! And if things get a little stressful, don't forget that that dolphin and all of us are barracking for you! Stay strong...
Hope you've also managed to get that pesky heater working.
Sydneysider
Fishermen on Faroe Islands (62 degrees north latitude) newer go to sea without knitted wool t-shirts and leggings. Wearing those you don't get cold even if they become wet.
Best wishes for the remaining voyage :)
Jógvan Horn
Torshavn, Faroe Islands
Hi Jesse
Been following you since leaving Sunshine Coast. Sent your website to my son (35) who lives in Taiwan and told him what a wonderful inspiration you are at (16).Received email today. He agreed.Said he was considering doing a 1000 km run around Taiwan with others for charity after reading your blog. Some inspiration. Stay safe and enjoy.
Robin
Gold Coast.
Hi Jesse,
Was so pleased to read your post this morning. Like the others I wasn't expecting one so soon.
Sorry about your heater and main sail but I am sure the problems will be solved when the conditions are right. You do not sound to worried or are you faking it?
Hope you have been able to keep warm with layers of cloths and nice hot chocolates.
Keep safe
Joy
Bllarat.
With you still Jessica, we think about you often. Andy. Ballina
Hi Jess, recently started followiing your journey, now wait for updates every morning.
You are trully amazing & what a great example for young people & us older ones alike.
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>HUGS>HUGS>HUGS>HUGS>HUGS>HUGS
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Hi Jesse,
Sending you all I have to give, hugs across the C's (seas).
Wish I could be more helpful???
:[
Best of Luck Thanks for your blog and thinking of you.
Sally in Melbourne(thank goodness I'm not near Cape Horn)
Hi Jess,
Just want to let you know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. You go girl!
Di
Woodend Qld
Keep on smiling Jess!! The cold and wet will soon be behind you
Susie (QLD)
Hi Jessica!,
I hope you soon safely round Cape Horn, which I understand is the most dangerous part of your journey. Then you can head north and enjoy warmer weather.
Sail on Jessica!
Geoff, 54 (Melbourne)
Hi Jess
My family and I are holidaying on Nth Straddie and I have been following the reports in the Courier Mail (local newspaper). I think you are an absolute inspiration to all people especially to teenages. This is my first look at your website and I am blown away. I hope to have my yr 7 students contact you when we return to school in a couple of weeks. Keep up the great travel, god speed and safety.
Peter - BayView State School.
Jesse,
You are so much braver than me ... I have no doubt that you are absolutely and completely capable of getting around Cape Horne but I just wish you'd hurry up and get it done. I'm being a typical mum and worrying about you out there. (Your mum is clearly not a typical mum - she is also an amazingly brave lady ... perhaps you get it from her?!) Your route plan was to go around Cape Horn on 11 Jan and then head up the east coast of S.Am. If all goes according to plan, roll on 15 Jan by which time you should be having your little bit of "holiday". Take care and stay safe.
Big hugs, Fiona in Tassie
Always nice to read about one of mydaily blog reads on a news website:
http://www.stuff.co.nz/world/south-pacific/3205319/Teen-sailor-nears-Horn
Keep safe.
-Jacey
Hey Jess,
OMG your doing so well, it must be so tough out there, we think about you everyday when we look out to the ocean from our back porch here in Phillip Island. You can do it, I know you can, Australia believe's in you Jess, good luck and stay safe in the ocean.
GO JESS!
xxoo
Newhaven College
Year 8's
Katie (And my family Terri and Brian and Moggie the dog!) Findley, Zoe, Kelly and Maddie.
Well Jess, you are going beautifully. I'm watching your progress with great interest as are many people. Stay tough and calm.
Malcolm
Victoria
Also sorry to be repetitive - but Persistence and Determination Alone, are Omnipotent.
Alan and Lena, Gold Coast, Oz
Good luck, Jessica, may the winds always be favourable and you get to hug your friends and family in a few months time. Wishing you all the best
Andrea
Perth Australia
Just pretend you're on a nice, warm beach sipping a mocktail ;) Thinking of you out there! Much love,
Danielle
xxx
My respect and awe grow for you daily. You seem to just take it all in your stride and carry on which is definitely the right way to become the youngest person to sail solo around the world.
regards
Mary
Hi Jesse,
This is for all the blog followers who may be looking for a good site to watch your weather.
Try www.passageweather.com and www.stormpulse.com
Both sites are excellent.
Rex Gibbons
Newfoundland, Canada
Good Evening Jesse,
Tips for the Cold
Whilst you try to fix the faulty Diesel Heater, lock the boat up, and turn the engine on a few times a day if you really need to and let it run for half an hour and sit on the engine box to thaw out. Be careful you don't drain the Batteries too low and watch your fuel levels
Hope you took some O'l fashioned Hot Water Bottles. Heat Sea Water and fill then wrap in a small towel and stuff the Hot Water Bottle inside your Wet Weather Sea Jacket next to your chest -it works fine from experience. You need to prevent heat loss from your stomach area.
I went to your boat on Fri 6/10/09 before your departure to wish you success and another chat( I spoke to you at the Boat Show)I missed you by mins, but was permitted to take some pics below and of your Rig as I will be fitting my own boat out soon for Singlehanding.
The Strop Mainsheet system is a great solution where you don't need to tack very often, is stronger and also acts as a preventer for a Chinese Gyb.
Hopefully replacing the faulty block goes well for you.
Keep Warm, plenty of Hot Bonnox and Sleep if you can
I know you can do it!
Keep your Chin Up
Richard
I remember the days of backpacking in the wilderness, breaking the ice in a small stream to bathe, hiking all day and night in a driving, cold rain to reach a needed waypoint to keep the trip on track. Those were hard, mentally and physcially challenging times, but they build character and certainly make you appreciate a warm bed and hot shower more than anyone can imagine for the rest of your life. My thoughts are with you as you face these challenging times. It may not be fun at times, but you ARE doing something that's NEVER been done (at your age). Think about it...BILLIONS of people on this planet, over eons, and YOU are the one doing it. YOU. If it was easy, it would've already been done. Additionally, you will join a club of people that is rare on this planet... those who have circumnavigating the world, solo.
Jeff from Indiana, USA
Stay safe Jess! :)
Hi Jess HAPPY NEW YEAR have been away from the computer and was keen to know hows things.
Just look through the cold and look at the return home(sailing back into the heads).
Take care your brave and have more guts than your average girl.
Jesse, hello from the US Virgin Islands! Once again you help put everything in perspective. In the last two days my cell phone broke, our large freezer defrosted because I accidentally left the door ajar, the house electrical generator broke down, and worst of all... one of the 450 hp diesel engines on the boat has a serious problem develop!! But, I think of you out there and realize it can all be handled with some patience and planning. Be careful and I hope you warm up somehow. We all love you!
I'm glad you're getting a chance to breathe. It looks like Dilip will be catching you up soon; maybe you could meet up for a chat across the rails. Stay warm.
Scott, Denver, Colorado, USA
Oh, thank goodness to see your blog there today!
You really belong to the whole world now, Jesse! We're all transfixed with your every word - the amazing girl from Oz whose courage and inclusive manner brings happiness, hope and inspiration to everyone - "If little Jesse can sail around the world alone, then I can..."
Love AB from KG
Hi Jesse,
Good Luck!
We are thinking of you Jess in that cold weather, particularly in light of the temperature in Sydney etc.
I have shown your site to my grandchildren so that they can see what you can do if you really wanted to.
Congratulations and thank you for being a great role model, we look forward to you arriving back safe & sound.
Hi Jess, A big hello from Sue at Beachmere Queensland, not far from where you & your family live. I have been reading the blog comments from your admirers around the world. Because of time zones they get to see your blog before us Queenslanders, but thats OK because its nice to know that the whole world is keeping an eye on you. I so look forward to your posts. I have spent the day with my 16 year old granddaughter shopping at DFO, whom I admire & adore, but how different your lives are? She is also in awe of your acheivements. Stay safe & stay warm. Sue Beachmere Queensland
Hi Jesse !
You are just an individual human, but people like you make this planet every day a little bit friendlier and better.
And smaller ! ;-))
Also greets to all who follow this blog and the adventure of that brave and wonderful girl !!
GO Jesse, GO !!
Juergen
Germany
Jesse,
What an amazing adventure you are having. I have been following you since before "day one." I think about you daily. Keep up with the posts. There a thousands of people following your course. I would wish you luck, but with your apparent intelligence and skill, i don't think luck will have any thing to do with your success.
Stay warm & dry, Chip from New York, USA
Jessica,
I teach NJROTC and my Cadets wish you a safe trip. Last time I was at sea was on a Nimitz class aircraft carrier, and I have every respect for anyone facing the raging main in a boat that small! We will stay with you on this voyage.
Master Chief Smith, USN(Ret)
Hi!
When I was young (50 years ago) my heroes were Slocum, Gerbault, Vito Dumas. You declass and degrade them. You are my hero now (I am old and I am proud of you).
Just steady as she goes.. and Fescina lente.
An old captain
G'day Jesse,
Glad to hear you are doing so well. I love your positive attitude that lets you enjoy every day no matter what it serves up to you.
The photos are excellent, I love the shot from the top of the mast and the ones of the albatross.
I have marked out the length of your boat on the office corridor so I can better visualise just how little space you have. I guess with the vast expanse of ocean around you you don't feel to hemmed in.
Thanks for taking the time in your busy days to fill us in.'
Keep warm, safe and well fed.
All the best
John
My word verification is delif which made me chuckle because you are livinh de lif so many of us would like to live!
Hi Jesse,
Like I have always said, you are up to the challenge, just take them in your stride.
Your stories and comments are great.
Look forward to your safe return
Happy rough sailing
Steve............Sydney
Hi Jess,
Matt from Sydney here, and this is the first time I have written to you. A friend of mine keeps track of your movements, and got me hooked too. Your doing an amazing job, and I hope your proud of yourself and your efforts.
It is nice to see you have a following from all around the world and sure it would be very comoforting for you to know the support you have.
Keep on keeping on, and I will keep you in my prayers for a safe return to Australia.
A sad Bassett Hound was relating his troubles to his friend.
"I'm really depressed all the time and I think negative thoughts. I'm always bored, I feel listless and I am always tired."
"Why not go see a psychiatrist?" suggested the friend.
"Well, I would," said the Bassett Hound, "except that I'm not allowed on the couch.
Happy New Year Jess.
Make sure you eat, drink water and take time out.
Stay warm.
Safe seas
Your doing an amazing job! I hope you fix your heater and stay nice and toasty. Its 41degreesC this week in Adelaide so think of that to warm you up!
keep it up.
Tom, SA
hiya jess!!!!
YOU GO GIRL!!!!!!!! :D Hahaha
Love wana
Newry Island, Whitsundays
P.S.
You used to be in class with my brother Ramon on CSDE!!
You're doing so well! Thoughts are with you from Maggie Island, Qld
They never ever seem to design a heater for the way U need it. Get a nice wood burning stove like that badboy Slocum. He seemed to have no problem kickin' back by the fire of his wood burning stove in 20'seas sippin' a Scotch. When the preverbial'S' hit the fan he would say, "Time for a bigger log and a stronger Scotch".. Anyway it apparently worked.
Wait of that U are too young... -But then I got to thinkin' tht maybe when U r alone at sea U might age at a faster rate (pure Physics). Now I'm no rocket scientist but by Feb U should be roughly 18 in salt water years. One might argue that U r allowed a nice tidy tumbler of trepidation (code word: whiskey). Of course do wear your harness and your drysuit.
Rest when U can.
01-05-10 @ 08:38
Hi Jessica,
Just wanted to check in to let you know I'm still thinking about you, and hoping you got that heater fixed. Any luck??? I saw a few possibilities sent in, I also thought about diesel fuel being thicker than gas, so it might have a tendency to jell up in the lines.??? Just a thought I had to pass on. I am not familiar with diesel heaters at all. Stick with it, Angel, you'll get it. What does the Shore Crew have to offer??
AmazedByou: I have to laugh at your posts, both funny and interesting, a pleasure to read. Keep 'em coming.
WorkerBev: I enjoy your posts, very sensible and still there's that lighthearted message in there. Don't stop, you help keep Jessica happy and smiling too.
Oh Samurai, Dear Samurai wherefore art thou Samurai. It seems like a long time since I’ve read one of your posts. Miss ya.
I’ll take a shot at Father and Son.
Jessica, I've been saving all the posts that you have received since Oct.18/09 and so far I've got over 10,000. That's a lot of posts. I wonder what the total Christmas Cards and pre-birthday cards will amount to.
Well, at least you'll have something to do when you get home. LOL.......
If you need a someone to help you read them, I'm available. LOL.....
Keep that smile on that pretty face and take care of yourself and that crew.
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, will keep you in my prayers.
Michael (74) from Kingwood, WV
Hi Jessica,
just a quick quote tonight from Muhammad Ali.
" It's lack of faith that makes people afraid of meeting challenges, and I believed in myself."
Keep believing Jess
Tim and Rosie
Caboolture
timathos@bigpond.net.au
I hate to hear that your heater is out, but as smart as you are, I bet you'll have it fixed in no time. I am praying for great days ahead and warmer temps.
Linda, North Carolina, USA
Hey Jess,
A big cheery Aussie G'day from London.
I've been following your voyage since you left Sydney. Great to hear you're on target to round the Horn soon.
Been watching your vids too. Looks awesome out there on the big blue wobbly thingo some people call 'the sea'. As a passionate offshore racer, I envy you.
Keep up the hard work and get round that cape.
Mikey Short
Genesis 1:10
God called the dry ground "land," and the gathered waters he called "seas." And God saw that it was good.!
Hi Jess,
you are so great! We love you all for doing what you are doing! You are whizzin your way around the globe!
Please send more pictures and videos, not only of them albertos but also of yourself, most importantly of yourself! If you have a chance please also send a picture and video of them dolfen or any other biggy mammals around such as them whales and them sharks and them celions and so on. Hey, don't forget to take a picture of them Admiral Didl when he whizzes along.
How does the weather look like? Which radiostation are you listen to for the weather reports? Than I can tune in to follow what is going on over there!
keep up them dodgers!
Jony the Pony
Jesse
I won't add to 353 comments!
Bloody hot here
CU
Sarge
The cold Midwest of the USA is only 0 degrees! We are reading and watching for you in Missouri. Keep you head up and emotions is check and stay warm. brrrr...
Ryan
Missouri USA
Hi Jess,
That's a good plan just using your head sail. Is it hanked on or do you have a furler? My last boat had the latter and it was a bear to repair when all went south. I very much enjoy hearing about the technical issues and how you solve them. When we crossed the S Atlantic a couple of years ago, the only weather per se was beating up the coast of Africa. Otherwise, my friend and I had sunny days and like you...no fish! Well.. 2 fish, but only because dorado travel in pairs. Our tiller disentegrated enroute, but we had some odd bits onboard and fashioned one out of a wheelbarrow handle. Surprising how inovative one can be when the need arises.
I read your blog every day and then visit Google Earth to get the satelite's perspective of where you are and the view of the South American coastline. Chili's mountain tops are snow topped at present, but the temperature on land is between 50F and 65F. Perhaps you'll get some warmer breezes on the other side.
Love and hugs from the US,
Donna
Hi soldier. New Year honeymooon is over rather soon, but hey we're with you every step of the way. The heater problem can't be too tricky to fix, fairly simple operation, your team can guide your hand with the exact model. Once that's going the heat in the cabin will provide more of a refuge, especially in those chilly days to come. In rougher conditions problems will compound, you're going to have to grab them by the scruff of the neck and put them to bed early if you don't want to get inundated.
Do you groan when people send you poetry, I know I do - I guess it's like someone breaking into song halfway through a spoken sentence - yeech!. But you know what, in all my fatuous hypocrasy I feel compelled to send you A POEM - no less, that is close to my heart and something beautiful, with imagery some of which you have already exhibited in your voyage, that may offer you a modicum of warmth as you sail into Cape Horn and all that may throw at you..
e. e. cummings
who knows if the moon's
a balloon,coming out of a keen city
in the sky--filled with pretty people?
(and if you and i should
get into it,if they
should take me and take you into their balloon,
why then
we'd go up higher with all the pretty people
than houses and steeples and clouds:
go sailing
away and away sailing into a keen
city which nobody's ever visited,where
always
it's
Spring)and everyone's
in love and flowers pick themselves
Keep on truckin' Jesse,
David
Hi Jessica and fellow bloggers.
Sam(urai), you had me thinking all day about your riddle. Lol.
Then the penny dropped.
"Two Aussies drinking in a pub. One is the father of the other one's son. What are they in relation to each other?"
are they Mother and Father or Husband and Wife.
Tim and Rosie Caboolture
timathos@bigpond.net.au
Hi Jess, I hope you got a couple of pairs of tights for Christmas. Wearing 2 pairs of tights at the same time is lovely and warm and has a soft comfy feeling.
Happy New Year,
L.L. (Melbourne)
Looks like I'm late joining the party! It's cold and wet in Idaho also. However thankfully the odd save does not knock us around and our heater does work. Do you have a back-up? Glad things are going well. Hope you get the blcok fixed when the ocean calms a bit. This is the beginging of the "hairy" part of the trip I expect. At least you don't have to worry about somebody giving you the cold or flu out there like it's going around everywhere else.
Hi Jess
Just caught up on your progress as we are up at Mooloolaba most of the time for the next couple of weeks. Every time I walk past 'Home Abroad' I can't help thinking how your going. We are doing some serious maintanance on 'Blue Heron' a few boats further up the pier.
The kids are playing all day with other boat kids and swimming at the beach. They love Mooloolaba, as do we.
Hope those southerly busters don't cool things down too much for you. Looks like some serious wind is coming to push you closer in the next week.
I just destored our 'Jordon Series Drouge' today and wondered if you have one aboard. Here is the link for your readers; www.jordanseriesdrogue.com/pdf/JordanSeriesDrogue.pdf
Keep up the good work and thanks for the updates.
Lindsay
Hi Jessica, again! Beverly here in Tassie. Well, since my last post I have read ALL 353 comments. WOW, are my eyes ever sleepy now! I have a few comments for the blog family, but quite honestly, it is 1:52am and I've been reading forever and I'm too sleepy to write. So for the blog family, I will talk at you in the morning.
Jess, I sure hope your heater is working. As with diesel (our campervan is diesel) it takes awhile for diesel to warm up, so perhaps you could use your hairdryer (I believe it is 12v one blogger said) to warm the lines etc, and try it again. As well, you could warm the cabin a bit with your stove - be VERY CAREFUL OF CARBON MONOXIDE - and maybe between the two, that stubborn heater will start to kick out some warm air. Also another blogger said that sometimes when a heater is on full blast, it seems to be blowing cold air (I have experienced that also) so try using the lowest fan setting for awhile to see what happens. I do pray you get the heater going before you have to go out and fix the block on the mainsheet so you will have a warm environment to return to so you can dry off and warm up. I do worry about you being wet, being dry and cold is one thing, being wet and cold is definitely a no-no if you can help it.
I'm sending all kinds of warm hugs to you via cyberspace, and I'll sent my cat "Pudi" to you to cuddle with. She is a 7kg kitty and medium fur so she is really a "big" cuddle. I love her sooo much. I rescued her from a druggie family that were heading off into the sunset and just leaving her on the front doorstep. I was going to work and looked at her and she was looking at them so sadly as if to say "Where are you going, aren't you going to take me with you?" I asked the lady, what about your cat, are you just leaving her - she said, you can have her. (The cruelty of some people). So I said to my husband, if she is still here when I get home, she's mine. Well, she was and she is. I took her to the vet to see if she had a chip, she didn't, she does now. She sleeps on the other side of my bed and has a teddy bear that was mine and she lays her head across it's leg or arm and snuggles with it. I look at her and my heart just swells up with love. I sometimes think of what would have happened to her if I hadn't taken her and I can't even think about it without crying. She is my "baby". (Well, not really, I have a daughter who is 43, a grandson 6, and a grand-daughter who is 19 who is handicapped and about 7yo mentally and is in a wheelchair, she can only walk on her knees, but boy, does she get around, woohoo, look at her go! and my son-in-law who is in the US Army, just got back from Afghanistan.) So my Pudi is my baby now cause the others are grown up and living in Texas.
Well, didn't mean to go into that!! I must be having senior moments, ahh, it was caused by the stress of you being without heat. That does worry me so. I better pray lots about that because God doesn't want us to worry, He said, "Cast all your cares upon me and I will give you peace." (paraphrased). So when you do feel a little on edge Jess, just say to Him - God, I'm worried about this and that so I'm giving these problems to you to fix. And He will give you the calm seas and weather that you need to get out there and fix that problem. He made the seas and wind, He can calm them for a few hours while you work. I rely on Him for every single thing in my life, it wouldn't be worth much if He wasn't my Saviour. What a joy!!!
Well, my favorite captain, be safe, tether on, clip on, hands on, stay warm (as much as possible right now) and know that God is right there beside you, reach out and talk to Him and also know that His Legions of Angels are all around you and EPL safely guiding you to where you need to be at this moment in time. {{{HUGS}}} Beverly & Andrew Penney, Bridgewater, Tasmania
Glad things seem under control - sorry to hear about the problematic heater - I hope that it is only temporary. You have not mentioned your point of sail as you battle the elements.
Stay safe
All the best to you
all the best. Your are a very brave girl.
Hey Jess
Glad to hear everything is going reasonably well. Hopefully everything can be fixed once things settle down a bit.
I've been reading what people have said about your diesel heater and they're right about diesel being hard to start when it's cold. You didn't say what the problem was, but the hair dryer idea or the starting the generator for more power might work.
I'm not a computer geek by any means, and I'm not sure what your computer internet connection is capable of, but in America there's a company called Netflix that for a monthly fee you can download movies right to your computer. By doing this you can basically watch any movie you want.
In a few years I'm going to retire and I've always had this dream about selling the house, buying a motorhome and just touring the country for a few years. After keeping up with your adventure, I'm staring to think more about buying a sailboat and touring the caribbean ocean and maybe mexico instead. I've beem a boater all my life, but never in a sailboat. None of my friends are sailors, so I'm not sure how I would learn how to do it.
Anyway...keep safe and dry.
I pray for you everyday.
Godspeed
Rick
Chicago
p.s. Also the wool gloves trick does work. Wool, even when wet will keep you warm
Hi Jesse
At minus 7 degrees in Berlin germany, sending you a great, healty and happy new year!
All the best for you!
Hello Sailor Jess.
I am enjoying your journey from Calgary Canada. Its cold here too. -15 and snowing. Hope it begins to warm up for you and you can get your heater fixed. I have a Espar diesel heater on my boat and they sure work great when they are working. I just started following your journey and would like to wish you Godspeed. Stay safe and keep the dream alive.
Hi Jess from Nottawa Township Library in Centreville, Michigan USA. We have a whole wall in our library all about you and your voyage- your pics and everything! We keep it updated for all ages to see.
This summer our kids reading theme will be "Make a Splash - READ!" (It's a national library thing) We'll be doing an ocean theme. It starts in June 2010 and you are going to sail us into our program. So know that we are supporting you, praying for you, and cheering you on - so here's a hearty shout out from your fellow readers here in the northern hemisphere.- Karen P.
You are an absolute legend girl!!
Hey there Jess, I hope you're well.
I'm pleased to learn that you didn't get the stong winds you were expecting but strong enough to make good headway without the mainsail. Shame about that block though because if you're making good ground with just the headsail, imagine what you'd be making with the main up, albeit reefed, it would improve stability as well. Shame too about your heater, you poor thing. I feel your pain while handling those wet sheets in the cold.
Wearing elbow length rubber gloves that you can tuck up into the sleeves of your bottom layer and under your normal gloves, I think is a good idea. Keeping your hands dry stops them feeling so cold and your fingers so numb. But if you don't happen to have any elbow length rubber gloves onboard then.....moving right along... :-))
I've no doubt your support crew are all over these little problems and will have you up and running again in no time, once the weather eases up a bit.
You're very fortunate to have a nice big dodger to shelter under during your frequent glances out your compnaionway. My one time experience in the roaring 40's was on a 37 foot racer without a dodger. Beating into 50+ knot winds, everytime I poked my head out the companionway it felt like someone had thrown a bucket of cold water at my face. It hurts too, I kid you not!
Working your way through all our comments is tough, isn't it? I've got 353 to get through as I type. Having said that, it is also such a unique pleasure to read your well-wishes from all over the globe. I think that to have so many people supporting and encouraging you towards your ultimate goal is in itself awe inspiring and a very poweruful force. I hope we continue to make you laugh and smile and may the force be with you all the way. You are doing so well, Jess. Take good care of yourself, stay safe and bye for now...Sam
Hmm, pity my last 3 comments or so haven't been posted. Yet please be reassured of my constant thoughts and good wishes, just like the hundreds of bloggers day by day.
Much more the pity, however, that just when you seem to need it the most the heating is letting you down. Hope you have plenty of warm clothes!!!
Sending you the warmest greetings from icy Bavaria!
Happy (belated) New Year Jessica! The video of the albatross in flight is amazing. I'm suprised the birds haven't tried to get into the cabin to get warm (if they do, charge them rent). Anyway, continued best wishes from Buffalo. Take care.
Best regards,
Neil
Had to do my Celsius to Faranheit conversion.
Brrrrrrrrrrr!
Stay warm and dry, Jesse. Hope by this time this weather is moving on; even a couple of degrees warmer will feel good. Seems like just a short time ago we were reading your blogs from the equator and you were in tank tops and warm, warm.............hold on to that thought to help warm you up.
Here's to the next few weeks sending you a steady breeze and a safe, swift passage around the horn.
Hope you've had a break to fix the heater.
You are doing great!
Happy sailing from California,
Kerri
Skip'ohoy.Captain Jessica.All I can say is stay dry and calm I hope that you get that darn Diesel heater going,just keep an eye on it for safety from co2.You are dancing the waves in the right direction,think forvard,in just a few days you will be passing that Cape Horn and you can start to enjoy milder temperatures again.Sail on,G-d speed all the best. Herman.NH.USA.
Did you bring some antifreeze you the good kind for days like this.☺
Hope you get the heat fixed soon, must be brutal out there.
♥♥♥
Hi Captain Jessicold Watson,
I hope we shall read good and warm news tomorrow, about your cabin's temperature first.
I want just, tonight, to underline a new performance of yours (in my eyes): my old Mum, who is almost 83, told me yesterday that she was stunned and admirative about you. She is now frail and mostly stays at home, but I can tell you she used to be a very, very strong temper, to whom nothing and nobody resisted for long, and that she has still sharp teeth and words to criticize anyone, especially young people when they are not well educated, or cowards, or stupid (what she thinks).
But since I told her about you, she went on the internet to check, read by herself who you are and what you are doing, what you write and how, and she told me you are certainly a special stuff.
Flying colors again, Sailor! Congrats!!! She is the most fearful judge I've ever met...
Best wishes for a fair wind, a calm ocean, and an obedient heater... Have a wonderful time, heroic girl!
"I will rescue those who love me.
I will protect those who trust
in my name.Psalm 91 : 14"
Keep warm
Luv u
Richard (QLD)
Hi Jessica
I am a teacher in England. I teach 11 year olds they are in their last year of primary school. We have been following your progress on your website and the children are going to make a big map so they can mark off where you have been. We are doing a topic all about sailing and all things nautical. They would be really thrilled if you you were able to mention them in your blog or were able to e-mail me with some information about your progress. I understand you must be very busy! All of my class think you are very brave and we all wish you lots of luck!
Miss Simcox and 6S at Barlborough Primary SchooL, England.
hey michael from kingwood, wv:
just an FYI for ya'; jess' boat is NOT capable of sailing at 30kts! at that speed, it would sink itself.
do a google search for "hull speed" and educate yourself on the mechanics of sailboats.
Hi Jess
Sorry to hear the heating is not working hope it is only a minor as being cold is not much fun also hope the block on the main sheet is not to much of a problem Yes if you can wait for calmer seas to fix these problems do. My boat is still up on the hard we are hoping for a late Feb launch I am really looking forward to being back in the water this land living is not for me. In saying this I have no desire to takle the southern ocean me I'm heading for warmer waters Indoneasia here I come
Take Care Jess will keep a watchful eye out for your next update
Julie
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