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 601 – 661 of 661Thanks Shore crew for the update. Much appreciated We know you are busy also.
Glad things are going well. You are a legend Jesse.
Best wishes
Stay safe
Joy
Ballart.
06 JAN 10: JOB WELL DONE!
.
Congratulations on riding those seas the last few day...your armchair crew are leaping to their feet in a massive world-wide cheer! I can't wait to read you rounding the horn.
.
Best wishes, best prayers,
Steve, CA USA
Jessica,
I keep waiting to hear you have the heat back!
Wishing the best,
Eric
Georgia, USA
Glad its going so well. You can get a very good idea of the conditions that Jessica is facing at
http://swellwatch.wetsand.com/#place=-46.92025531537451_-66.269531_3_1644_height_none_Sat_-1
Neil Kahn
Kayak J(aco
Hi Jess,
i've been following you since Sydney and it's all so inspiring. I wrote a song and last night posted a music video on you tube, called 'Jessie Dance' I love the google map and hearing what you're experiencing. I'm a teacher, it's awesome what you're doing, go girl go!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SElkzW_mzAw or punch in 'Jessica Watson film for web'
9:00pm 01.06.10
Captain Jesse the Explorer
Captain Jesse,
You have written more magic- taking us all on the voyage with you. I can almost feel the sea on my face.
Just finished reading all the blog messages- so much love being sent your way. You have created a new family, Captain Jesse- and you, dear brave young woman are the center of it. As I read the messages I imagined a golden thread going from each blogger to your boat. What a beautiful weave.
Watching and praying for you as you go forward, Courageous One. God speed. Hope you get your heater working soon.
Ben from Texas
Hiya Jessie well to put it right it is 28dgs here in NZ with a howling norwester Talk about being blown around I can imagine you on EPL doing the same but COLD Keep up the tucka girl and warm layers
Stay safe little traveller
Kiwi Gal
I have had time today to read your blog from yesterday to two days before you left. Made for an interesting read for a landlubber. I take my hat off to you girl, as I would be terrified if either of my boys said they wanted to sail around the world - highly unlikely. Anyway, I am now a follower of your journey. All the best & safe sailing.
Nikki, NSW
Your awesome!! Cant wait to share your story and blog with my 10 year old daughter. What a great role model you make for young woman everywhere!!! Thanks, and you will be in our prayers!!
Liz Tay;pr
Hey my little Aussie friend,
Thinking about you everyday, and marvel at your undertaking. You are one special teenager! You are doing something so few people have the guts or knowledge to do. And how well you do it! Wishing you safe sailing as you progress through the Southern Ocean. Godspeed Jesse.
Joanne, southern California
Hi Jessica,I am 76 years old and follow your blog with great interest, I envy your great opportunity Good luck come home safely.... Bruce
Hi Jesse, I am a new comer to your blogs, but have been reading all with great excitement. You have so many friends out here in the safe area called land....you are so courageous to take on this task and I wish you God speed...get round that dreaded Cape Horn and then homeword bound girl.....Go Jesse Go....you are in my prayers daily....I send you this
"Olde Irish Wish"
May the raindrops fall lighly on your brow,
May the soft winds freshen your spirit,
May the sunshine brighten your heart.
May the burdens of the day rest lighly upon you,
And May God enfold you in the mantle of His love.
love and prayers
Ann
Jesse,
Have you seen this crew log?
I saw it on Dilip's blob.
The pictures are awesome!
Check it out...they're nearby...maybe you could ring them up?
http://www.aroundtheamericas.org/story/Crew+Log+162+-+At+Sea+40%C2%BA+22%E2%80%99S%2C+056%C2%BA+56%E2%80%99W
Charles
Jesse,
The timing for late next week does not look good right now - you might want to circle out of it's path and follow it so it will pull you through!
http://passageweather.com/maps/capehorn/mappage.htm
Monica
Hey Jess!
If you were my kid and if you did what your doing without telling me!
You would be so grounded when you got home! lol
Yeah right!
Hope your ok!
HURRY UP! You need to get home before the warranty runs out on the heater! lol
Be extra safe!
Take care little buddy!
GO JESS! GO!
Hi Jesse,
Just sitting here, watching and listening. What fun!
Having grown up in extremely cold country, I am concerned that you don't rug up to the point of perspiring underneath it all.
Can you believe this? Well over 500 comments so far on this post. You are truly an inspiration to the world Jesse. You are our little ambassador!
Stay safe and keep warm but not too warm!
with a warm hug from Hervey Bay, Cobrarog
01-07-10 @ 01:24
Hi Jessica,
Well for the present the weather on P/W looks good, but I can’t help being concerned about a storm behind you. I’m not sure if it will catch you up or not, I can’t tell how fast it’s moving. I’m sure S/C has you covered.
Gee, it seems like a long time since we even got new posts, I’m sure your fans are writing, just nothing coming thru yet. I’m hammering the hell out of my F5 but nothing is changing, I’ve rebooted to no avail, it’s like watching paint dry. Too anxious, to anxious……And then the flood came.
I just hope that you’re plenty warm, and getting some well needed rest. Have you had some good, hot meals??? Were you able to fix the heater???
Not much happening up here, except for some snow. Very exciting!!!!
I need some more adventure stories, by Jessica Watson. There you go!!!!
What was the name of that book again????? LOL…..
I think I’m starting to ramble. (I’m allowed)
For ROMY(8):
Just wanted to compliment you on your information,
The fastest bird that swims is the Gentoo Penguin. It can swim at 24 km per hour. That’s fantastic, there would be a lot of resistance on it since it’s in the water. Good job, keep it up.
Take good care of yourself and all them scallywags, I know that 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
I am working in the library in Townsville and talking to a customer about how inspiring you are to a new generation of girls. Good on you - I hope you write a book that we can all read.
Librarian
Jesse,
It's interesting that you would describe the wind as " It is not like your normal wind, it is much heavier"
In cold moist conditions the air would be denser, but it's surprising that you can actually feel the difference"
Just shows how in tune & sensitive to the environment you have become.
StuntTrader
Tassie
Hi Jess, hope is all well in that freezing cold. Not sure who updates the tracking but you seem to have stalled in the Southern Ocean somewhere :). Not that you are getting close to Cape Horn can you give us an update on the miles to go when you post in your blog ?
Terry, Sydney
I love Stewart's story about the Fly Trap. It gave me the biggest laugh I've had in ages.
Thanks, shore crew, for the update. It was greatly appreciated.
Ian from Brisbane
Dear Jessica,
my name is Phoebe, I am 11 yrs old and I think what your doing is amazing and very brave!.I just have one question for you, how did Ella's Pink lady your beautiful boat get it's name?.You're very cool(I just have to say that!!!!!)
once again your amazing and I envy you so much!
Stay safe and keep believing!!!
Yours Truly!!!!
Phoebe XXX
QLD Sunshine Coast
Hi Jessica,
Just wanted to say that I check in on you every day to make sure you are ok. I think you are a courageous person and give me inspiration. Take Care
Carmen from NZ
Hey Jessie,
I hope you can get the heater fixed because its good to have at least a bit of warmth in these freezing southern ocean conditions.
Wow,there are so many People writing posts to you now,it's hard to get a word in and I am just glad I got my New Years wishes to you early.
Many thanks also for your Christmas and New Years videos and the pictures and video of the albatross flying and resting near Ella's Pink Lady.
keep warm and take good care of yourself Jessica and try to get that heater fixed
just in case.
We love you heaps and you are doing a fantastic job in the southern ocean and
we are sooooooooooooo proud of you !!!
Cape Horn will be a piece of cake
for the fearless skipper Jessica
and Ella's Pink Lady.
Jessica,you are a champion!
Enjoy the challenge of Cape Horn and
the southern ocean and before you know it,that famous landmark will have been conquered by the youngest woman non-stop circum-navigator ever,Jessica Watson.
Rest when you can Jessica ,stay focused and take things nice and easy, step by step.You were trained well for this, you got a freat shoreteam and Bob the weatherman - you know the southern oceans and any challenge that nature and Cape Horn can come up with you are well skilled and equipped to handle well.
Once you rounded Cape Horn,you should have a little party celebrating because that will be such an amazing thing for you to remember all through your life.
Go Jessica,
you are doing a fantastic Job sailing Ella's Pink Lady into history!
gustav haffner
navigator-pilot
www.redbaron.com.au/adventures/
Congratulations Jess! You really are an inspiration to us all. We enjoy reading your blog and every time I look at the ocean I think of you. Safe Sailing.
hi jess, all the best for new year and safe sailing for 2010. have been away so glad to see u r still going strong.keep dry and keep warm.
pandj bundy
Jessie.... I dig you babe! My dad built a boat and just set off sailing around the world. Lucky bastard. Indeed we're both anxious to hear how you go around the horn!!! Good luck girl, you are a ferocious young winner. I have tons of respect for you darlin'.
Texas Lee
"Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after another." (Jane Ottenborough)
Hi Jess,
How are them albertos and dolfens?
Keep up them dodgers,
Jony the Pony
Dear Jessica,
maybe Bob the weatherman could make a dedicated webpage so we can follow up on the weatherforecasts.
James
Hey Jess,
It is warm here in canberra and I can not imagine the challenge you are facing as you move into the atlantic.
All I know is that you are braver than I am. I hope you know how inspiring you are. Keep your chin up, and we will see you back on dry land soon.
Hello Jessica, funny to think you'll read this while somewhere west of Chile or so. I can tell you it originates in Dubai. As a father of a young lady of soon 17 years I follow your sailing as often as possible, I feel I must check in to see things go well for you. It must be said, what you are doing is incredible for anyone and more so at your age. I am ever so impressed by your obvious sailing skills, confidence and strong desire. You will do this, clearly, you'll come back to Sydney from the other side ; ) In the process you inspire so many people, young and old to pursue theirs - and my -dreams. That, Jessica, isn't bad at all. Best wishes to you and your family and to all of the support team that help keep things going. Here's to you Skipper!
Hey Jess - just wanted to let you know that SOOOOOOOO many people are behind your effort and I'm one of them. I wish your braveness and pluck could be bottled so I could buy a few dozen! Just remember - while you're out there fulfilling your dreams, even though at times it's tough, many of us are plodding away being "average" and living dreams vicariously through you. Maybe in my next life....but in the meantime, look forward to your next bulleting. Love every (cold) minute girlfriend!!
Ha ha! IMAGENERING!
The fly trap!
Jessica
You really are an imspiration to all and especially to the young women of the world.
I'm just an "old" unadventurous aussie woman on summer holidays with time to follow your blog. it warms my heart each time I open your wedsite to see what you are achieving each day. Keep up the staying power, safe sailing & continue to take on the tough days with your usual fighting and determined spirit and attitude
Anne
Hi Jessica
Congratulations on passing your 9,000 mile mark – and many thanks to your Shore team for advising us blog addicts of that information.
I hope the lighter conditions have enabled you to prepare Ellas Pink Lady for your next bout with the Southern Ocean and that you may have found some time to rest a bit and mentally take in what you have just been through. I’m sure you are by now well prepared for your next challenge.
Someone asked about the affect of the ‘heavier’ wind in the Southern Ocean. For their information heavier, or denser, cold air provides a greater force on the sails than lighter, less dense and warmer air, on a boat carrying the same sail area, so in heavier air the boat would heel, or lean over, more than it would in light air. The general effect, I assume, would be a more violent response to gusts of wind making sailing more uncomfortable and putting more ‘impact’ loads on things like the steering gear and rigging. ‘Parker’ would probably have to work harder to earn his keep in these conditions!
It is, as someone said, very observant of Jessica to notice the difference and her short description of it is wonderfully evocative of the conditions she is sailing in. Thanks Jessica for another superb bit of descriptive writing.
I hope everything is now OK and we hear an enthusiastic and excited blog from you soon.
Tony L (Mt Martha VIC)
I will say hello to you Jesse from a cold Norway. I am so impressed of you,and i also will take my hat off! Here in Norway we have -31 celsius so my thaughts go to you if youre freezing out there....
I have follow your blog in a couple of months and I wich you all my luck on your tour:) Stay calm as you always say and i look forward to follow you and Ella Pink.
Jeanette, Norway
Hey Jesse....
I was just sitting here amazed at how fast you have made it to the 9,000 mile mark.
You are doing amazingly well.
And while i was sitting here thinking about that, i was thinking of ways you ould keep warm ( says me sitting in a nice cool evening after a hot day, cuddling my hot guinea pigs...lol). Then i though....thats it....pop all my guinea pigs in your cabin....they would generate their own heat...lol
But then the more i thought of that the more i realised by the time you got home...my 14 guinea pigs would be 132 guinea pigs,.... hmmmm bad idea....lol
So then i thought....the best remedy for cold weather is....a nice bed, a good book and a BIG cup of hot chocolate....Smile
Anyway....just thought ide pop on and say hello
So " Hello "
Will catch you soon....stay safe, dry and warm ( was good to hear from your shore crew)
Deb and the Guineas
A man starts to doze off while watching telly so decides to hit the sack. He gets up off his chair and walks over to the telly and turns it off. He then switches all his lights off and goes upstairs and gets into bed and falls asleep. Suddenly a loud noise wakes him, so he gets out of bed and looks out the window then drops dead. What happened? I can only answer any questions with a "YES" or a "NO".
Greetings, All!
Thanks to the Blog Captain, Andrew, for streaming the posts.
I imagine that you have a full time job OTHER than posting our blogs, Andrew. I would venture a guess that you make the blogs a priority, but sometimes, other things come up.
I do understand. Hope others will as well....
Brumbyy, your poem is great.
Thank you to Michael, H-299, for your compliments...
Jessica, Commandeering Dragon of the Ocean, I have a recurring vision of Immense King Neptune rising out of the ocean at the Cape and guiding EPL with his finger tips, making light contact on the hull. He moves you smoothly through the passage. He's smiling, with adoring eyes, and keeping you safe.
All is well.
So much to say, but for now, with love and deep respect, safe passage and warm air to you. May you stay connected to your confidence, clarity and courage.
xoxo Mary, Maine, USA
Ahoy Jesse,
Haven't heard anything for a while--it's now Friday morning for both of us. That's because you probably have reached Longitude 072 West--a meridian that also runs through my neck of the woods.
Welcome to this wedge-of-the-globe!
I'm including everything between 072 and 071 when I speak for Eastern Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Eastern Massachusetts in New England plus a bit of New York State on Fishers Island and the Eastern end of Long Island's South Fork. I invite all U.S. members of the Blog Family to join in my cheer to Jessica and welcome her to our longitude.
Of course you're still about 6,000 miles away (I offered the calculation in a previous blog). But I reckon this is as close as we'll get this time around.
We share this strip of the world with several other nations, including Provicence of Quebec in Canada, The Dominican Republic and Hati, and many of the nations of South America. I would enjoy hearing bloggers from all of these countries join in this welcome. Simply write. "WELCOME JESSICA, WE SALUTE YOU." in your native tongue. I believe this would include French, Spanish, and Portugese. Are there others?
Jessica, I realize that you really have your hands full right now and are in no position to acknowledge cheerleaders. But as you roll across the Atlantic toward home you will be sharing longitudes with many other nations of the world. I feel that this "longitudinal link" might be a way to organize and acknowledge the enormity of your quest and the meaning it holds for our small world.
WELCOME JESSICA, WE SALUTE YOU!
Fair Winds,
Richard Lathrop
Hi Jess,
Go girl! You are awesome. We are with you all the way.
Stay safe.
GV
Sydney
We haven't forgotten you! Go Aussie! Go!
Hi Jessica
Great to see you are positive about all that the southern ocean is throwing at you. Keep positive (even if you have to pretend!!), a positive frame of mind will achieve great things......
Looking at the weather predictions it doesnt look as tho the Southern Ocean is often kind, but fingers crossed you get a good window of opportunity to get around the horn in relative conditions.
Just think once you are round the horn you should be able to sneak north a bit for a breather!
Go Jesse!! we are all sending you positive thoughts.
Fair winds to you.
KEEP CLIPPED ON!!
PS Nice to see the indian solo sailors friend is blogging you also - comradarie is a wonderful thing. :D
Thanks again 'support team' for the latest news. Real heart in mouth stuff now...yikes! Sounds like she's coping as per the real trouper she is. Quote..."Jessica is enjoying the challenge of the fierce southern ocean" Are you kiddin? Wow!Just...WOW!
Hey Jesse, I don't know how you do it. I often work in cold storage
0-5 celsius but get to come out after a couple of hours..thankyou very much! You on the other hand are constantly in that environment day in, day out.and no complaints.
Geez! I hope ya get that heater fixed soon..or maybe you already have...hopefully.
700nm to go and you have a browny/yellow blob on ya tail. Put the hammer down girl and go like the clappers! Don't spare the horses!
Seriously tho, I believe you and your team have done the homework and are ready for this homeward run to the Horn. All I can say is,
go with care, stay clipped, keep warm, wear ya gloves outside, eat and drink warm stuff and don't go outside if it's too rough and dangerous...that's all :)
Sail safe young Jesse!
Ben (Qld)
Hi Jess,
Woohoo sounds like the ride of a life time. Haha here we are in tropical QLD thinking its hot! Glad to hear you are still safe and cruising along (even with one sail but). I hope it is not too much of a problem to 'unblock the block'.
You are doing a super job making all of us proud blog followers. Take care, Leeroy from BNE
Stay safe and Greetings from all our family here in Shanghai China. We are following you every day and look forward to your updates. I even have my Chinese staff following you on a large world map .
Take care
Peter aand Amy
To all of the Jessica bloggers
My F5 key is wearing out quickly
That's screen refresh if some of you don't know.
Wonder why no position update since Sunday?
Georgia Guy
USA
HAWKEYE
Hi Jesse - you're flying darl and the Horn is getting closer but where you're at the moment is more important. The seas have been tough on you by all accounts but from all accounts you are holding up well.
Keep safe precious one and my thoughts are with you as you continue to show your detractors what you are really made o. Clip on tight and God bless darl.
HAWKEYE
Hello Jessica,
Mate can i just say you have me hooked. I am totally addicted to your website, your blogs, everyone else's blogs and your pictures. What am i going to do when holidays are over next week?
Ah well, we will tackle that challenge when it happens.
Keep having fun Jess your smile is infectious and it's spreading around the world.
Take care
Tim and Rosie
Caboolture
Just awsome jess x Cushla
Hey Jess
wannted to let you know what a great example you are setting for our youth !!! well done My kids who ar 10, 13 and 15 all look at your videos and read the blog.. Stay strong... and safe .. Our whole family is supporting you.
Greg, Kim, Jacob, Carissa and Gabii
To Jessica,
Just signing in to wish you God's speed and safety for this great undertaking that you have taken on and that all your dreams will come true.
We are reading your Blog's and enjoying them very much. We will continue reading until you are back safely home with your Mum & Dad.
Your so young and we take our hats off to you.
Regards
Mervyn & Yvonne Cox
Crow's Neat QLD
Hi Jessica,
Just to let you know that myself and my kids always read your blog and news and have a map up with a line of where you are. You are a girl to be admired!
Take care love Gill and family
Brisbane, Australia
Hi jess, Glad to see the winds picked up. I'm looking forward to seeing the video footage from your mum and dads plane as they fly over you as you round cape horn.
Jim B - Cairns
Hi There Jesse,
(I'm not sure if I've already commented on this one or not, because I've been offline for a few days; but anyway ... just in case I haven't commented on this Blog Entry Titled "COLD"...) . . .
Well, it's great to here from you again!!
How were those couple of Exciting day's ?!? ... I bet you had your hands full. You seem to have managed Just Fine, Jessica. Just like you have all the way so far.
I can imagine what you mean with the handling of Wet Lines on Deck. I've handled wet ropes just on a small half cabin cruiser, and wet guy ropes on tents in storms; which obviously had nothing on what you are going through, so I really feel for you Jessica, and respect you for your courage and strength, and persistence.
I'm sure you'll solve those little problems with the Main Sheet and the Heater. Anyway, concentrate on the main Sheet first (...LOL...as if you wouldn't...lol...), because you sure have plenty of things to do to keep warm (just DON'T TRY TO JOG AROUND THE DECK ...LOL...).
Have a Safe and Happy Trip, But Most Of All HAVE FUN !!!
" You CAN And WILL Do It Jessica Watson !!! "
NM
xx
Hello Jessica. I don't think there is a day that goes by that I don't tell someone about you. I went into a shop the other day & the shop was not busy, so I told the young people working there all about you, they did not know of you, so they got onto the shop computer & looked at your web site & they loved it, they thanked me very much for telling them about you. They are now going to keep looking at your web site. Take care, safe sailing. From Grandma Viv Auckland New Zealand.
Morning Jessica. How you going today, how is the sea right now? It is Wednesday morning right now & I am going to be watching the Aussie Tennis Open again today, can you see it on your computer? Tell me something do you get to read all these comments people send to you? Sorry so many questions. Safe sailing & love from Grandma Viv Auckland New Zealand
hello Jessica,
it is a nice warm sunny day here in Melbourne. Hope you are getting the weather you need to push you on your way closer to home. Tell me how close are you going to be to south Africa. Or are you going to make a direct line to Aus:
have as uper safe day you Anzac girl.
keco. xxxxx
Good morning Jessica. Man was the was the Tennis Open really good last night, WOW it was like looking at a a final, but there is a long way to go yet! Justine Henin has come back after about 18 months off & she won her games last night & put the 5th seed out of the competition, GOOD Tennis. I have my Atlas out & I watching just where you are, it still looks a large strip of water BUT you are going really well.WOW WOW WOW Sometimes I can't get my head around it. as to how AMAZING you are. It was GREAT to see your Mum & Dad on the Video & to see you waving to them, they love you HEAPS. I care about you & your sailing & I wish you All the BEST. Catch you tomorrow Morning. Love From Grandma Viv Auckland. New Zealand.
Post a Comment