We haven't actually been doing a lot of sailing over the last few days, more just sort of drifting and rolling, sometime backwards, not particularly exciting stuff. So we still haven't quite crossed over the Prime Meridian. We're sitting just a few nm away from the eastern hemisphere and not able to get there because there isn't any wind!
I've been spending my time either in the cockpit hand steering or buried in a book trying to ignore the rolling and it's pretty frustrating - very frustrating actually!
Not making any progress makes it feel like we're just wasting time out here. I've discovered that the best way to stop from pulling my hair out is to apply the 'refuse to let it get to me' strategy like I do for storms. Isn't it great that teenagers are good at being stubborn? Oh and
chocolate that helps too!
The good news is that the wind is forecast to start picking soon, so looking forward to that.
I was going to give you all a more detailed rundown on how Ella's Pink Lady
is holding up, all the wear and tear etc. But I'll save that for tomorrow.
Jesse
PS - Thanks for all the Happy Valentine's Day messages!
Monday, February 15, 2010
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
258 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 201 – 258 of 258Bonjour Jessica & Ella's Pink Lady,
Solo and unassisted sailor Alessandro Di Benedetto on his 22 feet sailboat, HakunaMatata, is now at 47° 06' 00"S 149° 09' 32"E, about 200nm from Dover, Tasmania!
He started his voyage from Les Sables d'Olonne in Vendée, France, on the 26.10.2009 at 10:26:28 .
And he is now just South of your home.Incredible isn't it?
Take care, be safe
02-15-10 @ 23:18
Hi Jessica,
The Shore Crew just posted word that you finally got some wind, hoorah…..
So with approximately 800nm’s to go you could be at the Cape within six (6) or seven (7) days. Then a hop, skip and a jump and you’ll be home, right…..yeah!!!!
But I’m sure you were glad when the wind picked up for you. I know I was happy for you when I read that. You’ve really put a dent in that 23,000nm’s plus.
With gusts up to 30 knots you should be scooting along pretty good I just hope the sea is reasonably calm, maybe just a little of the bumpy stuff. So you have now left the Western Hemisphere and left us behind you. I’ve actually learned a lot about our world since I’ve been on this voyage with you, thank you.
@ Trudy: I can always use a little help, thank you, but I think that would be a little difficult, just a little…lol..
@ SaltyDog: Are you saying that you have one of those kind of heads to, I have a hell-uv-a glare. I just couldn’t pass that one up buddy……lol….and then some more. Hope your brother’s doing well.
@ Worker Bev: We miss you lady, are you alright?
We’re still getting snow up here in WV, it just seems like there’s no end to it. We’re looking at temps. in the mid to low 20’s (F) and snow for the next three (3) days. I read a news report a few days ago and it said that Hawaii was the only state in America that didn’t have any snow. Every other state had some kind of a snowfall. I want to go to Australia, I seriously think that I’m tired of this climate. But that’s another story……LOL….
Take care of yourself and crew, got a Dr.’s appt. tomorrow so I’ll have to hit the sack early tonight. I hope the wind fills your sails and you put a good dent in that 800nm’s. You’re doing a great job, Jessica, keep it up.
Loads of love and hugs, your faithful friend, fan and follower.
May God be with you and watch over you and may the angels keep your sails full, and I, I will keep you in my prayers.
Michael (75) from Kingwood, WV
Safe travel Jess.May God be with you!
Hi Jesse, Your latest blog tells us you're drifting around and the Latest News section tells us that the wind has picked up and you are once again moving towards the Cape. Three cheers for Mother Nature!! What would really be frustrating would be being within sight of the Sydney Harbor and have no wind to get you in. Now that would be really frustrating!! They would be able to hear your screams all the way to the pier. You have probably had to use the 'refuse to let it get to me' strategy more times on this journey than you care to think about then just these last few days. When you started this quest the educated estimate was a possible eight month journey. You probably thought that you could do that standing on your head because you would be doing something that you love to do. But certain things start to wear on a person. Things like sleep deprivation, constant pressure to be alert for possible problems, constant rolling of the boat, and of course the occasional lack of suffficient wind for forward sailing. It is these times that you have to look deep within yourself and ask yourself what am I made of? Think about the dolphin that swam along side your boat for six hours during a storm. Think about your parents that endured the trip to South America and a flight in a small Cessna plane just for a brief glimpse of their courageous daughter in her tiny Ella's Pink Lady still trying to realize her dream. Then their trip back home leaving the daughter out there. The tireless support crew doing everything they can do to get you home safetly. After all this reflection Jessica I think you could do the rest of this trip standing on your head!! Very few people remember who came in second or who attempted something and failed but the name Jessica Watson who withstood unblievable hardships to become the youngest human being to sail non-stop and unassisted around the world will inspire people for generations to come. Sail safe Jesse and I think you can start to see that very dim light at the end of the tunnel but it will grow bigger and brighter everyday. Your long distant friend Larry (guamgranite@myfairpoint.net)
I'm with Dog Off His Chain... Whistling doesn't just call winds... it calls up storm winds. I've seen it happen way too many times to count. Not long ago one of our Master Watch Captains decided to whistle on deck and that beautiful sunny day was quite rainy and stormy within hours.
The crew was so unhappy with her.
You look like you are in for some good breezes from the south anyway.
say skipper..
have you considered hitching up a team of dolphins to pull your EPL though those doldrums?
geez.. i hope i just didn't break any contest rules by giving you that tip!
~your friend fumes
Hi jessica
What is worse than wind on the nose, no wind at all, I bet you have thought about turning on the little Yamnar and sneaking across that Prime Meridian line? No I'm sure you wouldn't do something like that, Jesse.
So I hope by now you have some nice westerly's and sitting on a comfortable 5 or 6knots, wouldn't that be great. But if the wind stays away for a while longer, just sit back read a book, eat some more chocolate and take it all in, it will be over before you know it.
Looking forward to hearing how EPL has by travelling, the way you have been looking after her, I'm sure she is still in good nik.
So for now keep having fun and KEEP SAFE.
Cheers George Simmons
Exmouth WA Australia
PS Please don't pull your hair out, that wouldn't be a good look.
hey jess i think what you are doing is fantastic good luck
How did the sextant practise go?
Hi Jess
So are you a Tim Tam girl or more the Mint Slice type? Or are you into those milk chocholate biscuits that when you bite into them ooze caramel. Although, sailing around the world in a pink boat, Iced Vovos would sure match your (EPL's) hull.
Or is it more of a Turkish Delight or Bounty (they'll probably rename them EPLs for you) stash that you have out there with you. I know that you won't be into Flakes - way too messy to have on a boat.
Anyway, I now need to go eat something that will take me two ours of running to burn off.
Catch you later Jess
Best wishes
Bruce
brucepm@hotmail.com
▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁
龠龠龠龠龠龠龠龠龠龠龠龠龠龠 龠龠龠龠龠龠龠龠龠
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
ConFuseUs says:
Girl who sail boat at sea with no wind,
Is about as happy as:
An accountant at tax-time with no calculator.
ConFuseUs, PLANET HYDEN WA AUSTRALIA.
▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁
龠龠龠龠龠龠龠龠龠龠龠龠龠龠龠龠龠龠龠龠龠龠龠
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
Hey Jess,
Look on the bright side,umm look at the Dolphins catch up on school work, bake a cake, catch a fish play solitare, hope i helped haha.
Stay Safe
Berlin Red
Jessica sorry to know that life is not very exciting at the moment.. rather calm winds. But surely things are going to change petty soon and then may be by then ur young blood will be ready for new challenge. It seems to sit and do nothing is also a very difficult work.. Any way all the best and keep looking astern for Cdr Donde white yacht who seems to be getting good wind. May be sail past between pink and white boats is quite overdue. Good luck Brave Girl.
Ritchie !!!!
"The Blark Hole".....I'm still rolling with laughter a day later.
I want what you're having!!
Thanks for the chuckles,
Collette
Hi Jess,
looks like all the albertos and stuff disappeared...
Well at least you can do some homeworking. With all the time available you should be ahead of your class.I wonder if you could circumnavigate and get a degree from the Open University? Anybody with experience?
Anyways, I am craving for some pictures of Albertos and Dolfens. I am wondering why none of our circumnavigating ladies has seen Wheels or Orkens?
I guess it is time to head south where the fun is...
Keep up them dodgers,
Jony the Pony
Hi Jessica,
I have left the following comment on Dilip's blog too.
Just chanced on this from Coleridge's The Rime of the Ancient Mariner about the Doldrums.
"All in a hot and copper sky,
The bloody Sun, at noon,
Right up above the mast did stand,
No bigger than the Moon.
Day after day, day after day,
We stuck, nor breath nor motion;
As idle as a painted ship
Upon a painted ocean."
Brought back memories of school. Will have to brush up, considering that my daughter will be reading these in a few years!
Regards,
Subir.
Dear Jessica,
I have been waiting to write to you for a long time! My name is Isabelle! I love sailing! my mum & dad have a yacht too! I am 10 years old, My class are doing a thing about you! It is really exciting! from Isabelle
Thank Goodness sweetheart, at last you're up, up, and AWAY !...Gusts of up to 30kn....talk about feast or famine!
Ahemm, speaking of feasts...chokkies, bikkies...and...do you have any Nutella left?
You, your cute little boat and maybe your scallywag crew (if they have been behaveing) are more than entitled to indulge in Nutella,.....the label inadvertantly reveals a cryptic clue to it's super powers:
(N)ever(U)nderestimate(T)eam ELLA
Congratulations gorgeous on passing through the Prime Meridian, and hence into your 'home patch'.
However, your 'patch' now permeates the Globe.
Eat well Jesse, and hope you are snatching some nourishing kips.
♨♨♨♨♨♨♨♨♨♨♨♨♨♨♨♨♨♨♨♨♨♨♨♨
@ Susan H, NY (long island)
said on February 16, 2010 9:51 AM:>
I passed my time on board, not crying,kicking or screaming but...making choco chip cookies patiently waiting for our capt with whom i very much missed! (I was hiding out in the galley) gee, no one ever remembers the chef!!!
Seagull's Reply:
You are a woman after my own heart!
One chef in the galley is worth two sailors on the deck, especially if there is a pending mutiny and the chef has to cook up some surprise explosive choco chip grenades.
Do you know the recipe for cordon bleu microwave flamme plat, with a splattering of prosciutto on all four walls.
If you do Susan, you can come and hide in my galley any time.
Steven Seagull
Quote:
If you cant take the heat then get a bigger kitchen.
♨♨♨♨♨♨♨♨♨♨♨♨♨♨♨♨♨♨♨♨♨♨♨♨
Jessica
You now have 30 knots -- wow, well done. I told you those baked beans would work.
Now you can start to add hours to your watch as you cross more lines of longitude.
Oh! by the way. Best tidy up the "bedroom" as you go closer to that lumpy bit called South African.
I wouldn't put it past your Mum & Dad to have slipped over there just for another sneak peep. They would have bought a stronger pair of binoculars this time !!
Just got to watch these parents all the time !!
Seriously, take care and soon your be on the home run.
Sail safe
Best Regards
Allen, H/bay, Qld, AU
Now that Jessica has passed my next waypoint, Longitude Zero,
I would like to publish my latest forecast on estimated times of arrival.
15-feb Longitude zero 34°00S 0°00 13500 nm
23-feb Cape Good Hope 34°21S 18°28E 14500 nm
28-mar Longitude ninety 35°00S 90°00E 18200 nm
09-apr Cape Leeuwin 34°22S 115°08E 19600 nm
24-apr SE Tasmania 43°42S 147°48E 21300 nm
30-apr Sydney 33°51S 151°12E 22000 nm
The forecast is based on an Excel spreadsheet. http://goto.glocalnet.net/bengtinge/JessicaWatson.xls
This Sydney arrival is 5 days later than the forecast at the Falkland Islands. Jessica has gone much further north than I assumed. Still she has kept an approximate speed of 114 real travelled nm per day. So I will keep my calculation speed of 105 theoretical nm per day. But I have moved my calculated waypoint halfway on the Indian Ocean 5 degrees north, which has added 1-2 days to this latest forecast.
Still this is an uncertain forecast.
Hi Jessica,
Really enjoy this trip you are doing it really is Unique.
I think you a great and I love your blogs as they are down to earth and newsy.
I have done a circumnavigation like you except with a crew it was 5 years agon and seems like yesterday.
You are soo.. lucky.
Say hi to the sea life for me
regard Rachel Tees
Hi Jess, I love following your progress. You are an inspiration. What a great attitude you have.
Keep on keeping on.
Barbara. Dakabin Qld
@Susan H - Wow, a Chef on board and we didn't know! And cooking in a darkroom must have been difficult, as for Jesse when she joggled for her first cupcakes! But tell me... where did you hide these chco chip cookies? I didn't even get one! Would Steven Seagull have eaten them all? If he did that, he's just worth them Scallywags on board Ella's Pink Lady! lol
@Bengt - Thank you. Of course, forecasts are forecasts, but yours are well thought and shouldn't be wrong but by a narrow margin. Unless unforeseen events...
Prime Meridian... It makes 11 hours to Sydney time, I guess? I also means London's longitude, Greenwich to be precise. Have a thought for the beautiful tea clipper "Cutty Sark", partially salvaged by fire a few years ago. I visited her and it remains a delightful memory. Each piece of wood seems to remember her trips from the Indian Ocean to London, by the Cape of Good Hope.
2010 is the 140th anniversary of her maiden voyage, and -I just checked- they need support for her. Here is the link:
http://www.cuttysark.org.uk
She is a beauty.
Hi Jessica,
It's been about a week since I have last posted a reply to your post. I am glad your still progressing well even though a bit slow. At least your safe and that's the main thing being in the middle of the ocean.
I have started back at uni which has kept me busy sorting through notes and attending lectures and tutorials.
All the best,
Pete (Canberra)
Hi Jess,
Great to be back on line again. It must be frustrating to be bobbing around but get some rest while you can.
Stay safe and we look forward to your next update.
Dave and Una......Brisbane
How about some some sailing lessons from you you when you get back I feel so incompetent now! ...LOL
Don't confuse guacamole avocado green and chilli red on the deck for port and starboard like my crew do when the've had a few to drink either... LOL
Take care!
Hey Jesse,
you are doing really well,so take a little break and enjoy it while you can, since there is not much you can do about the wind,you might as well go with the flow and have fun.
Cape of Good Hope will be there soon enough,so I am looking forward to get an update on the wear and tear of Ella's Pink Lady and a bit of a glimps of the fearless skipper as well.
lots of love,
gustav haffner
navigator-pilot
www.redbaron.com.au/adventures
Hi Jess,
Thinking of you often out there in the pink on a blue sea.Looking forward to your book. You have an invisible crew of supporters as you sail along. Keep safe and dry.
Leah from Wagga Wagga.
Hi Captain Jesse, Belated
"Happy Valentines Day"! I Lost you there for a while. Once you cross over the Prime Meridian,you surley will be heading home. I hope to be there in Sydney for your return.
Be Safe! Stay Happy! Godspeed!
I've enjoyed reading your blog from Day One. We probably won't see you when you cross 115°52'E but we'll certainly be celebrating here in Perth as you catch your first glimpse of the Australian mainland.
Hi Jess,
keep up them dodgers,
Jony the Pony
Perhaps no wind, how ironic that is what we wanted when we traversed the Great lakes on a Sea Doo.
I commend you and we are all watching up here in the frozen Tundra of Green Bay WI
Hi Jesse, how are you?
Hang in there, the wind will return.
Enjoy the chance to have some rest and recreation.
take care and keep well
God Bless
Wendy
Armidale
NSW
hi also to my fellow bloggers, hope that you are all well.
Hi Jess, you're doing very well out there. Keep up the good work.
Kindest regards, John W.
The thing about standing still is that you know eventually you have to get back going again. So chill in the still and enjoy until the winds get picking up again. I just ventured into unknown waters for me, anyway. I feel stronger even though I have no idea what consequences will come my way. I'm just kind of waiting for the wind to change, too. That feels very free doesn't it? You are just about the freest person I can think of. Namaste
Stanlee
Yo Jesse,
Just checking in on you and getting my lift for today. I just think you and your adventure are thrilling.
Can you give an idea of where you are now. I'm not sure since you've had a few slooow days. ha..
Hoping you get some wind at your back and a following sea..
Thinking of ya...
IndyMike
39°50’19”N, 86°9’20”W
Jesse,
I'll go outside and turn on the fans!
Rob
Columbia, Missouri, USA
Just got back from Valencia and the America's Cup. Talked of your great adventure with other sailors throughout the world! Keep going and Good Luck!
Dirty Harry, 16 Feb. 08:04AM:
Yes, I do mean YOU (if you think you are YOU, you know what I mean...)
Righto, flap YOUR arms, punk, feel lucky to create some wind and get Jess and EPL GOOOOOIIIINNNNNGGGGGG...
yuor strength will inspire many...God Bless...
????
The wind will send you through the glimmer path. The blaze of glory when the day is done. From there the journey will be full of adventure.
No worries..no wind no hassle..just relax time and gear up for what's to come yet.
Lots of cheers from here....:-)
Stay safe and Straight Ahead !!
Hi,Jessica,
Can someone please tell me why the ''posts'' are located on old ''updates'' and not on the most recent ''updates''???????Andrew I assume this maybe part of the ''site'' problems,if someone can fill me in ,it will save all this back tracking....
Jessica,hope all is well,we are so used to your updates.Trust the winds have picked up for you and your ''crew'' are keeping busy with you,your school work continues.
''Richie'',you continue to amaze me with your posts,keep it coming.
Winter continues,however the ''clean-up'' is on going,these kids haven't been in school for over a week, hard to believe a city of this size can get so paralyzed,when you got to truck snow out,you know you have a problem,they should fed-x it to ''Vancouver''......
Young lady, keep up the positive outlook,you will accomplish your dreams,I am so proud of you,I know our ''world family'' would agree.
The ''Team'' has gotten our departure date for ''Haiti'',March the first,I so look forward to making another contribution and put my ''skills''to work,they so need our attention right now.I will be taking my laptop to send posts while their.
Take care of yourself young lady,my prayer's go out to you daily,you are so special to all.
Hugs,much love as all way's,keep safe,may the winds be in your favor.
Stephen M.,
Transplanted ''Aussie'',
Maryland,USA,
Hi Jesse
What's that old poem..
When the wind wouldn't blow
And the ship wouldn't go
They'd use Carter the farter
To start her.....
Well done.
Indie
Today's Inspirational Quote:
"The act of putting pen to paper encourages pause for thought,
this in turn makes us think more deeply about life, which
helps us regain our equilibrium."
-- Norbet Platt
Good Morning Jesse
Wacky Wednesday in this neck of the woods...people going off everywhere...violence at schools, angry politicians, and there you are sailing along hopefully enjoying life with plenty of wind . Actually the way things are going world wide you could consider restocking and going around again!!! Mum and Dad might not be too happy though. Another platypus found on a road.... in Adelaide this time. Our Dubbo platypus is OK and has been released.Have a great day, I intend to despite the havoc..
Sea ya
Dusty from Dubbo
Hello Captain Jesse,
Good to hear of wind for you! Hope you are rested and ready. May you continue to have blue skies!
Godspeed,
Mike
P.S. Grant great video. RichieParis great joke and to many others great comments I enjoy your thoughts and well wishes for Jesse and fellow bloggers!
Hi I'm Mike and I'm a Jesseholic.......
Psalm 103:12
...as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
Hi, Jesse! I have missed posting for a couple of days as I have been away. I am delighted to read on the "News" entry that your drifting seems to have been replaced with good renewed progress for awhile. So much so that you've met that goal of crossing the Prime Meridian. Cool. Now you have sort of experienced how far "is the east from the west" as the Psalmist wrote thousands of years ago!
Anyway, I just wanted to share this little illustration of how God's saving grace, only through His son, Jesus, removes the stain of our inevitable sins from each one of us who believe, as your next stated goal for your progress called it to my mind.
Looking forward to your report on EPL and her fine equipment. I have been still praying for you, asking for good and safe progress, good health and strength, and of course for adequate, sweet rest when you need it. Today I will again pray for your family at home, and of course your good support team.
All the best to you out there.
Hello Jesse,
you are still shining like a beacon. Not lost one ounce of get up and go for it. great to see you are passed the Main meridian, that must have buoyed up your spirits a heap. Battle on Ocean Lady, you won't have some many down in the dump days now you are on the home sraight.
You and EPL are doing just SO fantasticly well.
OLD Keco...xxx
You are an amazing inspiration to myself and my family. We are all so proud of you!
You are learning so many valuable lessons out there.
You go girl!
Best wishes from Palm Harbor, FL
Hey Jesse,
good news from ground control, you're moving again eastward.
Welcome to our European time zone!!
@Michael, Kingwood Feb.14 01:01am:
thanks for welcoming me back. I try to read every single msg and try to post whenever possible. Was also hit by the DDD and had withdrawls...
@Bengt, Feb.16 06:44pm:
downloaded your Excel sheet: it is incredible - många tack!
@Richie, Parker Biography Feb.13 04:18AM.
Rumors say that from the relation between Parker and Lady Pen there is to be a child named "Pencil" - can you investigate??
Jesse, hope you're enjoying the night flight,
take care,
Sven, Hamburg.
OOOOOXXXXXX
@ Anonymous, February 17, 2010 5:37 AM:
Thanks Anon,
I thought the You that you were referring to was the You that I thought that I am, that is most of the time: sometimes I do not feel like the You that You think that I am and at other times I wonder if I am the Me that You think I used to be. There are other days that the Me that I used to be is only a memory of the You that You might picture Me to have been.
In case You think I am not being fair to the concept of the Me that you now have in mind for Me to be, I ask You to overlook my ignorance as to the You that You now consider to be the me to really be.
The old You that I was once was always having trouble being at peace with his New You-ness and this will explain the very hairy trigger finger. It will also explain my long standing problem of when ever I see YOU in written form I think someone is TALKING TO ME, and I get agitated. So I would like to thank you for coming back to me to let me know your intention..... Wind for Jesse.
I know a lot about wind and I shall do my best to produce as much as I can possible produce and blow it on down to her.
Please excuse my personality problems as they are a side effect form working in the Magnum Force for too long.
Please continue being Anonymous and cute.
I am feeling very lucky to have met you.
Love
Dirty
OOOOOXXXXXOOOOOXXXXXOOOOOXXXXXOOOOO
Hi, thank you very much. good job.
Hi, thank you very much. good job.
Are you allowed to paddle when there is no wind or is that against the rules? lol
Post a Comment