Official Jessica Watson Blog

Only Six Weeks Until Our Exciting Campaign Starts!

Friday, August 19, 2011

I'm sorry I haven't been posting here lately, I've been finding it easer to keep my Facebook page updated so check that out to see what I've been up to!

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Anonymous commented on 31-Jan-2012 09:54 PM

CONGRATULATIONS Jessica on your OAM! ------------------------------------------ Sending you very best wishes and continued support. ---------------------------- Cheers ..... Soldier's Mum xxx

Unisaurus commented on 28-Jan-2012 01:10 PM

Hey Jess I really admire how you sailed around the world. You showed all the women out there that they can do anything as long as they put their heart, soul and mind into it. I'm writing a biography about you in school and I'd really love it if you reply
to this. You're AWESOME!! Good luck in the future!

SaltyDog commented on 25-Jan-2012 07:29 AM

Jessica, you’ve made us all extremely proud as Young Australian of the Year. You’ve set the bar high for all future young people who will hold that title, but you will also always be a huge inspiration to all of them. I hope you will now find more time
to yourself. You deserve it. Sailing with Bruce and Suzanne in the Three Peaks Race sounds like a blast. I’m wondering who your two runners will be in the race. I know that Chick-With-Attitude can sure move. Big Ted might have a hard time scaling those mountains
but if the blow up Kiwi is full of hot air, he would be able to make it up the hill O.K. Happy Australia Day, Jess. Have a great time in Sydney with Tom…..From Seattle, WA, USA….your fan and friend for life….SaltyDog

Ann commented on 22-Jan-2012 03:45 PM

Hi Jessica You have the real round the world record with no stops

Anonymous commented on 06-Jan-2012 06:06 AM

Hi Jess, Its great fun following you in sydney hobart. You guys are great, did a wonderful show off. Nowadays no blog uh? Please write soon

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The Mini Fastnet, Turning 18 and World Food Programme Youth Ambassador

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Luckily for me it’s just started raining here in Dauarnenez, a little town on the coast of France. So instead of going for a jog I have a few minutes to sit down and write a blog. I landed in France last week and will be spending the next few weeks here training on a 6.5m mini called Skippy (see pic below), before taking part in the Mini Fastnet race later in the month. It’s great to be back in France and very nice to be back out on the water again!

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Anonymous commented on 17-Feb-2012 03:30 PM

hi

Adam commented on 15-Feb-2012 09:20 AM

Nice job sailing 'round the world, Jessica. Hopefully more great achievments to come, in the future. :)

transplanted aussie commented on 01-Nov-2011 05:19 AM

Hi Jessica and world family; In hopes this gets to you,have been absent for awhile due to some changes in my life,Have left S and R upon my return due to health issues and age. My health issues is due to Skin Cancer and a spreading since my last series
of out patient operations,so I have a couple more to go soon. Great to read after a meltdown of my PC for awhile,I have allot of catching up to do with everyone.Have emailed a few to give an update. Jessica,I remain so proud of you from afar,remain so privileged
to have been a very little part of it. World family keep up the support for our young lady ,belated Birthday Wishes too. That is it for now,keep your sails full in all you do. Stephen, Transplanted Aussie

Lottie C commented on 29-Oct-2011 11:32 AM

Hi Jess, I'm 11 years old and am almost finished your book 'True Spirit'. While I have been reading the book, i have been watching the movie. It is great to read the book, and then see what it was like real life! I really liked watching the 'Special Features'
Video yesterday, its great to see things about life on 'Ella's Pink Lady'. I know its very late, but COLNGRATULATIONS! I've have been very much inspired by your book and circumnavigation, Lottie <3

Colin commented on 16-Oct-2011 03:45 PM

Jessica I am 76 and am in the middle of your book 'True Spirit'. How awesome was that trip at 16! I am full of admiration and look forward to standing at South Head on boxing day and cheering you on...Colin

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Our Youth Should Have A Voice!

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Hi everyone. Something a bit different for this blog entry and I need your help; have a read then jump on my official Facebook page and answer the question there or leave a comment to let me know your thoughts.

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Happy Aussie Hung From Hong Kong commented on 29-Dec-2011 01:40 PM

Wow, Jessica, I log in to check your Sudney Hobart Result, but find you has raised such a meaningful debate on teenager's politcal right. Good on ya making use of your national celebrity status for a good cause like this. Simply put, I support yor appeal
to give teengers of 16 / 17 years of age an optional right to vote. Whoever like you feel the social responsiblity to voice out their concerns, you should be able to vote if you choose to register. I believe in an informnation explosive world, young people
like you who have accesss to sufficient information could make informed judgment on social issues, as such are qualified to have a resposnible vote of their own. Yes, the more younger people get involved in caring about the future of our nation, the better
chance we will get it right for our next generation. Jessica, you have my 100% support.

Anonymous commented on 13-Dec-2011 04:34 AM

If this world could only have more examples like you I believe it would be a better place. I think there are a lot of young and older people who don't show any Interest in what is happening in our country. With the result we don't get objective outcomes.
We listen to the negative comments instead of listening and deciding for our selves before we make decisions. If we could only get more people like yourself with vision and get up and go then we would have an even better country..by Max

Marcel commented on 03-Jul-2011 09:47 PM

No. Although I firmly believe you, Jessica, are 100% ready to vote, I also think you are aware by now, that you are very mature for your age, and intelligent as well. So the fact that you are ready to vote, does not mean all 16 year olds are. I'm sure
you know other 16 year olds out there, who you might consider completely incapable of knowing even remotely what they would be voting on and for. Your own vote would be completely lost among theirs! Even many adults have trouble thinking ahead, and overseeing
the consequences of their vote in the long run, let alone younger people like yourself. I don't know how it is in Australia, but around here there's a large group of people who tend to vote from their own wallets only, and on the very short term. However in
your case, apparently interested in politics, I would suggest a membership of the political party that you would want to vote for! You will be welcomed and heard, and within that party your influence may be a lot larger than it would be through a single vote
in an election. Not just because you are who you are, but also because political parties too, believe that youth (who are ready for that) should have a voice! You will be surprised how welcoming the "gray suits" are towards youth with serious political interests.
So... get involved, and you WILL have that voice! And it will be stronger than through one of millions of votes.

Slim commented on 27-Jun-2011 11:03 AM

No. Teens are running on a cocktail of hormones and great expectations. Some but not most are very level headed. 18 or even 21 is plenty young to vote. As a compromise I think it would be great to take a straw vote of teens each election to see how different
their views might be. Slim

Ratue commented on 15-Jun-2011 12:13 AM

A unifying position might be to lobby for non-compulsory voting at 16, becoming compulsory at 18. Blog writing is also a non-compulsory activity, Jessica has apparently been catching up on the school work she didn't do when she was writing blogs during
her circumnavigation. She deserves continued support and respect, and we can be pleased to get occasional updates!

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Study, Ella’s Pink Lady and New Zealand

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Well as I’m busy with study at the moment I shouldn’t really have a lot to tell you! I’m trying desperately to just be a boring student with a life that revolves around classes and homework, but life just doesn’t seem to work out like that. The school work is going well, nothing particularly exciting but a new challenge in a different kind of way.

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Introducing The New Project!

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Having started three months of intense courses to finish off my schooling, I’ve had quite a change of pace the last few weeks. After all the excitement of announcing the new project the other week, combined with the buzz of all the events and travel in recent months, hectic had somehow become my version of normal! So despite plenty of study, enjoying a slower pace for a little while!

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celialhy 123 commented on 11-Apr-2011 12:04 PM

Happy preparation - I'm sure it will be loads of fun! Good luck with finishing school, take care JJ

Bo commented on 10-Apr-2011 02:22 AM

Hi Jessica!
I have not read your blog for a while, but I have read your book. I got it for Christmas and have read 10 minutes before going to sleep for quite a few nights. It was interesting to read a bit morer about your actual feelings and I do think you are a good writer. I wish you all of succes in your new project. Really thought you mus soon come up with a new challenge and I just read what it is all about. Will try to follow you through your blog as I will not go into Facebook. Really think it would take too much of my spare time. Here in Sweden we are getting some warmer weather after a long... long cold season. Best wishes for now and wishing you good luck with your studies and the new project. Bo South Sweden

Chris commented on 09-Apr-2011 11:17 PM

What schools did Jessica go to?
Otherwise was Jessica home schooled?
Just out of interest

Soldier's Mumf commented on 09-Apr-2011 03:16 PM

To Billie and Tom ----------------------------
Please allow me to also add my CONGRATULATIONS on your anniversary! :) Albeit, belated. ;) ------------
Glad you enjoyed a nice dinner to celebrate. I hope you enjoy many many more anniversaries! :) ---------------------------
Cheers from across the ditch! --------------
Soldier's Mum :)

Axel Pries commented on 09-Apr-2011 11:32 AM

Jesse!
I love your whole story and I enjoy your new challenge undefinedI read your book in english) but tell me: When will I reach your DVD in Germany. Germany is a great nations of see explorers, ghere are many interests.
Please tell me!
Sincerly Axel

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Bilbies, Bike Rides and Other Events

Monday, February 28, 2011

As always I’ve left writing this for so long that I hardly know where to start again! Well I suppose I should start where I left off last time on the blog. And that would be a few weeks back when ‘Jessica’ bilby, the young baby bilby was named after me.

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Jade commented on 30-Mar-2011 04:47 PM

I get to do an assignment on you and i think you are awesome! I love how you stuck to your dream and would not let anything or anyone get in your way. You are my female hero. Love Jade <3

sailing life jackets commented on 23-Mar-2011 09:34 PM

Hey Jess,
Good to see you back on the blog again.

Axel Pries commented on 23-Mar-2011 08:53 AM

Hey Jess!
Now I enjoyed your book too although is was not so easy for me: my english is not very good. I bought it just before it was translated in german language.
Doesn't matter: it's really an fantastic story. I don't know what's more astonishing: a 16 year old girl sailing around the world - or a 13 year young girl, achieving this great dream. I'm sure: you will make your way.
Now a have a question: how could I get your dvd 210 days in germany?. I;d like to buy it. Can you help me?

Best wishes for your next adventure youngest crew on Sidney to hobart;. I will follow your blog.
Sincerly Axel

Anonymous commented on 22-Mar-2011 10:25 PM

Heya Jess, seems like ages since I last wrote Hope your school work's going ok! It's amazing the difference good teachers make. On ya Jess! On ya for always asking the questions and for knowing the people to ask... On ya mate for working hard! Billy

SaltyDog commented on 21-Mar-2011 06:29 AM

Hi Jessica. I just returned home from a weeklong visit with my brother and sister-in-law who live in the state of Arizona in the US. I took my copy of your documentary with me to share with them. They were so interested that I gave them the DVD so they can share it with their friends and family. On my flight home I was reading True Spirit for about the third time. The passenger who was sitting next to me questioned me about the book. She became so interested that I gave her my copy of the book. She said that she would buy additional copies to give as gifts to some of her family members. I just wanted to let you know that you continue to inspire many people around the world. As soon as I got home, I went online to put in my order to re-stock my supply of your book and DVD. I keep the copy that you signed for me in a safe place. That's too special to take with me when I travel. I always love to see new people getting on board to follow your adventures……..From Seattle, WA, USA…..your fan and friend for life……SaltyDog

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Jessica the Bilby!

Monday, February 14, 2011

Some pics of Jessica the Bilby (courtesy of Lyle Radford).

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Young Australian of the Year & Germany!

Friday, February 04, 2011

I’ll admit I’ve been finding excuses to avoid writing this blog for quite a while now. I just couldn’t think of where to start, there’s just too much to tell!

I suppose the big thing that has happened since my last blog (actually make that massive or monumental thing) was being named Young Australian of the Year. Standing up on stage with the Prime Minister to receive the award was totally humbling and an incredible end to a day that started with a flight from Germany! So a huge thank you to everyone at Australia Day Council who were just wonderful.

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Lion’s Club Fundraiser for the Flood Appeal this Sunday

Friday, January 14, 2011

Just a quick update. I’m pleased to report that Mum, Dad and all the kids finally made it home today after 5 days in the flooded campground. They were all a bit muddy and soggy but seemed to have taken the whole thing as an adventure.

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Anonymous commented on 27-May-2011 01:39 PM

Hi jessica you are awsome!! What you did, its incredible and hard for anyone to do. Good luck, take care, have alot of hot chocolate.

SaltyDog commented on 04-Feb-2011 01:26 AM

Great photos of you getting back out on the water, Jessica. I watched some videos of sailing 18 ft. skiffs, and they look like they would be pretty exciting. It’s for sure that won’t be taking my friend, Parker, for a boat ride on one. It would definitely get his head spinning. I’m glad that you’re finding some time in your busy schedule for some fun……..From Seattle, WA, USA…….your fan and friend for life…….SaltyDog

hezakiah299 commented on 03-Feb-2011 08:04 PM

02-03-11 @ 04:04
Hi Jessica,
Thanks for the great pictures and especially seeing you having a great time in the Harbour. That’s real “Jessica Time”, and there’s no doubt you were having a good time, I could hear your little giggle in that last pic. Well, maybe it was a bit more than a little giggle…lol… I’m looking forward to when you’re old enough to get into some serious racing. That should be pretty interesting. I’m sure you’ll do well in that also. I’ve been following Laura Dekker but I can’t write to her, I can read her posts but it seems my posts either get blocked or my computer won’t let them go through. She is really having a ball ‘Island Hopping’ and meeting all sorts of people. Her personality is similar to yours, she doesn’t know a stranger. It’s really sad what Queensland is going through and all the problems they have facing them. I only hope and pray that there is only a minimal amount of death and injuries if any. My regards to the family and I hope they are all well and healthy. Take care of yourself, and let us know what you’ve got in store for yourself. Please!!!! Loads of love and hugs. God will guide you down the proper path and hold you in the palm of His hands, and the Angels will be watching over you to keep you safe. Your faithful friend, fan and follower, Michael from Kingwood, WV.

Axel Pries commented on 03-Feb-2011 07:18 AM

Hey Jesse!

I think for you it's time for looking foward and because of this you don't feed your blog anylonger. Okey. It's a pitty, you don't spend any word for your trip to germany. Congratulation for your newest honour: young australian of the year. Wow! You're on top of the charts. I like your true spirit!! I'm reading the book in english. Quite interesting but not easy to understand for a not sailing german. (I learnt sailing at school - 30 years ago).
Where can I read about your next adventures?
Hey - and what about the film you can buy in australia? J

Mary, Maine, USA commented on 02-Feb-2011 12:44 PM

Dear Jess and Queensland Aussies,
I've just become aware of cyclone Yasi and am thinking of you, hoping you're all okay. It's Tuesday night here in Maine and we have a huge snowstorm bearing down on us. But all's well.
Thinking of you,
Mary, Maine, USA

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Happy New Year, Sailing & QLD Floods

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Last year it was a single party popper way down in the Southern Ocean. This year I saw the New Year in overlooking Brisbane with friends, watching the fireworks from the rooftop, counting in 2011 with the rest of the city. Well not quite. Kind of embarrassingly, our timing was a good 20 seconds early, so we did the big 3… 2… 1, only to then hear the rest of the neighborhood still counting 23, 22, 21...! Still, it was a good night and chance to reflect on the year before ploughing head long into another exciting one.

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Robert L commented on 25-Jan-2011 08:12 PM

Got your book for xmas. A great read.

Anonymous commented on 19-Jan-2011 09:16 PM

Hey Jess - was a little disturbed when I heard thosse comments about you and Wyatt Roy - I'd thought that Mike P was your special friend!!!! He is awfully cute :)

Pink commented on 19-Jan-2011 04:18 PM

Hi Jess! Happy New Year. Glad to hear that you and your family are OK, water and mud and dwindling food supplies aside. The floods in Queensland are terrible. Is your boat ok too?

arthur g howard, m.d. commented on 18-Jan-2011 05:35 AM

I know this was before your time, but I left the Mooloolaba Yacht Club in July/1983 in a driving rainstorm. When I arrived in South Africa I heard that all the new docks washed away. I even met the guy who pulled into my slip the morning after I left just before the docks were destroyed. He had a severe gash on his head and had sustained $10,000 of damage to his boat. I am wondering how the Yacht Club fared this time around? This whole story is documented in the book I wrote, The Odyssey of Sunraker.
Keep up your blogs. I follow you avidly!

Chris. Strawbridge W.A. commented on 16-Jan-2011 03:36 PM

Ahh so that's your secret, you're a step ahead of the rest lol : )

Been watching the floods unfold on the news it is all a bit overwhelming.

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Official Jessica Watson Blog

Only Six Weeks Until Our Exciting Campaign Starts!

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The Mini Fastnet, Turning 18 and World Food Programme Youth Ambassador

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Our Youth Should Have A Voice!

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Study, Ella’s Pink Lady and New Zealand

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Introducing The New Project!

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Bilbies, Bike Rides and Other Events

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Jessica the Bilby!

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Young Australian of the Year & Germany!

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Lion’s Club Fundraiser for the Flood Appeal this Sunday

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Happy New Year, Sailing & QLD Floods

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