Official Jessica Watson Blog

Calm Before The Storm

Thursday, December 31, 2009

It's been calm and sunny again today. I spent the morning doing jobs on deck and soaking in the lovely sunshine. Talk about a treat to have such lovely conditions!

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Anonymous commented on 24-Feb-2010 08:21 AM

wish I was you!

Russell Bay Lodge commented on 28-Jan-2010 09:43 PM

Hi Jessica - and very best wishes from a landlubber in New Zealand.
You are a true hero, and have achieved so much already.
Keep going, keep smiling, and the second half will be even more rewarding.

Go Jesse!

Davecmet/BOI/NZ

keco commented on 28-Jan-2010 09:43 PM

hello again Jessica.
read your last blog. Love the way your mind is working. you sound bight and alert.
Keep it up Jessica you are a golden light in the ANZAc spirit.
happy sailing.

Jibhank commented on 28-Jan-2010 09:43 PM

Glad to hear the storm was not so severe. We've been following your progress since early November and we are rooting for you! I lived aboard a Hunter 42 for 8 years summer and winter in Long Island. My heater, a heat exchanger, generally failed when the water temp dropped below 5 celsius.

Anyhow, best of everything.

Anonymous commented on 28-Jan-2010 09:43 PM

Greetings Jesse!
My sister, Jenny and I are faithfully following you and EPL on your solo journey! As we read your blog, you are the picture of the expression: "follow your bliss!" You are simply an inspiration to everyone who's ever had a dream! We enjoy your updates, your pics, and your videos! We had not planned to post a comment, but were inspired by your "blog family" that's become such a caring community! So, as you're challenged in the coming days as you near Cape Horn and perhaps your toughest sailing conditions, we're thinking of you, praying for you and sending you supportive thoughts! Like all your followers, we have EVERY faith in you, your skills, abilities and EPL! You WILL succeed!
God Bless You,
Marcella and Jenny in Massachusetts, USA

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First Gale With a Dolphin at Our Side

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Sorry I didn't update you all yesterday. I've been catching up on a bit of sleep. I've certainly had an interesting few days.The wind started picking up pretty much right after I'd sent Tuesday's blog and topped at 44knots mid-morning yesterday. Which makes for my first Southern Ocean gale.

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Better Wind

Monday, December 28, 2009

I'm pretty thrilled to have made good progress to the east over the last two days. We've finally had 15-20 knots of steady breeze and Ella's Pink Lady has been surfing along nicely. The wind is also expected to keep increasing, so you never know, it might start getting a bit more like the Southern Ocean down here after all!

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Anonymous commented on 28-Jan-2010 09:41 PM

Круто!

Dusty from Dubbo commented on 28-Jan-2010 09:41 PM

G,day Jess
Almost New Year.. Dec 31 I was going to Sydney for the fireworks can,t now for various reasons so you and I will be alone for New Year...family are going without me.

Good press about you again yesterday. It seems the "knockers" are shutting up which is great. Stay warm and clipped we,ll have an imaginary champers together tomorrow AUS time

As always good weather great sailing lol(oud)

Dusty from Dubbo

hezakiah299 commented on 28-Jan-2010 09:41 PM

12-30-09 @ 21:35
Hi Jessica,
Just picked up on the storm, thanks to the Shore Crew, that you just went through. WOW, didn’t I tell you to have patience, you’d get your roller coaster ride? LOL…. I’m glad you and EPL (and the scallywags) came through it without a hitch. I didn’t expect anything like this so soon. I saw the cell, but I didn’t think you were any where near it. That looks like it will last until tomorrow unless you sail out of the storm further south. Passage Weather showed that the center of that cell had winds of 30 to 35 kn. (40 to 46 mph) and waves up to 8m (26ft). Better stick with Bob, your own meteorologist, he really had it pinpointed.
You are incredible, I knew you’d attack it like it wasn’t anything to be concerned about, so blasé, no fear “ain’t skeered”.
“Waves at 5m and gusts hitting 44 knots, but everything went well,” said Jessica. I had to laugh when I read that. I don’t think anything phases that girl. Not being a sailor myself, these stats unnerve me, but I guess when you’re used to it there really not so bad. ????
That’s fantastic, about the dolphin, not having seen one for a long time and then this one stays with you throughout the storm. It really makes a person wonder of the intelligence of these mammals (?). Miss Dolphin looking at you and saying “Don’t worry lady, I’m right here by your side, I’ll protect you”. Isn’t imagination wonderful. LOL…..
Looking forward to your next blog about this storm, and how you felt about it.
Going back through the posts I found this note: Jessica means “God Hears”.

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

Anonymous commented on 28-Jan-2010 09:41 PM

HI JESSE
HAPPY NEW YEAR FOR LATTER! I WILL BE HAPPY TO HEAR YOU HAVE ROUNDED CAPE HORN AND ARE SAFELY BEHIND LAND. WISHING YOU ALL THE BEST FOR 2010 I KNOW IT WILL BE YOUR BEST YEAR YET. BYE FROM MARIE, HOME IN OZ.

David Afghanistan commented on 28-Jan-2010 09:41 PM

G'day Jessica.
There are those of us here that are tracking your journey and all pulling for you. Go hard girl girl. Fair winds and following seas.

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The Not So Fearsome 50's!

Saturday, December 26, 2009

It's been a bit of a slow day with only a little wind and drizzly rain. You wouldn't guess that this is the Southern Ocean! Well, that is apart from the long swell and Albrotross, oh and of course the cold.

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David D commented on 28-Jan-2010 09:41 PM

Hi Jessica,
I have been following your progress,with your circumnavigation of the world,sounds like your progress is going well,plus the Cape is the next big challenge till you reach the Atlantic,good sailing your half way home.
cheers David D
Adelaide South Australia.

Chris commented on 28-Jan-2010 09:41 PM

Hello Jessica
I'm an old sailor from Switzerland with a motorboat now.
The "Murtensee" is at about
5 miles long and two miles wide...
Congratulation Congratulation!!
Chris

Jeffrey commented on 28-Jan-2010 09:41 PM

Just want to say that I'm enjoying following your blog and wish you all the best for a safe and successful voyage! And a Happy New Year!

One question...does Ella's Pink Lady have a wheel or tiller? The S&S drawings show a tiller, but your pic on the website show you behind a wheel?!

Thank you and good luck!

thecat'smother commented on 28-Jan-2010 09:41 PM

Hi Jesse,

Thanks once again for your blog. It's good to hear Santa found you in the Southern Ocean, and fitted you in early on his round the world trip.

Thanks also for the link to Dilip's blog, I'm sure I'll be equally obsessed with his adventures now too.

J

Anonymous commented on 28-Jan-2010 09:41 PM

I like to see if you are ok out there and you do write very nice take care Merry christams and happy new year 2010 have a good one xox Shaylene ward

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Fearsome 50's

Friday, December 25, 2009

Christmas wasn't just an exciting day for all the obvious reasons (presents and food!). But also because we passed into the Fearsome 50's and now have less than 2000nm to go till Cape Horn.

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Aienne commented on 28-Jan-2010 09:41 PM

HI Jess, my daughter Caitlin is nearly 12 and she thinks you are awesome, for doing what you are doing. Would love to see those albatross ! You are an amazing young woman and although I would be too scared to do what you have I think it is fantastic that your parents have had the faith in you to let you stretch your wings. Keep on keeping on and we wish you safe and fair weather.
Adrienne & Caitlin ( 11) Catherall
BUDERIM QLD

jon smit commented on 28-Jan-2010 09:41 PM

Jessica,thanks so much for all those entertaining blogs,i have not missed a single one and ive worn a track thru our carpet from here to my world map on the wall.And tomorrow the 11th is exciting, its my 70th birthday and i suspect you about to begin your rounding of Cape Horn.So i will raise a glass to you,a brave sailor an wish you fair winds thru that challenging Passage.The thoughts of thousands will be with you all the way. Take care, Jonn W

Anonymous commented on 28-Jan-2010 09:41 PM

Hi Jessica I have been following your progress as I also followed the Ken Gourlay voyage. I hope you continue to have a good and safe voyage around the Cape Happy New Year and safe travelling.
Ian.

kina commented on 28-Jan-2010 09:41 PM

Hey Jesse,
you seem to be going in leaps and bounds at the moment. Every time I mark your position the distances are huge. Great to see you making such positive inroads.

According to Wikipedia the traditional "Rounding the Horn" is understood to involve sailing from 50 deg south on the western side of South America (approx where you are now) to 5o deg south on it's eastern side, the two benchmark latitudes of a "Horn Run". It will be interesting to see if you go east of The Falklands or whether you decide to complete this run further west. Weather conditions will probably dictate the outcome I would imagine.

It would be foolish hearsay to suggest there will be no others ready to take on this formidable challenge...ie, 'youngest person solo..', 'youngest female solo..', 'fastest solo'..etc, for there are others either considering or preparing to
take on this quest as I write.

When I think about what you have achieved to date...I am in awe. You possess special qualities that have been evident throughout your journey and touched on by so many others..stamina, fortitude, determination, courage, bravery, focus, resolve, forethought, endurance, a will to succeed, a maturity far beyond your years and many many more...

Hence these traits have allowed you to set the bar high as you continue to push it even higher.
The question is...can you maintain this level of committment? A monumental undertaking to say the least. In essence, the above mentioned suggests you can! and you will!

You have the best support team, a family wholey committed to your cause, a proven yacht tested under extreme conditions and a family of caring supporters around the globe urging you on.

Most importantly you had a dream that has come to fruition. You are living that dream now and the light at the end of the tunnel is starting to grow albeit a very faint glow. I believe you are starting to see that finish line as you prepare to take on the biggest hurdle you are likely to encounter.

As mentioned by Grant Fjermedal in an earlier blog, when the going gets tough, be slow and deliberate. I believe you have thought hard about this part of the journey and are as prepared as you possibly can be. Let the seas and the weather be the most favourable for a speedy and safe trip around the Horn.

As always, be safe and secured Jesse.

Ben (Qld)

Anonymous commented on 28-Jan-2010 09:41 PM

Hi Jessica
A comment made by Jonathon from Melbourne about the similarity between a (non-powered) gliding aircraft and the albatross caught my attention.

There is a close similarity. Both have what are termed high aspect ratio wings. In general terms that means long and narrow wings which are aerodynamically more efficient at creating more lift and less drag than shorter and fatter wings.

On a yacht this becomes important and of interest because it is desirable to have the most efficient sail plan that can be supported by the keel ballast. Old photos of yachts show boats which look very different from to-days designs. The new boats have much taller (ie longer wingspan) masts and shorter booms than their older counterparts, and consequently they go much faster.

Some of the Sydney-Hobart boats have also increased their stability by using a canting keel, a keel which can pivot from side to side to increase the effect (righting moment) of the boat to enable it to sail with more sail than would be the case without the canting keel.

You are right about the soaring capability of the albatross. I recall years ago having some lessons flying a glider at Benalla and discovering that the glider had to be almost forced downwards to land because it was capable of flying with its wheel about a foot off the ground almost forever as though it were flying on a pocket of air below its wings.

Presumably the albatross can do something similar, gaining speed and momentum as it flys down a wave which then enables it to cruise over the crest of the next without using energy flapping to maintain speed and height above the waves.

The type of albatross Jessica saw and will no doubt see more of probably had a wingspan, from wing-tip to wing-tip of about 2.4 metres or 8 feet. They are magnificently big birds. It really is a pity she didn’t take a bird book!

Jessica, I hope you see more albatrosses as you continue south. enjoy their company when they visit.
Tony L (Mt Martha VIC)

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Christmas Video

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Hello everyone

As promised, Jessica's Christmas video has just been loaded on to her website. To view, click on the link below:

http://www.jessicawatson.com.au/videos

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Christmas in the Middle of Nowhere!

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

It's still been pretty foggy and gray out here but we've been able to make good progress with 15 knots of wind from the west. Both the air and sea temperatures have dropped a few more degrees and this morning we pretty much sailed right over Point Nemo, which is known for being the point of ocean furthest from any land. You really could say that I'll be spending Christmas in the middle of nowhere!

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Marg Angliss commented on 28-Jan-2010 09:40 PM

Marg, Meropi and Philip from Melbourne are all very proud of you Jessica. Go Girl!

Anonymous commented on 28-Jan-2010 09:40 PM

Jessica may the Angels be with you and guide you every step of the way.
You have wonderful strength and support and a most confident, contented young woman the world has been privy to share in your adventures.
My prayers, angels & blessings stay with you for your journey. Enjoy it!
*^A^*

Hez Broken Hill commented on 28-Jan-2010 09:40 PM

Hi Jess I wake every morning and jump on to your blog to see how your day was. Glad you enjoyed your new year. Stay safe.

James O commented on 28-Jan-2010 09:40 PM

Hi Jess,

i think sailing would be better than worrying about working my arse off to pay bills, that seem to come when i have no money. also i drive an old car that is worth $500, but is going to cost $2,000 to make police worthy (it's road worthy, but not according to the police). i like my old car, i use it now and again, i don't want to part with it, but my friends are telling me to get a new one. i only work part time, so i don't have the money for a new one. i'm ok with public transport, but a car is good to have for emergency long distance travel.

anyway sail well

James o

Dark commented on 28-Jan-2010 09:40 PM

Hi Jessica

The middle of nowhere means from nowhere you are going somewhere now

Donald
Adelaide

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Foggy

Monday, December 21, 2009

We didn't exactly get anywhere today with very little wind. This morning was misty and overcast again, but this afternoon has been pretty special with a really thick fog closing in. It feels like there's a great big grey moist blanket draped over the world and just before it got dark the fog got so thick that I could hardly see 50 metres ahead. It's really a pretty amazing sight, but along with the almost complete silence, it's not far off feeling downright eerie.

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Anonymous commented on 28-Jan-2010 09:39 PM

Nice to see Kevin Fuge onboard the "Sat Bellatrix" is heading your way and will keep his eyes open for you. I hope you manage to exchange a wave, and it will be nice to know you wont be alone near the cape.

Anonymous commented on 28-Jan-2010 09:39 PM

Merry Christmas Jesse! I hope you have a fantastic day. Keep up the good work and keep smiling. We will all be thinking of you on this special day.

Pip from Tassie commented on 28-Jan-2010 09:39 PM

Merry Christmas Jesse
Hi from Tassie. Just noticed you are about level with us latitudily (is there such a word?) so experience about the same sort of weather ie hot or cold or warm or rainy or fine.... all in one day! Hope your Christmas is festive and you have a chance to open some presents and have something special to eat and enjoy the spirit of the day. Still watching your blog daily and thinking of you along with all the others so you will never be alone out there - we are all with you in spirit!
Keep doing a fabulous job and enjoying yourself!

Anonymous commented on 28-Jan-2010 09:39 PM

Hi Jessica Could not leave for my holiday without wishing you a Merry Christmas. This may seem to be a quite and lonely Christmas out there in the South Pacific, but don't forget that this year hundreds of NEW friends are all wishing the best for you. It is also the Christmas that you will remember MOST for the many long years of Christmas's to come. Keep an eye out for Santa if the fog lifts. Hope you enjoy your SPECIAL Christmas Lunch... Love from Marie in OZ

Anonymous commented on 28-Jan-2010 09:39 PM

Chrismas Eve here in Sydney. Hope you have a safe & happy Christmas out there in the middle of the Pacific. Give my regards to the albatrosses.
Paul.

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Grey and Misty

Sunday, December 20, 2009

I've just come inside from sitting out in the wind, with a cup of hot chocolate and watching the light fade. No sunset as I've got heavy cloud and poor visibility, but the light misty rain and big rolly grey swell is just as lovely as any sunset.

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Arvind commented on 28-Jan-2010 09:39 PM

Hey Jess- Good to hear about your daring adventure, you are in peak of making a history in the world, my lots of wishes for you, Good luck:) God always with daring people, God bless cheers:)-Avi from India

BavariaBlu commented on 28-Jan-2010 09:39 PM

Hello Jessica!
Downwind for a long distance must be awkward, I don't envy you. It's not the sort of motion a boat like EPL or any boat would enjoy, I guess. But at least albatrosses sounds like the wind is blowing you the right direction.
Wow, only three more weeks for Cape Horn - hard to believe but, yes, looks fair enough!

D'you know that every pic you take is a present? You do look well - which says more that lots of blogs.

Take care and look forward to a very special Christmas!
BavariaBlu

Toni McLean commented on 28-Jan-2010 09:39 PM

hi Jesse,
Another great blog. And isn't it amazing how we always manage to forget something, no matter how many lists we make! The bird book is probably sitting on the hall table by the front door. Now if you could only get one of those petrels to swoop down so you can tell it where your home is .... :-)

I like that you like the grey and misty days as much as the sunny days and the rosy sunsets. They're all beautiful in their own way.

And it sounds like you've been a good girl this year so don't forget to hang up your Christmas stocking so Santa can fill it for you. What brave and unselfish people your parents are. They will no doubt have a real mixed bag of emotions on Christmas day.

Love the fashion look. The fashionistas will all be envious of you. You could start a fashion house when you get back. :-)

I never really enjoyed downhill sailing, a good reach for me. Even pointing high was better than the wind on the tail I thought. Keeping the wind just on the starboard quarter or the port quarter was not my forte at all. So good luck with it.

Til next time, fair winds and not too much rolling. Well, I suppose any rolling is too much!

Cheers
Toni

Erica, Brisbane commented on 28-Jan-2010 09:39 PM

Hello Jessica, just joined your blog. Reading about your exploits is an adventure for me. I'm 62, never done anything so adventurous but wish I would have (but I love life anyway). Was reminded about your trip when I went to Ella Bache Toowong (Brisbane). I have made your website my home page, so I'm going to be reading all your blogs from now on. I love the sea, grew up at the beach, and I can always hear the Pacific Ocean in my ears when I tune in to it. I love "grey and misty" too. Cheers, Erica, Brisbane

Anonymous commented on 28-Jan-2010 09:39 PM

Hi Jess

Merry X Mas and stay safe...

Cheers
king-solo

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Quick Update

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Glad you all liked the pic from the mast yesterday. It's been an overcast day today and the wind has been pretty light, but we've been able to make reasonable progress with the big light-wind reaching sail up. That was the one sail that I didn't expect to be using at this latitude!

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Anonymous commented on 28-Jan-2010 09:38 PM

Hello Jessica, I am greatly enjoying your website and your blogs, although I am growing apprehensive as you approach Cape Horn. I rarely pray nowadays, but I am praying that God be with you on your extraordinary voyage.
Please do not climb the mast again!

Bill from North Carolina USA

Ben Sultan commented on 28-Jan-2010 09:38 PM

I have been doing some catch-up reading on your blog for the last couple entries. Climb up the mast looks really cool and fun/scary! I just wanted to say I'm glad you are still having a great time out there. It takes a strong girl (or boy, not descriminating) to endure being at sea this long. Sending love and support your way.

Until next time,
Ben

Berlin Red commented on 28-Jan-2010 09:38 PM

Hey Jess

Wonder Woman, just about sums you up I think, well done.

Stay Safe

Berlin Red

Anonymous commented on 28-Jan-2010 09:38 PM

To blogger Todd, by the big cold lake

December 21, 2009 1:56 PM

Speak for yourself. Just because we haven't heard from Jessica for a couple of days doesn't mean "Jessica is in Jeopardy". Kill that glass half empty attitude of yours and show some belief and faith in Jessica Watson and EPL.

Anonymous commented on 28-Jan-2010 09:38 PM

To blogger Des
December 21, 2009 8:16 AM
Get a life! Jessica Waston is not here to live up to your expectations.

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Official Jessica Watson Blog

Calm Before The Storm

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First Gale With a Dolphin at Our Side

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Better Wind

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The Not So Fearsome 50's!

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Fearsome 50's

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Christmas Video

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Christmas in the Middle of Nowhere!

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Foggy

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Grey and Misty

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Quick Update

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