Official Jessica Watson Blog

Knockdown, Huge Seas and a Buzz from Customs

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Despite the fact that today started with a knockdown, a wet bunk, a headache and some pretty huge seas, I've had a great day. I know the words knockdown and great don't belong in the same sentence, but right now I'm feeling better than I have all week. And I don't mean that I've been feeling lousy all week, I mean that right now I've got sore cheeks from smiling all afternoon.

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Good Sailing

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

I'm happy to report that yesterday we finally made some good progress (see Pic 2 below) and today's been a good days sailing too. It's amazing how much closer Sydney looks when we're moving. And wow, we're starting to get close too!

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Anonymous commented on 13-Jul-2010 02:17 PM

wow! i can't believe you didn't kill yourself!

KARINE PADILHA commented on 15-May-2010 04:19 AM

Oii tudo joia ... Meu nome é Karine sou do Brasil, vi a sua historia em um site muito popular aqui, achei simplismente tudo você ter coragem de ficar tanto tempo sozinha no mar, creio que deve ser otimo a liberdade de fazer o que mem entender e ao mesmo tempo solitario não ter pessoas por perto para se comunicar, sei que tem a internet porem nã é a mesma coisa . Eu queria ter esta coragem tua. Que Deus te ilumine nesta jornada. Depois de adiciona no msn para a gente troca uma ideia. Se cuida beijos

Attitude commented on 05-May-2010 09:25 PM

"Flow with whatever is happening and let your mind be free. Stay centered by accepting whatever you are doing. This is the ultimate."
Chuang Tzu

Evie from Bendigo commented on 28-Apr-2010 12:11 AM

Hi Jesse.......... am praying hard for you. .............keep safe Pet...............Love and hugs...........Jessaholic for ever.............Evie from Bendigo.........xxxxxxxxxxxx

Anonymous commented on 27-Apr-2010 12:00 PM

G'day Jess
Great to see you still smiling. You have been doing so well. I'd just like to point out they are ANZAC biscuits. Cookie is an American word. Good on you for thinking of them though, nice one.

cheers

Murray

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It Wasn't a Fly, it was a Moth!

Monday, April 19, 2010

Every now and again when I can't think of anything new to blog about, I always get told that it doesn't matter. I could write about a fly landing on Ella's Pink Lady and someone would find it interesting.

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phil commented on 10-May-2010 10:09 AM

Hi wonderful Jess.
My letter to the West Australian Newspaper appears today on p.23. In it I denounce the actions of the WSSRC and have called them 'irrelevant'. I compare you to Amelia Earhart who had the strength of character to defy the odds of age, gender and convention. You are a trailblazer and an inspiration for the youth of today. On May 15 Australia, and indeed the World, will have a new female hero to applaud - YOU! Love, Phil, Perth, W.A.

Paul commented on 09-May-2010 10:24 AM

I'm sure that with all your feeling for EPL that you can sail her into Circular Quay and round up into the wind ( assuming its a Nor Easter !) and dock her on West Side of Opera House!
Thoughts from an old aussie ( 2298) now residing in the other Victoria (BC,, Canada) and the proud owner of a big sister ( ok, cousin?) to EPL, a 1981 S&S Catalina 38 registered in Canada as 'Waltzing Matilda'
Fantastic job mate, now bring you and her home safely!

Payden Hill commented on 05-May-2010 03:06 PM

Jesssseee : )
Well havn't you gone far. this time has gone so fast, i have been keeping up to date wiht you're blogs and you'r videos. sounds like you'r enjoying you're time out in the water, you have inspired me soo much you are soo brave mum and i just finished watching one of you're videos and she said & she isnt even 17 yet wat a brave girl ) which i have to agree with her on that one, Our birthdays are comming up soon both turning 17 on the 18th May we are both may babies : ) which is pretty awsome it's gonna be good to have you back home for you're birthday. i cant belive you have done this all by you'rself to sail around the world alone. i can't even go out in the ocean by myself at the beach let alone you getting on a sail boat and traveling the world you're one amazing girl keep up the good work look forward to hearing from you when you reach sydney : )

Stay safe lots of wishé's
Payden Kayte Hill , QLD Brissy : ) xx

Anonymous commented on 04-May-2010 08:57 PM

hey jesse. well we will start trackin you more closely now as my dad is gettin sooooooooooooooooo xcited about seeing u come into sydney. He has put u ahead of taking his wife out for her birthday! lol! only caused major issues! only jokin.
he is so inspired by u mate n likewise am i. he's an avid sailor- just he gets sea sick-opps lol.
our family has just started tracking our friend go across the tasman to take mephisto back to nz.
glad u njoyed company of seagull n moth.
Emma Glasson

HomoSteve. commented on 30-Apr-2010 01:14 PM

Lol.

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Slow Sailing, Stitching and Fog

Sunday, April 18, 2010

The weather's been much calmer again. Sometimes a little too calm, with the wind occasionally dropping right out. But the light conditions have been a good chance to get on top of all my latest jobs and have given my bruised and tender hands a bit of time to recover.

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Expat OZy commented on 08-May-2010 02:18 AM

I finally went sailing today for the first time out side of my RYA competent crew course. And guess what? It was on an; SS 34 the same as Jessica's Ella's Pink Lady. Racing on the Swan River Perth. I had a good look at the interior lay out and like it, compact but intelligently laid out. With my lack of experience the yacht appeared to move very well in lite wind and appeared very sea worthy. The key point: While looking at the interior I was thinking 200+ days on board here alone! Wowwwwwwwwwwww!

brerlou commented on 04-May-2010 07:40 AM

For us latecomers, could you explain again why you're not wearing, or using gloves for the heavy hauling?

arthur commented on 23-Apr-2010 12:43 PM

hi congratulations on your trip hun u must be so happy to go around the world and i bet u are going to party so much with your friends and family a well its great to see u back in aussie land

jacob commented on 22-Apr-2010 12:35 PM

hi

Sharon Markham commented on 22-Apr-2010 11:20 AM

I am impressed that you still have Nutella left this close to home.

I think you have done amazingly and have provided a good role model for young girls everywhere. Even inspiring some of us older than you to take risks and learn new things.

You certainly proved me wrong with your success so far, go all out and make it home safe to stick it to those who voiced there doubt and tried to stop you.

Smooth Sailing, take care and make it home safe xoxox

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Headwinds and More Lightning

Thursday, April 15, 2010

The last few days have been a bit tough (yes that's an upgrade from the usual interesting!), with strong headwinds, messy seas, lots of lightning and a few high drama moments this morning.

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Paul from NZ commented on 05-May-2010 06:22 PM

Don't listen to the small minded bureaucrats from Sail-World or anywhere else. When did they ever sail round the world? Working for a sailing magazine doesn't make them expert, it just gives them an outlet to be jealous in public. To your millions of fans you have proved all you need to, You took it all, stared Mother Nature in the face on your own and came to terms with her, younger than anyone before you; that is the true record.

Bob Coburn commented on 20-Apr-2010 02:43 AM

okay, ocean scout - UncleBob from New York again. "He is with you and we will paddle push your stern every day with our prayers."

great book to read when you settle down after your voyage...Adrift. by Steve Callahan who made it across the Atlantic in only a rubber lifeboat.

enjoy every sunrise young lady.

Kelly commented on 20-Apr-2010 12:17 AM

We're in Oz from NYC visiting my husband's family in Perth. They have a farm in Margaret River, and we headed out for a day trip to the Denmark/Albany area to do the treetop walk. Anyway, when we were there looking at the Southern Ocean, I thought about your trip and wondered if you'd made it by Leeuwin while we were here, and you TOTALLY did! Keep up the amazing job, Jess. You rock. It's been fun to be here in Oz and it looks like everyone here is enthusiastic for you to finish a successful journey. Have a good sail, girl, and get home safely!

Leigh and Staff of Government House Hobart commented on 19-Apr-2010 02:09 PM

Hi Jessica,
All of us here can't wait to farewell you passed the "Apple Isle" and heading north, full knowing that you will be then on the howeward stretch, what a journey and experience you have had. I love reading your blog from time to time to see how your going, oh brave one!

John Lincoln commented on 19-Apr-2010 01:57 PM

HI Jesse... This is my first blog although I have been following you with much interest since you left. I have been "on the water" in one way or another for most of my 70 years and i just admire you courage, determination and will power. It takes me a week to prepare to leave the harbour, and then its got to be a sea breeze. But seriously Jesse keep your mind on the job.... expect the unexpected and sail safe. I will be leaving Brisbane in a few days to make sure I am in Sydney for when you arrive. Take care John Lincoln Brisbane

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Lightning Storm

Monday, April 12, 2010

The flyover with Mum, Dad, Tom and Hannah on Saturday was a great welcome to Australian waters and a lot of fun. Even though all I could see was a small plane way overhead, it was still really cool. Mum reckons that Ella's Pink Lady and I looked really small between the swell, which seems strange to me because Ella's Pink Lady is my whole world at the moment!

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Lauren commented on 12-May-2010 08:17 AM

hi jesse,
hope you have a fun and safe trip
back! :)

Lauren commented on 09-May-2010 01:53 AM

Hi Jesse,

i am AMAZED by what you are doing.
Have a fun and safe trip back!

Anonymous commented on 04-May-2010 10:07 AM

hi

Emma H and LaurenG commented on 04-May-2010 04:30 AM

hey jess! its emma and lauren! We are doing a big report on u in class! WE just want to say good luck on your way back from your voyage! We wish we could be there with u on Ella's Pink Lady!
Hugs 4ever!
Love, Emma And Lauren!

Graham Nicholson commented on 03-May-2010 10:32 AM

Fantastic Jessica, have been following your courageous journey, my prayers for your safe return. Here is a prayer for you to say:
"O God, my God! I have set out from my home, holding fast unto the cord of Thy love, and I have committed myself wholly to Thy care and Thy protection. I entreat Thee by Thy power through which Thou didst protect Thy loved ones from the wayward and the perverse, and from every contumacious oppressor, and every wicked doer who hath strayed far from Thee, to keep me safe by Thy bounty and Thy grace. Enable me, then, to return to my home by Thy power and Thy might. Thou art, truly, the Almighty, the Help in Peril, the Self-Subsisting.
Baha'u'llah)

Graham Nicholson

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Australian Waters and Squid Lunch

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Today started with a lovely sunrise as Ella's Pink Lady sailed over the green line on the chart and into Australian waters. Hot chocolate in hand (yes I managed to repair the kettle!), a light sprinkling of rain and with an albatross circling above, it was one of those really special moments.

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sunfish550 commented on 03-May-2010 03:53 AM

oh jess, all of this will make your finish that much sweeter. oh Lord...please get our jess around Tassy safely, please,please, oh please. when jess gets the green light for her final run, Lord protect her, protect her please...
nervous lenny pittsburgh pa.

Keith Miller commented on 02-May-2010 03:01 PM

Hi Jess
All the Miller family here in Brisbane wish you Godspeed and a safe passage to Sydney landfall and we, like so many other people here in Aus & all around the world are so proud of you for your guts and determination - you are a credit to go getters everywhere
Keith

Jill from Newcastle commented on 15-Apr-2010 08:57 PM

Although there's still lots ahead, crossing that green line must have been truly special, Jess! Well done! A moment to remember! It's as if the albatrosses know these moments!

Aussie Waters

Lovely sunrise
Hot chocolate in hand
Light sprinkling of rain
Albatross circling above

Across the green line
Smoothly I slide
A smile on my face
A special moment

Hung Kwan commented on 15-Apr-2010 03:16 PM

Hi Jessica,

While you are battling with yet another gusty storm. Let me supply you with some statistics reflecting the support and popularity you have earned since you set off on the 18th of October 2009 till today the 15th of April, 2010 : -
# of Month Total Average
blogs Comments Comment
per month per blog
12 Oct 6079 506.58
26 Nov 7275 279.81
20 Dec 6509 325.45
18 Jan 9396 522.00
16 Feb 4056 253.50
13 Mar 5669 436.08
5 Apr 2544 508.80
110 TTD 41528 377.53

This is done as a tokon of my personal support for your cause.

Salute Hung from Hong Kong

Wafi commented on 15-Apr-2010 11:07 AM

Hi jess, your such a brave girl I have ever seen, your really really really so brave, no one can do it, as you did, we are proud of you and your the world's youngest lady who have ever taken this dangerous risk we are really proud of you and pary for your to get home safely God bless you and my prayers are always with you well done and look after yourself and get home soon safely.

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Grey and Overcast but Smiling

Thursday, April 08, 2010

Some bad news today. Something that has been threatening to happen for quite some time has finally happened. The handle has fallen off my only kettle! But it won't be too long now till I'll be able to pop down to the shops for a new one.

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Bella commented on 01-May-2010 01:52 PM

Hi Jesse!
You are truly a brave capable girl! I along with milions of other "Jessicans" are wishing for your safe arrival in Sydney. You remind me of the saying - "As you ramble on through life brother, whatever be your goal: Keep your eye upon the doughnut and not upon the hole"! Cheers

anna commented on 15-Apr-2010 03:02 AM

Hey!
just wanted to say that I find it great what u are doing and have already managed..
in ur age and that courage!wow!

go on!
..and remember: everything is possible!
;-)

Jill from Newcastle commented on 14-Apr-2010 05:52 PM

Go Jess!! Thought you might enjoy this poem as once again you inspired it! Thanks again!

Cape Leeuwin

Cape Leeuwin, thanks to Jessica

I now know where you are

Significant to southern mariners

It seems you surely are

From Lioness, a Galleon Dutch

You took your mighty name

First charted and first seen by ship

When in 1622 they came

The Indian and the Southern Oceans

With deference of you must speak

For you mark the point of confluence

Where these two great oceans meet

And perhaps most truly noteworthy

To Australians near and far

Is the fact that our vast mainland continent’s

South westernmost tip you are

Catherine Rusin commented on 14-Apr-2010 08:06 AM

GOD BLESS YOU, JESSICA WE HAVE BEEN WATCHING YOU. WE FEEL THAT WE KNOW YOU. SURE WISH WE COULD BE THERE WHEN YOU REACH HOME-----BUT IT'S A LONG WAY FROM NEW JERSEY USA. THE RUSIN FAMILY

Anonymous commented on 13-Apr-2010 07:17 PM

keep up the good work jess your nearly there i can't wait to here that you have arrived.

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A Few Ups and Downs

Wednesday, April 07, 2010

Really sorry I've not updated you all in so long. It's been a bit of an interesting few days weather wise. Also a late happy Easter to everyone. It turns out that no one remembered to pack any Easter eggs for me but it wasn't the end of the world, because I've got more than enough chocolate and Mum challenged my brother Tom, sister Hannah and I to an egg decorating competition via emailed pictures. I'm not actually sure who the winner was in the end, but it certainly wasn't me!

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Val Aitken commented on 26-Apr-2010 09:55 PM

Hi Jess,Cant believe your voyage will be over in a couple of weeks.Will miss reading your blog ..
So looking forward to your book and maybe meeting you at a signing in Cairns,you go girl,knew you could do it...
Very Best wishes for the rest of your voyage...
Nanna Cairns Qld.

Bill Droguett commented on 13-Apr-2010 10:11 PM

Welcome back home Jessica, you are a champion, you have done what no other teenager has done,of your age at least, and I want to wish a safe and nice trip back to Sydney, and looking forward to welcome you, like millions of Aussies, back to Sydney Harbor, all the best to you Jessi

.

Alessandro Machi commented on 10-Apr-2010 05:03 PM

Let me get this straight. You don't post an article for five days, then mention that nobody bothered to pack any easter eggs for your journey.

Sounds to me like someone spent the last five days searching every nook and cranny for those eggs.

Paula commented on 10-Apr-2010 01:52 AM

Hi Jesse,
I must admit I was a cynic when you first started out. How could a 16 year old chick go round he world in a pink boat?

Since then I have followed your trip, and progressively become a "fan", and am excited to know you are probably passing under Perth right about now. I am devo to know I probably won't be able to get to Sydney for your arrival, so the best I can do is to send you a "bloody well done".

I don't care if you even make it from here, or if someone else breaks your record as soon as you make it, what you have achieved is an inspiration to anyone.

Bravo chica!!

Beau commented on 09-Apr-2010 10:52 PM

Keeping it going Jess! Doing great, and really close. I always found the emotions run high when close to transitions, but glad you've got a new tack going. Enjoy these last days, and best wishes as you near your homeland.

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Quick Update and Pictures

Friday, April 02, 2010

We're still not breaking any speed records, but Ella's Pink Lady is getting along reasonably well again. So all's well and the sun joined us again today which also did wonders for brightening my mood. It won't be long now till the high pressure system that's giving us these light winds, moves off and we get some decent wind to give us a nice shove along.

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Henke commented on 27-Apr-2010 01:53 AM

@Neil
Would you be so kind to put the Netherlands also on your list please. Greetings Henke

Horace & Marion Ritchie commented on 27-Apr-2010 12:35 AM

Hi Jessica, wow you have done something so amazing and so unique that other people can only dream about. You should be so proud of yourself. I think you are so brave and so strong to accomplish such a difficult task. We wish you the very best to you for the rest of your life. It has been fun and so exciting to read about your journey and to see some of your pictures. Here's to your Welcome Home and may God Bless you and continue to stay by your side. H.& M. Ritchie U.S.A. Michigan

Danny commented on 25-Apr-2010 12:16 PM

Hi jessica when i first herd about you i was pretty amazed at wot you were doiong.I first herd about you at from my teacher.My class name is 6B.also on friday the 23th of April which was last Friday me and my class wrote a blog to you.well achually my teacher wrote it and we gave you same book titles if you write a book about you juorney.I also think wot you are doing is really good fof kids.from Danny

criss commented on 13-Apr-2010 07:50 PM

Jessica, fair winds!
I just learned about your great adventure, but i'd like to send you my congrats for your tough decision. Keep sailing and stay safe!
Criss

Audrey commented on 11-Apr-2010 07:43 AM

Hey Jessica! I have followed your journey from the beginning and I;m so very inspired by the your courage and bravery. Congratulations on this monumental achievement!
Many blessings to you.

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Official Jessica Watson Blog

Knockdown, Huge Seas and a Buzz from Customs

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Good Sailing

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It Wasn't a Fly, it was a Moth!

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Slow Sailing, Stitching and Fog

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Headwinds and More Lightning

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Lightning Storm

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Australian Waters and Squid Lunch

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Grey and Overcast but Smiling

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A Few Ups and Downs

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Quick Update and Pictures

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