Just wondering if anyone has been following the movements of Jessica Watson. I know some people may think she is crazy and likewise her parents allowing her to seek such a challenge. No doubt there are challenges and dangers ahead, but the thought and sheer determination and guts to JUST do it, I tips my hat off to her.
I hope she makes it on her long voyage and fullfils her dreams, she is truly inspirational. And regardless of the outcome I admire her determination and willpower. She will make all Australians proud and WHEN she sails into Sydney harbour - WOW, won't that be amazing to see.
I have been keeping tabs on her progress checking in every now and then. She is getting close to the equator now (will have to check to see if she has crossed it yet).
Cape Horn will certainly be the true test of her voyage. There have been many ships wrecked and lives lost there for a reason...
ABC Radio announced that Jessica (J.) was nearing the Equator. There was also what J. thought to be a petrel sitting on the mast. It had been with her for a few days.
Some people claimed that she was not alone the petrel was keeping her company. Hence her record would not be valid.
However, judges had responded that birds do not count.
Obviusly some people do not want J. to succeed.
I am with you Norm, its quite an achievement. The parents must have a great deal of confidence in J. They all are aware of the dangers ofcourse and J.'s ability to handle them.
I REALLY hope she does OK in her travels and comes back home safe. I do fear for her, and I do think that she is not really ready for rough seas around cape horn. *fingers crossed* that she goes through that area unscathed.
I REALLY hope she does OK in her travels and comes back home safe. I do fear for her, and I do think that she is not really ready for rough seas around cape horn. *fingers crossed* that she goes through that area unscathed.
Dave
Who among us are ever really ready for what life can through up to us. Go Jessica give em heaps and keep going and be safe. I am sure best wishes and prayers from all on IIS are with you.
Good on her.
To have found her passion at such a young age, I really envy her.
It's such a challenge that she's set herself!!
All the best of luck to her, she deserves it.
and about the naysayers before she left: your signature says it all...
Quote:
Originally Posted by jjjnettie
Sometimes, being pedantic can distort the interpretation of many things and those who seek this action often miss the true point. Therefore, 'the pleasure of criticizing robs them of the pleasure of being moved by some very fine things' ~ Jean de la Bruyere.
I was given a copy of Robin Lee grahams book when I was about
16, having done little offshore sailing with a friends family
(only a couple hundred km trips )it really stunned me somone my own age would undertake something like this.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2...05/2785652.htm
"The 16-year-old has been sailing in Ella's Pink Lady for 79 days and is preparing to round the notorious Cape Horn on the tip of South America some time this week...
Ms Watson says while the wind has not been as strong as expected, she is experiencing some very cold temperatures as her heater has broken.
"On the down side, it sure has been and still is very cold," she wrote.
"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..."
Well its just my opinion, but I don't beleive this is an adventure of passion and of the heart. On one hand I want to support the girl and wish her encouragement for what she is doing because its truly inspirational, but the other side of me says this is just a stupid idea from a little girl who can sail a boat but really doesnt comprehend the true dangers. This is a typical naive finger in the air and reckless attitude that is more common of the youth of today and disappointing behaviour from parents that should know better.
I pray she makes it safely home and hope its only mother nature that she has to battle. Unfortunately, this is the 21st century, not the nostalgic 1950's and 1960's where the world was a different place.
I continue to shake my head at all of this and if she makes it home safely, I'll be the first person to say "thank god.." and be happy, but if she doesn't - guess what all the naysayers will be saying....they will have a field day.
So what next.. 14 year old girl sets sail to do an around the world trip? what would we all say then? What does it take for people to change thinking from "go Girl!!" to "thats just idiocy".
Yes, I too, have been following here blog every few days. I am proud to say that I have not been one of those 'knockers', who criticised her before she even sail! She has more sea-faring skill in her little finger than many of us will ever have in lifetime. Yes it will be dangerous in parts for her, but she is no less prepared than any adult. Her age and sex are irrelevant. And to see the GPS plots on here maps is a great piece of info. Go Jess!
I wish her well too, and believe she's doing something which should serve as inspiration to many.
She's been very fortunate so far, as far as conditions are concerned. It'll be intersting to see how things go when she encounters truly challenging conditions.
Jessica wrote on 11/1
"The wind has finally picked up to a steady 12knots in the last few hours, so Ella's Pink Lady is pushing along nicely again now. You have no idea how good it feels to be moving again! We've still got about 270nm till Cape Horn and if the wind behaves as expected, we are aiming for the rounding sometime on the 13th."
I hope she disproves all those knockers and whingers and does it. I agree, Cape Horn will be her test. What's her website called???
