Official Jessica Watson Blog

"Blues and Pinks"

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Today's been a quiet one out here. For a while again this afternoon we were completely becalmed again. I expected that it would frustrate me making so little progress but I really enjoyed the chance just to take it easy and start on a book between tweaking the sails. It's been so long since I've had anytime just to take it easy for a while and the freedom was amazing.

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Mal commented on 28-Jan-2010 09:22 PM

Hi Jessica
Terrific to read you daily log. I have come to sailing late in life so will never make the trip you're doing. By sharing your experiences you kinda bring a whole lot of people along with you. Amazing to think that after such a short time, you're already so far. My thoughts are with you each day. Enjoy every second of this life-changing adventure.
Mal
Emerald Victoria

Anonymous commented on 28-Jan-2010 09:22 PM

Jess,
Following some rare comments on cruising forums from those who doubt you and take it upon themselves to judge, I am reminded of a quote from American President Theodore Roosevelt in 1910.

"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again...; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat"

Succeed or fail - or somewhere in between - no matter. You shall never have to share a place with those cold and timid souls!!

Goodonya Girl!!!!

Anonymous commented on 28-Jan-2010 09:22 PM

Hope all is well, it appears that you are settling in well.

Just curious as to where you put all your rubbish as you accumulate it?

Keep up the good work, and hang in there

Pete

brendan commented on 28-Jan-2010 09:22 PM

Hi, I think it's cool. Please tell me that there is nobody shadowing you...that you are really alone. Of course I know that you have plenty of great communications and support but if you are not really alone then it's all a sham.

Anonymous commented on 28-Jan-2010 09:22 PM

Jessica you go girl.

Here is a quote from Theodore Roosevelt.

'It is not the critic who counts, not the person who points out how the other person stumbles or how the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the person who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends themself for a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if they fail, at least fail while daring greatly, so that their place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat'

You go girl.

Philip Ling
Mosman
Sydney

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Across the Start Line

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Well yesterday was the big day, leaving Sydney and crossing the start line. After a good night sleep, a good breakfast and a last hot shower, that was it and I was off to sail around the world! Getting out of the harbour and across the start line was a bit of a feat in itself with spectator boats, helicopters, very little wind and a swell rolling though.

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Thank You From Mum

Saturday, October 17, 2009

Hi everyone. I know you are all anxious to hear from Jess, but she's a little pre-occupied on her first day, so just a quick post to let everyone know that the departure went well this morning, officially passing the start/finish line at Sydney Heads at 9.49am.

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sinead commented on 28-Jan-2010 09:21 PM

hi jess
you R so brave.
i hope your ok.
i hope you make it around the world.
from sinead
campbells creek primary vic

Tim commented on 28-Jan-2010 09:21 PM

Your amazing! We need more people in the world to take on challenges such as these! Quote:
'The only way of finding the limits of the possible is by going beyond them into the impossible'.
Arthur C. Clarke.
Smooth and speedy sailing jessica

Robbert commented on 28-Jan-2010 09:21 PM

Good luck Jessica!

Wish I could be on that boat now, instead sitting behind my desk.
Have a save trip and I will follow your blog

Robbert, Netherlands

YOU CAN DO IT JESSICA WATSON !!! commented on 28-Jan-2010 09:21 PM

Message For Julie,
Hi Jessica's Mum: I sent you a Comment recently as ANONYMOUS because I was having trouble Logging into my Google Account. Well I've resolved the problem, and as I said in the earlier Comment, I'm just confirming that I DID ACTUALLY Send the messages/Comments (as ANONYMOUS) to you and to Jesse, and that it wasn't somebody else sending fake Messages/Comments with My USERNAME ... (YOU CAN DO IT JESSICA WATSON). I hope you and Jessica don't mind me using Such A USERNAME incorporating Jessica's name: I thought that it would give her some extra encouragement ... (Not That She Really Needs It ...LOL... She's A Really Gutsy Girl). You All Must be Very Proud of her.

NM xx

Emma Sweden commented on 28-Jan-2010 09:21 PM

Good luck to you Jess. The whole world are crossing their fingers for you. I live in Sweden and look forward to when you enter your journey here. We will welcome you with open arms. Best wishes from Emma.

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''Tomorrow I'm going to get up and sail around the world!"

Friday, October 16, 2009

I'll keep this update even shorter but just letting you all know, if you havent already heard, that tomorrow is finally the big day. I'll be leaving the marina at around 0845 in the morning and clearing the Sydney heads soon after.

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Thanks for all the Support

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

I’ll keep this short as it’s a pretty busy time at the moment, but I just wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone who has been offering their support, luck and best wishes. Thanks to everyone for commenting on my blogs, sending emails and to the constant stream of people stopping by Ella's Pink Lady, bringing gifts and letters.

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Seaspray commented on 28-Jan-2010 09:21 PM

Hi Jess,

I live in London and I am setting up an account so my ocean loveing Dad can support you. This is a test to see if the account works then I can tell him how to use it!

We are all following you closely and our best wishes go with you.

Chris in London on behalf of John in Sydney

carolyn commented on 28-Jan-2010 09:21 PM

Hope you have a safe and successful journey Jess. Keep updating your blog so we can follow your amazing adventure. All the best!

YaseminPi commented on 28-Jan-2010 09:21 PM

Best wishes from AUSTRIA to AUSTRALIA... :) your website is already on my favorite list and I keep the fingers crossing for you! I wish you Godspeed sweety!

Russell. commented on 28-Jan-2010 09:21 PM

Hi Jess,
I don't expect you'll read this tonight. I just heard you have chosen tomorrow as your departure date, so I imagine you'll spend some quiet time with your family then TRY to get some sleep. (good luck trying to sleep.) lol. ;-)

Things are going to get tough out there Jess. You'll have good days and days that you'll be wondering why the bloody hell did I do this. It's important during those bad days to think a little about all your supporters back here in Australia and the amazing greeting you'll have to look forward to when you sail back through the heads.

We wish you all the luck in the word dear. Be safe and have fun.

See ya on the wharf! :-)

Geoff commented on 28-Jan-2010 09:21 PM

Jessica

1 more sleep

woohhoooooo

go girl

Geoff

Melbourne Orstralia

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Whirl Wind Sydney

Sunday, October 11, 2009

It's been a busy and exciting week in Sydney with one of the highlights being the Ella Baché launch in Circular Quay. We managed to strike a lucky break in the rain. So sailing past the Sydney Opera House and under the bridge was really nice and must have provided a pretty cool photo opportunity. I'm so proud of having Ella Baché on board, and all around it was a pretty exciting day.

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Jos commented on 28-Jan-2010 09:20 PM

I love following you as you work towards your goal. I wish I could watch the interview but I'm in the US. Good Luck!

Joslin commented on 28-Jan-2010 09:20 PM

Good luck. I love following your blog. I wish I could watch the interview but I can't since I am in the US.

Kim commented on 28-Jan-2010 09:20 PM

saw you on good morning, america in the states on sunday morning! you are a very confident young lady! looking forward to seeing you have set sail . . .

kim
greenville, in
usa

txsblues commented on 28-Jan-2010 09:20 PM

Don't let them steal the wind from your sails...leave the nay sayers in your wake!

praying for you, Guy

Anonymous commented on 28-Jan-2010 09:20 PM

Non-Australian followers can see the 7PM Project interview here:

http://rapidshare.com/files/292411647/7pm-jess.avi

I've got to say, I loved the Courier Mail pics of the inside of Ella's Pink Lady. Especially all the nice comments scribbled on the walls, and the random stuff like "window" and "food gets cooked here" haha. Just in case you happen to forget after a few months at sea :-P Link here:

http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,26192235-5019132,00.html

Well, absolute best of luck and hopefully I'll have a chance to pop over to the heads later in the week and watch you sail off.

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Dry Land Again!

Monday, October 05, 2009

I might have passed through the Heads and arrived in Sydney yesterday butI’m telling you Australia is still rolling. Since I stepped off Ella’s PinkLady yesterday afternoon my head has been spinning and I’ve been doing abit of stumbling into things! Getting my land legs again has taken a while. I can’t image what I’m going to be like after 8 months at sea, rather than 5 days!

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Anonymous commented on 28-Jan-2010 09:20 PM

Hi Jessica,

My name is Jaimee, and I am a year 6 student in Victoria.

I love your courage and ability to face your dream head first. I really don't think you should listen to the lies that the press make up, and I think you should just go for your dream.

I also saw the broadcast of you talking one on one with Jesse Martin, and I think that it is just wrong that they didn't make stuff up about him. They were trying to make you stop even before you crashed into the cargo ship.

But don't worry, I am behind you all the way, but I just want to say one thing...be careful, and follow your dream with all your heart. You are an inspiration.

I also have a blog, and I hope you might visit it and maybe post a comment too.

The address is here:
jaimeebngps.globalstudent.org.au

I hope I see more blog posts and pictures when you set sail soon.

Bye! Love Jaimee xx

Larry commented on 28-Jan-2010 09:20 PM

Jessica ... I saw your story this morning in the US. Follow your dream! We are 100% behind you and will follow your adventure online.

Anonymous commented on 28-Jan-2010 09:20 PM

Jessica, I saw your interview on the morning news this morning. I want to wish you the best of luck as you embark on your journey and tell you that I admire your courage and your spirit. I'll be following your journey.

As a woman in her mid-40's, I have to say that I want to be like you when I grow up! Godspeed.

DNR87 commented on 28-Jan-2010 09:20 PM

I'm 55/S/W/F from LACEY, WASHINGTON STATE; USA. We're up in the Pacific Northwest, near Canada.
Saw you on TV and have decided to follow your venture.
GOOD LUCK...

Bob commented on 28-Jan-2010 09:20 PM

Good Luck with your Journey..! I'm sure you'll so fine. You have plenty of support with your goal. Love the pictures as well. Many of us will keep track of your progress like if we were right there with you. SO, when you think your alone think again we watching over you on your journey. Keep the updates coming.

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Cooked Breakfast and 3 Metre Seas

Friday, October 02, 2009

Jess called in this evening to say that she has 23 kts of Southerlies and she is on a heading of 202 degrees True.

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seipptrade commented on 28-Jan-2010 09:20 PM

Jessica has politely thumbed her nose at her mindless cruel critics with her performance &we have seen experienced boaties in trouble since taking the pressure from her .Thank you Julie & Roger for giving us such a wonderful self disciplined personality to offset the booze & debauchery of Schoolies' excesses overloading law & order enforcement folk .While that is on endlessly, Jess will be minding her own business doing no harm except maybe working herself hard in big seas by then & building a model of honour & maturity .

john Seip

Anonymous commented on 28-Jan-2010 09:20 PM

Hello Jess
We are sitting in class while you are sailing. Keep up the blogs... enjoy the fine weather! Surf down some big waves for us. Don't break any gear. See you in a year.(or more).
PS. Do you know Mitch Kennedy? (bit of a big deal!)
Stay well ;)
<3 LOVE From Yr 11 Marine Class at Flinders

Anonymous commented on 28-Jan-2010 09:20 PM

Hi Jessica Why do you insist on disappointing your knockers who were expecting-- Possibly hoping-- you would have another accident to prove them right .Well, the world is seeing you as you truly were & are,no ordinary 21st century teen ,in fact a very unique model to become idol of mature sensible young adult , ,But why do you score allthe common sense due to 100's your age .We love your daily reports & simple grammatical writing style,free of buzzwords & verbal viruses . Stick with it sweetie .

Al commented on 28-Jan-2010 09:20 PM

Well I see while I've been off in the Phils and VN you have made great headway Ms Jessica, great job by all of you. Looking forward to the big day and despite the zoo or whatever it is, your fans list grows every day. Keep at it a day at a time.

Anonymous commented on 28-Jan-2010 09:20 PM

U.S. Navy Quartermaster.
Fair winds and following seas. I'm excited for you! God's speed.

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Quick Update

Thursday, October 01, 2009

After good conditions during the last two days, the wind has gradually picked up as I head south down the NSW coast.

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Russell commented on 28-Jan-2010 09:20 PM

Queen Bee,

I followed that link and wished that I'd had the time and patience to write that article. Your SPOT ON! Why all the knockers and nay sayers can't just shut up is beyond me.
Here we have a young girl. She obviously doesn't take drugs or she would'nt be where she is. She's not out getting into fights and making a menace of herself. Why are so many of her fellow Australians so keen to belittle her??? It's got me beat.

I can't wait until Jessica completes this voyage and then listen to all the knockers change their tune.

Queen Bee commented on 28-Jan-2010 09:20 PM

Good on you, Jess. You have some support here: http://www.essentialmadness.com/articles/Miscellaneous/Why_Rain_on_Jess%27_Parade?

Anonymous commented on 28-Jan-2010 09:20 PM

On reading through various comments on this site and taking into consideration, the interesting weather patterns that we've seen along the Southern coastline of Australia across to New Zealand - in recent months; would it be possible to find out whether Jessica's lifejacket is fitted out with other items which could be valuable if needed?

Anonymous commented on 28-Jan-2010 09:20 PM

Jess, you will find three major groups of people in this world. 1. Those who do. Without these types of people mankind would still be in the stone age. 2. Those who don't. Don't knock these people. They are who they are, and often live their dreams through the actions of the "doers" 3. The knockers. These are the bad type. Not only do they not accomplish much themselves, but they do all they can to bring down the doers. You can't ignore them Jess, because they can make so much mischief, but you can pity them, because win or lose you can say you "had a go", where as at the end of their life the knockers can only look back at a life of negative actions. Give it your best shot Jess, and good luck.

John McK

kiwi-scot commented on 28-Jan-2010 09:20 PM

be safe and be lucky

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Official Jessica Watson Blog

"Blues and Pinks"

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Across the Start Line

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Thank You From Mum

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''Tomorrow I'm going to get up and sail around the world!"

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Thanks for all the Support

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Whirl Wind Sydney

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Dry Land Again!

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Cooked Breakfast and 3 Metre Seas

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Quick Update

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