Official Jessica Watson Blog

Jessica,

Good luck and have a safe trip. I hope we will be able to follow you trip.

Pam
Indianapolis, Indiana

Jessica, greetings from aboard "Silvergirl", St. Petersburg, Florida.

You are an inspiration to all and show you are never too old or too young to "live the dream".

You possess all of the qualities which will bring you success in this and everything to come in your life. Your team sounds like a great bunch. Your parents are to be commended for helping you become such a great young lady and supporting you in this remarkable endevor.

There are going to be times this will not be easy, just remember, that is what makes it great.

I anticipate following your adventure from my computer...as I am sure will many other sailors around the world.

I named by boat for the words from the song "Bridge Over Troubled Waters". I send them to you, as they seem to really fit..

Sail on Silver Girl....sail on by
your time has come to shine
all your dreams are on their way
.....see how she shines.

Fair winds, Skipper

Max Southers
St. Petersburg, Florida, USA

Hi Jessica,

Good luck and have a safe trip on your journey around the world, you are showing the whole world as long as you got the determination and mindset to do something it can be down, as that no matter how big or small you are that you can do anything.

Good Luck and Have a Safe Journey!!!

Steven
Michigan, United States

Jessica,
Most comments to you wish you luck and that’s ok, I am always hoping to see you progress to the stage where you will make your own luck. It’s good to see that you are putting on muscle, 3kg is a good start, that’s just enough to fight off the TV cameras when you depart. You seem to be in good hands with your family and friends, they obviously know what they’re doing, you can not beat the voice of experience. I must admit this is the first time that I feel confident you will have a safe journey, your progress can now be measured and that’s good.
Regards,
Albert

Hi Jessica,

Yeah you have a point, building a bit of muscle would be a vital part of your preparation. You don't need to be as 'tank' as you boat although in rough weather holding on is in your best interest.
:P
Cameron B

Good luck.

"Someone said to me recently that the ocean doesn't care how old you are," Watson said. "It respects experience, not your age."

Thats real wisdom.

Enough can not be said about the importance of pursuing dreams.

Hey Jessica,
Before i met you and learned your story, i wasn't really inspired to work on my boat.

To see you step up and give it all you've got i found an occasional hobby to be a daily routine...My Hartley 16 is being fitted..from cutting and inserting buoyancy and floor boards too making a hatch and rudder.
I can now understand the enjoyment you are having with your s&s 34

Hey Jessica,

I've been following your quest in the news over the past months, I think it's awesome what you're doing. Good luck with it, and don't let anyone tell you you can't do it!

Ambrose

Hi Jessica,
I really like what your doing.I'm only a few years yonger than you (12 in August)butI could never dream of doing what your doing.Go Jessica!!!!!!!

Jessica,
I survived many years in aviation because of good risk management, sometimes I would have an irate passenger complaining about delays to an aircraft, usually because of mechanical problems. I would say to them, it’s better to be on the ground wishing you were in the air, than to be in the air wishing you were on the ground. This comment usually causes a white face a swift reality check. I expect risk management will be an important part of your training.
Regards,
Albert

you really want to paint your ship pink!?

Seems clever to use you as a template for sizing hatches, dodger, and controls, but at your age will you still be the same size at the end of your journey as you are at its beginning?

Praying Numbers 6:24-26
Mouse in Whittier
www.myspace.com/mouseonamotorcycle
Buy "Death and Coffee" here!

Hi Jessica
WOW, what a day.

My father and I are currently fitting out a small 'hartly 16ft' in aluminium, not long now.
Upon completing this little job, in our scraps of spare time we will tinker away at the 'van de stadt 34'(steel)lying parallel to our house. unfortunately sitting alone for several years in the weather the rust has grown and grown - the sandblasting comes first.

Have a great day,
Cameron B

Hi Watched the 7.30 report last night- really hope you can pull this off! I have ocean sailed single handed- wonderful feeling.
Could it be a good idea to do a shakedown to NZ ? I have also seen a lot of the southern ocean- it will be tough !! good luck

Go Jess Go,
Best wishes for your epic trip and congratuations to all involved especially your incredibly supportive family. How wonderful to be living your dreams at your age. The world's your oyster. May you stay safe and well. I look forward to watching your progress and reading the book (you will write about it won't you?)
I highly recommend a book by Laurence Gonzales called Deep Survival. It would stand you in good stead.
Every Best Wish
MaureenB

Excellent, the refit is going well - from all I can see.
Wish the workers minimal hiccups and no injuries.
Youngestround.com has to be broken in before your adventure on the high seas.
Best of luck with that
Cameron B.

Hope the planning is all going well. We're excited to see your progress!