Official Jessica Watson Blog

Life Back on Land

Saturday, May 22, 2010

What a week! Time has flown, but at the same time it feels like I’ve been away from Ella’s Pink Lady and back on land for years. Maybe it just feels like that because so much has happened. So where do I start?

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Across The Line

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Hi everyone just a really quick update to let you know I’m across the line and have had the most amazing day (mega mega under exaggeration!). I ended up crossing the line a few hours late, to a totally overwhelming welcome, way way beyond anything I’d ever imagined. It would take a very long time to tell you all about it, so I’ll save that for another time. Seeing everyone again and finally getting those hugs was really something special!

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Richard commented on 28-Dec-2011 04:23 AM

Hello Jessica, I have got your book (with the German title “SOLO with Pink Lady”) as a Christmas present and read through over the last days. As I enjoy reading travel reports from sailors and their adventures it was nice to see, that your book was different.
Not only to tell the story about the travel but also the story behind the all that. Some times it was quit emotional and one could feel the ups and down’s you wend through. I was really surprised how consequent you followed your dream from the first day on
… chapeau … Thank you for sharing your dream, your motivation and your experience. I whish you a nice life and more beautiful adventure. Take care of yourself Richard

Grant commented on 29-Oct-2010 06:51 AM

Thats how the aussies do it. Proud to be Australian, well done Jess.

julia lynch commented on 24-Sep-2010 02:07 PM

wow Jess you r amazing.

did u enjoy seeing your family.

from Julia

Isabel commented on 18-Jul-2010 05:04 PM

Jess, you truly are amazing! Your my inspiration and i can't wait to meet you at the Sydney boat show at the end of July, and get your book! I'll be in line wanting to meet you! see you then!
Your biggest fan Isabel!

Daniel commented on 22-Jun-2010 10:59 AM

well done jess for sailing around the world your a legend and all of Australia is proud of u

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So Close and What I'm Going To Miss

Thursday, May 13, 2010

My perfect conditions came to an end late on Tuesday with thunderstorms then this freezing cold southerly wind (brrrr!). Yesterday the wind was gale force but today it's eased off to 30 knots, giving us great surfing conditions with the sea standing up as it meets the east coast current.

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meloney commented on 21-May-2010 06:49 PM

Conglations Jess .
Its been wonderful following you on your sail around the world, I feel like I been on a adventure reading your blogs cant wait to read your book.
I loved your speech and what you said to the kevin rudd you are so right.
Happy 17th birthday I can see you had the bestest time.
Dont forget us all here in your future sails.Happy sailing in the future whatever you want to do in life.
From Mel.

Ocean Girl commented on 21-May-2010 10:44 AM

I am scared just looking at the waves behind you.

Congratulations Jesse. I admire you and you are inspiring. I can only imagine how relieved your Mom is.

Shane Eastwood commented on 20-May-2010 05:23 PM

jess you are amazing!!! there isnt many people out there that are as full of energy and willing to get up and challenge anything as you are, you really are an inspiration to those kids that spend to much time behind their computer screens, the stories you have told us about your adventure really are interesting an i'm not meaning to be a kiss ass or anything but i can say i would love to get the opportunity to circumnavigate the globe and would gladly take up the chance to do it. keep up the good work jess an don't stop putting blogs on your website they are really cool to read. c ya

cheryl commented on 18-May-2010 01:44 PM

congradulations on your trip around the world you are an inspiration to all'

josie commented on 18-May-2010 01:42 PM

hi jessica
good work and wecome home

josie

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A Working Engine!

Monday, May 10, 2010

The little Yanmar engine is going again! A little delicately, but it is running with a water transfer pump rigged up in place of the fuel pump which had stopped working. It's pretty dodgey with all the miss matching hoses but should do the job. Apart from the kick I got from actually managing to fix something, it was quite a relief as we've pretty much had no wind at all the last two days, so the batteries were lower than I'd thought.

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Sunshine, a Ship and Engine Problems

Saturday, May 08, 2010

I've had lots of that lovely sunshine stuff lately and today I'm over the moon to see the cabin temperature sitting on 20 degrees! It's been a while since it's been that warm.

But not everything's going as well as the weather.

The fuel system on the engine is still giving me grief, so I can't get the engine to start. This isn't the end of the world, it just means that I've got to be extra careful with power usage. If I can't get it going again, then Jesse and Mike will just have to row Ella's Pink Lady up to the dock after the finish line. No, only kidding, we'll work something out. I would be very nice to motor in under our own steam, so I'll keep trying.

Since I gave up on the food bag system and went for all my favorites a while ago, I'm starting to run out of good food. I've had to start eating the stuff I'd normally leave (I know it serves me right!), but on the up side, I've got so much spare fresh water, that I've been able to use it for washing. Other than that, the dunny has also decided not to play nicely, which is also ore annoying than anything. I mean couldn't it wait just one more week before refusing to work?

Last night the AIS also picked up the first ship I've seen since under Africa, but it didn't come close and I'm pretty surprised that it's the only one I've seen.

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Savouring Every Second

Thursday, May 06, 2010

I don't normally bother addressing critics because someone's always going to be saying something, no matter what I say or do. But I thought I'd have my 2 bobs worth on these claims that I haven't 'officially' sailed around

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A Day Off, Headwinds and What Next?

Tuesday, May 04, 2010

Yesterday I finally got the day I wanted for a long time. Clear skies, small seas and light winds. What a novelty not to have to hang on for grim life 24/7, well that's a slight exaggeration, but still it was a real treat.

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