Official Jessica Watson Blog
Subscribe to Blog RSS feedAlmost Around the Cape and Why I am Sailing Around the World?
I'll start with the good news, or I should say the best news, as there isn't any bad news today. Now only 120nm till we pass under Cape Agulhas (I've been saying the Cape of Good Hope but the most southern point of Africa is actually Cape Agulhas) and can officially tick off another Cape!
The wind dropped off a little today and with it Ella's Pink Lady's great pace too. But we are moving nicely still and for the first time in over a week it was warm and sunny. After misty drizzle and grey skies for so long, sunshine feels particularly lovely! As there's a high pressure system passing over us at the moment, it looks like the calm sailing (fingers crossed that it's not too calm!) will last for a while yet.
So anyway, while sitting out in the sunshine and hand steering today, I did a bit of thinking (dangerous thing to do I know!). Seeing as we're now over half way around the world, I thought it might be a good time to have a bit of a re-think about exactly what I am doing out here and whether or not my expectations have changed at all.
When I first dreamt of sailing around the world, the first thing that caught my attention, was curiosity about whether or not it was even something that was achievable. It wasn't so much the action and adrenaline parts that appealed to me, but thinking about all the details and finding ways to minimize the risks. I wanted to challenge myself and achieve something to be proud of. And yes, I wanted to inspire people. I hate that so many dreams never actually become anything more than that, a dream. I'm not saying that everyone should buy a boat and take off around the world, but I hope that by achieving my own dream, I'm showing people that it is possible to reach their own goals, whatever they might be and however big or small.
Now that I'm out here, I'm also finding that a big part of it is just about having fun and making the most of every day. And the other amazing thing is that it's no longer just my dream or voyage. Every milestone out here isn't just my achievement, but an achievement for everyone who has put so much time and effort into helping getting me here.
Also, I'd like to say that I'm not doing this to prove a point, but that wouldn't be completely true. For almost 6 years my family lived on our motor boat travelling and based at different marinas on the east coast of Australia. When you live on the water, it's sort of like an unwritten law that when another boat is pulling in, you stop to give a hand and take their lines. But being a 'little girl' meant that more often than not, my offer of help would be completely ignored, while the line was passed to the fully grown man next to me. I found this incredibly frustrating as I knew that I was just as capable of handling the lines as anyone else. I hated being judged by my appearance and other people's expectations of what a 'little girl' was capable of.
So yes, I hope that part of what I'm doing out here is proving that we shouldn't judge by appearance and our own expectations. I want the world to know exactly what 'little girls' and young people are actually capable of!
But enough of that, on another subject I managed to cut my knee on something today. A little bit of blood (pink and red do not look good together!). But nothing at all too serious, which made me realize how well I have done so far with the health and injury side of things. All the salt water has never once given my skin any grief (not hard to guess why not - thanks to Ella Bache!) and as time goes on I'm even managing to give myself less bruises.
Everyone's been telling me about Torah Bright and her amazing gold medal effort in snowboarding for Australia at the winter Olympics. I know I'm a bit behind the times, as news sometimes takes a while to reach me out here, but I'm just going to say wow and congratulations to Torah!
Ok, that's more than enough for today. I'm really not doing a very good job of pacing myself am I?!
Jesse
Pic 1: Shorts, sunshine and hand steering (make that foot/ leg steering!) with a book at 40 south! This picture is dedicated to all those people who enjoy teasing me about all the lovely fresh food they're eating, a little payback!
Pic 2: Steering with my hand this time, and enjoying the warm weather!!
Recent Posts
- Only Six Weeks Until Our Exciting Campaign Starts!
- The Mini Fastnet, Turning 18 and World Food Programme Youth Ambassador
- Our Youth Should Have A Voice!
- Study, Ella’s Pink Lady and New Zealand
- Introducing The New Project!
- Bilbies, Bike Rides and Other Events
- Jessica the Bilby!
- Young Australian of the Year & Germany!
- Lion’s Club Fundraiser for the Flood Appeal this Sunday
- Happy New Year, Sailing & QLD Floods
Comments
Paul Weber, Fort Worth, Texas
Bruce how on earth would you know if Jess has rich parents or not? if you had bothered to read the website you will see that her trip is SPONSERED. Also if you find her blog boring stop visiting it. I dont know if you are new here or not but trust me when i tell you, "don't mess with our Jess". BTW you sound like a really bitter person who perhaps didn't have the "knackers" to pursue your own dreams?
I am actually surprised your comment got past the blogmaster.
Jules of the NSW Riverina
well you've certainly proved to them all that you're no "little girl", perhaps to your Dad you are. My daughter's 21 and she will always be my little girl.
Great post and pictures.
Stay safe
Mick
Tony (Shipshape) Bristol UK
GO JESS GO....well done for another tic in the box...keep up the good work girl....
Glenn.. Bathurst, NB, Canada
Age isn't the limiting factor, it's attitude and I love the way you think. I've never doubted you were capable of what you set out to achieve.
Those that "cared" and tried to stop you are the negative. They're a small minority but will cripple you if you let them. I'm glad you were strong enough to do what you believe in.
All the best,
Wok
Are the two of you in communication with one another? If not, I think it would be great for you to have each other to share notes with!
Good luck!
Good to see that you are experiencing some warm, comfortable weather. Also good to see that you are making good time. How much longer do you have to go(distance and time)?
Safe sailing,
Andrew and Vicki (Queens Park, NSW)
Thinking of you as you count down the remaining nm’s to your next milestone and bid farewell to the Atlantic Ocean to greet the Indian Ocean with a somewhat cautious but eager anticipation. I hope you continue to enjoy the favourable weather conditions you’ve had in the past few days.
I was just staring into you 2 most recent photos and can almost feel the enjoyment you exude through them and the love you obviously have for your very beautiful Ella’s Pink Lady.
I also just listened to your most recent video (missed it yesterday) and in my opinion it was your best one so far particularly because you were at the helm enjoying what looked like day out on the water and also.....was that Missy Higgins you were listening to?
A very sad thing happened while I was out and about in my car yesterday...a little bird flew straight into my windscreen and landed motionless on the side of the road. I picked it up and wrapped it in a towel to keep it warm and was on my way to the vets bud sadly it went to heaven on my way there.....sniff, sniff.....poor little thing.
Anyway Jess, you take good care of yourself, stay safe and bye for now...Aunty Sam XX :-))
Stu, NZ
You've got a great way with words, as well as the tiller! I really enjoy reading your blogs - what you write is simple but descriptive and paints a picture you can put yourself in.
Its so exciting Cape Aghulas is coming up. When you started I would imagine Cape Horn loomed large and scarey and Cape Horn was too far away - now here it is! Wahoo!
Totally understand about the girly boat thing. Having dabbled around boats (yacht and power) for 15-20yrs it still frustrates me that some blokes think the laws of physics somehow work differently for women than men. I agree there are times when sheer grunt is handy but more often than not its about good technique and experience, and understanding and working WITH the conditions and circumstances you've got and not against them. Thinking can be dangerous (!) but canny thinking can be a marvelous thing!
Go Cap'n Jesse! WIshing you fine weather and fair winds around the Cape. CHeers.
"The measure of achievement is not winning awards. It's doing
something that you appreciate, something you believe is
worthwhile. I think of my strawberry souffle. I did that at
least twenty-eight times before I finally conquered it."
-- Julia Child
We can just about see you coming over the horizon Jess! that's if you live in Perth.
Talking about Perth flying there tomorrow so will be off the air for a few day's.
However you can be sure we will be thinking of you.
E&C
Carl&Melody Ontario, Canada
nice to see your blog has a new home.
well how are you sailing along on your ocean highway to the history book's.
I am still sitting in my chair waiting to hear you screem with delight as you pass under Cape L'agulhas. The window is open so I do not miss that lovely squeel of yours. Would be a delight to see the smile on your face, like a bright shining beacon in this troubled world.
Wish you all the best saling sea'a and winds to speed you on your way back to all in Australia.
Stay safe Jesse, you are such an amazing young lady.
God bless you, pink lady, scallywags oh and not to forget Parker the ever faithfull helping hand.
OLD keco....xxxxxxxx
Great blog today, loved hearing your reflections. The way you carry yourself and think tells me that you have a very bright future ahead of you!
Thank you for inspiring all of the young ladies of the world, me included (although maybe not so young)...your incredible display of courage and strength has touched many lives and will change the lives of those inspired to go after their dreams, just like you!
Always looking forward to your next post,
~Deidre NC, USA
I
well done so far, i fully understand your reasons and feelings about why your are doing this - it's a shame most of us dreamers don't push ourselves further and harder to acheive what we constantly wish to do.
Quote: “If you want to stand out, don’t be different, be outstanding”
Take Care
Mick
MNC NSW