Official Jessica Watson Blog

It looks like my quota of sunshine and calm sailing has run out. In fact I don't think the conditions right now could be any more different to just a few days ago. We've got pouring rain, 4m of steep sea and gusts of 40 knots. Nothing too dramatic but as we're close reaching (sailing at about 80 degrees into the wind and waves), the motion isn't exactly comfortable and we're heeling (leaning over) quite a bit. 

Sticking my head up above the dodger means a face full of stinging rain and spray and typing this is more an act of aerobics than anything else, as I've got my legs up around my ears to brace myself leaving my hands free to type. Ok, that makes it sound far more impressive than it really is. With three reefs in the mainsail and the little orange storm jib flying, Ella's Pink Lady is handling everything beautifully, climbing up and over each wave. (See pic below).

The weather is expected to stay like this for another 6 to 12 hours before easing again. So plenty of time to finish my book while safely wedged in my bunk! It's funny that every time that Bob's weather forecast is for some unpleasant stuff, I still get a little hint of nerves. But once we're in the thick of it with everything as ready as possible, I'm back to being as happy as Larry (I often wonder who Larry was and why was he so happy anyway?).

This time particularly, waiting for the wind to build up had me a bit on edge as yesterday we had the most brilliant bright red sunrise and you know how the saying goes; red sky at night is a sailor's delight, red sky in morning is a sailor's warning.

As well as the usual trashy, girly novels, I've really been getting into the travel books lately, which probably isn't the best idea, as the list of places I'm itching to visit just keeps getting longer and longer! I also came across the learn to drive book, so I've started trying to memorize various road signs. It's not something that's particularly relevant out here (with a capital 'R'!) but getting my learner's license is one of the first things on my list of things to do when I get home.

Well, as I wedge myself back into my buck to avoid any more bruises, I just wanted to finish up by congratulating Shaun Quincy who arrived in New Zealand the other day, after rowing from  Australia. I know I'm a bit behind the times as news sometimes takes a while to reach me out here. Following Shaun's voyage has really made me appreciate all my luxuries aboard Ella's Pink Lady!

Jesse


Pic: Ella's Pink Lady handling the wind and waves well!