Official Jessica Watson Blog

Jesse, WOW! I have to say reading that update scared me, I am so glad you and your Pink Lady came through it relatively unscathed, and glad you are in calmer conditions and that your dolphins are back with you, so comforting.

Thank you to Ground Control for the updates, it must have been a nail biting time for you all.

Have a good rest sugar and prepare for the next bit - you popping around in the ocean like a cork is very concerning under such conditions, but I do realise you are doing something you love and probably relish such a challenge, keep up the good work.......x

-Lori, Brisbane

My Goodness Jess.... This is the first time I am writing a comment but I have read every blog and checked your website every day. I am a mum of two teenagers/adults so I must say I have worried about you... Silly it is just a mum thing!!. Well I have to say I am so proud of you and proud to be Australian. Well done Jess and be strong we are all behind you..Sending some warm Sydney hugs..

Kikaha Jess! You are a warrior, you will make it! Wanga, Fiji

Thank goodness you are ok! What a scary night you experienced. Hang in there Jess.
What a girl!!!
What a boat!!!
Margie
Cooroy Queensland

We're proud of you, Jesse. Sail safe.

Rex Gibbons
St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada

Hi Jessica,
I can imagine those eight hours were really tough and long. I am happy you succeeded and hopefully you are in good condition. I whish you more of those lazy sunny days sleeping on the cabin top. Btw, we might "meet" when you pass Cape of Good Hope, depending on your speed. Within two weeks I will head for SA and will stay there for three weeks. I will follow your blog and will wave as you pass by. Safe journey.

Hey Jesse - if I could hear you singing a song tonight it might go something like this .....

I got something to tell you
I got something to say
I'm gonna put this dream in motion
Never let nothing stand in my way ...
When the going gets tough
The tough get going

A champion always gets up after the first knockdown (and the 2nd, 3rd, 4th ....).

Be proud of yourself and sail on safely,

Mike (Canberra)

Scary stuff! I read on your web site that you endured the storm and came out ok, even with several knockdowns.. I am so happy things went well. You know we are a large bunch cheering for you! :-D

Be safe Jesse! Best of luck for the rest of your journey!!!

/Annett, Helsingborg, Sweden

I'm so glad you are safe. It was scary to read about the knockdowns! You are so courageous! You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Well done! Hope you get some sleep now.

Guess the sea is giving revenge for you sneaking around the Horn without it noticing. Glad you fared well through the knock-downs. Must have been a bit of a fright. Real happy you endured it without injury. Will be praying for your safety. Best wishes, duane

You are so brave to have come through such an experience. Wild seas and storms were to be expected but four knockdowns in one storm is amazing. Well done!
Dee

Hi Jesse you young salty dog!!! We commentors sit in our warm homes and if we have never experienced what you have been through can only imagine what it must be like. The great pictures don't do justice to the real situation. Toss in the sound of the wind, the motion of the boat in a confused sea and then the pounding of the heart in the chest and then you start to get a little idea of what you have come through. Jessica, your are like iron that is repeatedly thrust into the kilm, heated up to a glowing red hot, taken out, pounded on an anvil and becomes stronger each time. Each storm makes you a more confident sailor. After each storm when you are able to again come on deck you do with a smile on your face to greet your dolphin friends and wait to feel the warm sun on your face again. Sail safe Jesse and always eastward toward that beautiful harbor in Sydney. Your relieved long distant friend Larry (guamgranite@myfairpoint.net)

Hi Jesse,
amazing the forces of the elements and nature. Big congratulation to your going through ist safely.
With the dolfins back they tell you that they keep an eye on you and protect you.
All the Best
Peter from Austria

hi Jess
I do ot supposthat it is possibel to sail through thse oceans without gettting knocked downa few times.
we ontinu to pray for your safety and your speedy return home.
as one of the other bloggers sang "I get knocked dow, but I get up again for they're never going to keep mem down"
keep getting up Jess. I am sue that these times of danger and stress will just make you more determined to achieve your goal.
I am also assured that when you return, you will have a huge number of businesses beeting a path to your door wanting to employ you once you finish your school. as an employer, I would hire you tomorrow :)
Stay savfe and bukled in. You must be very gratefl for your fablous shore crey that have prepared you so well for this amazing adventure.
"may His angels continue to keepwatch over you" even if they are in the form of a dolphin or two :)
Ron Garvey

Hi Jessica
Congratulations for passing your 11,000nm mark, and for enduring the clobbering you had to face in your overnight battle with the Atlantic. The “Latest Report” indicates that you and Ella’s Pink Lady handled it well – much as we have come to expect from you.

I hope you and Ella did not sustain very much damage and that you have now been able to clean up “the mess”, as it is described in the report.

Your photos certainly illustrate the fury of the sea, and I don’t think the spray marks on the lens detract from them. They will be photos you will be able to look back on and proudly say “I sailed through that!”

I look forward to your more detailed update when you have time to write after you have restored Ella’s Pink Lady and yourself to normality – and prepared for any future Atlantic storms.

Enjoy the lighter conditions while you can.
Tony L (Mt Martha VIC)

Wow what a challenge Jess, Well done!

Jessica, nobody can take away the thrill this voyage gives you, its yours to keep and much thanks for sharing. You are a heroine within your own right and its all yours for ever. I truly hope to see a book of your voyage, with pictures and maps as I will put my name down for one and place it pride of place in my meagre library. Great congrats to Mum and Dad and their support they give you. YGG.

now you wouldn't have wanted an easy trip around the world without some rock and roll. Seems you've handled it well. Nice!!!!

Andrew from Honkers

Been watching your voyage since you began, What a great trip. Love your blogs and videos. No knockdown will stop you.Carry on and Smile as you go. Best wishes from Shepparton Vic, GO FOR IT Jess

Hoi Jessica,

Sail Safely, be careful, you doing well.

greeting Els, from the Netherlands

PHEW!

great going, Jess... live might seem a bit dull once you are back on land ;)

cheers
Tia

What a storm to go though. Will have you in our thoughts and prayers. Take care and be safe. Hope you get some well earned rest. You are a wonderful young lady.
Keith & Anne, Hervey Bay

Survived your first mainmast "knock down", well done Jess. I had to find out what bthat meant in the newscast. Im still impressed with your tenacity.

Tim in Brissy.

Hi Jesse

Great to hear that you made it through the storm unharmed and intact. I never doubted that you would!!

Sail, safe, sail fast.

Bruce