Official Jessica Watson Blog

Tenga Buena Aventura from GM Pacheco Albuquerque,New Mexico

Hi Jessica

Just a quick note to wish you a safe trip to Sydney. Pop in to the CYC if you get chance for a beer, oops coke.

Cheers

B

What an amazing adventure it will indeed be! I Wish you luck, you are an amazing young woman, who should serve as an inspiration to other young girls!!

- T. West OZ.

Good luck from all of us up here at the Cairns Yacht Club... it was a pleasure to meet you and we wish you God speed and a safe journey
Trish

All the very best of success as you follow your dream Jessica. You are an inspiration to young and old alike - I am in awe of you. I wish for good weather to follow you and look forward to reading your amazing stories.

Hi Jessica,

I see that as your departure date draws near, the media have stepped up their interest and many of them have decided to take a negative approach, relying on the fact that the majority of people in this world would have no idea how keep a toy boat afloat on Lake Bathtub, let alone have the courage, skill or determination to solo navigate a sailboat around the world via the Southern Capes.

But then maybe that statement is just as negative as the media reports that instigated it.

What’s probably truer is that the very same majority of people in this world quietly harbour a desire to be just like yourself, and though they may have reservations stating it publicly, they vicariously applaud you for daring to live your dream.

And when it’s all said and done, when you sail back to port with green slime down the side of your boat instead of scratches, I can guarantee the people who are currently telling your parents that they are wrong won’t be standing on the dock to tell them they were right.

Have a great sail!
Leon, West Oz.

days and days and no blog. whats up? Canada is wondering

Hi Jessica
Last year my wife and I travelled with our 2 kids for 6mths round the world. Some thought we were crazy, but it was amazing. We are looking forward to following your journey on your blog. Stay safe. The Thomas family from Adelaide.

dear jessica I saw your spot on ESPN and sailing around the world is pretty kickass not gonna lie. Best of luck to you

Chuck L-P
USA

The world needs adventurers, explorers, people willing to look to the horizon and wonder what is beyond.Without individuals willing to do that the human race may still be swinging from trees or living in the African Savannah or non existent.
History does not record the countless individuals who left home and set off to explore and discover the world. Our early ancestors who moved out of Africa and over thousands of years spread around the globe and inherited the world. Neither does history record the trials and tribulations that they faced. History does record some of the more modern explorers, Scott of the Antarctic, Vasco de Gama, Sir Edmund Hilary, Amy Johnson and many others. Each one of those contributed in their way to building the world that we live in today.
Our governments have gone soft telling the world that they are protecting us from harm. However in reality they have simply lost their nerve as they become overly protective and consider endeavors such as yours as too risky. Scared that the outcome of your endeavors may cause you pain, hurt or even death.
Jessica, I support your endeavor and wish you well and fair winds. May you experience the joy of a sunrise on a boundless ocean and the cooling breeze at the end of a hot day. May you sail back to the acclaim that you deserve. You carry the dream of many on your shoulders.

Great to hear that the sea trials are now underway! It must have been "hard" work on the hardstand...Good on you and your team for getting all the repairs done. All the best for the sail to Sydney...look forward to hearing more about your big adventure.
Best regards,
Ruth

Jess, what an inspiration you are. I am glad you are following your dreams. Maybe one day I'll see you out on the high seas! All the best

The best of luck to you Jessica and know that there are so many more people watching and cheering you on. It is a shame that many people choose to pass judgement or negative comment without any understanding of the situation or the motivations of you and your family. I think that you are amazing to carry on in such a positive light and not let any of that stuff get you down. Well done girl! Can't wait to see you continue to shine!

Keep it up!
the smiths :)

Congratulations to Jessica and her parents. There are many people in the world past and present that have been told they "shouldn't do it". These people have been young, middle aged and even maybe considered too old. I am praying for your quick and safe return, God Bless You and your family and team and may He travel with you as you go.

Dear Jessica,

Don't bother with those nonsenses from what 'others' think! You're your own master, and the best candidate for the challenge you've decided for yourself!

YOU ARE READY

Jessica,
Any fool can criticize, condemn and complain and most fools do.
Benjamin Franklin

Energy and persistence conquer all things.
Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin may have discovered electricity, but it was the man who invented the meter who made the money

God to see everything is getting back on track for you. As for the naysayers and what not, pffft. Do what you want and dont let them get you down. So all the best for your voyage, and may you encounter fair winds all the way if you are around the 40th.

Sam
QLD

Did you get some sea trials over the weekend? The gusting westerlies would have been a pretty good test of any repairs I would have thought - about a good a test as you will get without going to sea in a storm. Any pics from sea trials over the weekend to see how the boat handled it?

Hello Jessica,
Will you be reading any books while on your circumnavigation?
What sort of stories do you read?
Do you have any books?
Are you going to write a book?
You certainly picked beautiful yacht, A must read is "Gentleman you are First" its about Olin Stephens & his boats. I'm sure that he would be with you in spirit. Cheers Jim Owens

it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years.Being succesful means getting up one more time than you fall....get up n go girl

Jessica,
I finally read your side of the incident and I must say it was as I had suspected. So many people ASSUMED and spoke before they got all the facts. I'm satisfied with the evidence and I hope you can put it all behind you.

Best of luck too you Jessica! Can't wait to read about your journey. I wish you fair winds and following seas from Rhode Island and North Carolina USA
Peter Spencer

Good luck Jess, I will be following your journey with great interest. Stay safe

Best wishes Jess as you prepare to set sail soon! God bless.
Lori
Holland, MI
Lake Michigan

Hey Jess,
Dont let the knockers deter you.
We know how strong and talented you are. and behind you 100%. Go get em girl.

Mark, Karla and Brooke
Mooloolaba Marina