Official Jessica Watson Blog

Doco, Walking and Keeping Busy

Friday, July 16, 2010

Sorry to keep you all hanging so long again. What happened to another week?!

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Pete and Nancy in Keene, NH.USA commented on 30-Jul-2010 06:31 AM

Hello Jess, Just getting caught up on your progress. It's great to here that you're coming to the USA. Do you have an schedule yet so that we can plan on when we can meet you?

SaltyDog commented on 30-Jul-2010 03:22 AM

Hi Jessica. Was that just a bit exciting to meet Sir Richard. Actually, I would say that it was a big honor for him to meet you. As if you haven’t already been busy, you definitely have an extremely busy schedule ahead of you with the launch of your book and doco. In your spare time what’s that, huh) put a bug in Andrews ear to make sure he lets us know your US schedule when he has it set. I just might want to quit my job, sell the house and leave the wife and kids to make it to one of your appearances. Actually, I don’t have all of the above mentioned, so it won’t be that drastic, but I would love to see you while you’re here. Have fun with your tour, Jess, and I hope to see you in September…….From Seattle, WA, USA…….SaltyDog

Matteo Caldonazzo commented on 30-Jul-2010 02:56 AM

Hi, Jessica! I'm really happy for you, and everything you are going to do. You are surely an heroine, because not all of people try to circumnavigate the world! And actually you are the youngest solo circumnavigator of every time! The world needs people like you, especially the young, who may realize their dreams after watching your voyage!! It's very important what you have done... also for me (I'm another young...17 years old). This is the first time I've written in your blog, but I will say you: "Thanks for what you have done and for what you are going to write in your blog". Bye, Matteo Italy

Pipefish commented on 29-Jul-2010 01:42 PM

Hi Jessica, I'm glad to hear you are enjoying the beautiful coastline, and surrounding yourself with family again. The documentary sounds really fantastic, and will give us all a greater sense of what you went through all those live long days. Peace, and best wishes! Pipefish, California USA

transplanted Aussie commented on 29-Jul-2010 01:02 PM

GOOD DAY JESSICA; Congrats on your learners. I have been AWOL for last few months,major meltdown of old PC. Can not wait to get your book,it is to be great reading and reliving your adventure. As for me,I remain here in the gulf with the oil spill mess,hope to see home some day,the hotel life is beyond now. HI TO ALL THE JESSAHOLICS OUT THERE AROUND THE WORLD,MISS YOU ALL. By for now, Stephen M., ;Transplanted Aussie still in the gulf coast oil spill/wildlife rescues. PS Going to send this again,a bunch of numbers on the first one,sorry.

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Book Finished and Finally Driving!

Saturday, July 03, 2010

It’s been another busy week. Starting with the book, (which is now finished and has gone to print!), getting my L’s, interviews for the documentary down in Sydney, more interviews, plus all sorts of other odds and ends, including getting Ella’s Pink Lady out again this afternoon with a few friends.

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Kateena commented on 27-Jul-2010 01:02 PM

Hey Jess!! so glad u finished your round the world trip i was so worried and so was my mum she was on the net all the time looking up your websites and tracking your trip good luck with your future Kind regards Kateena.

Randy commented on 27-Jul-2010 05:27 AM

Hi again Jesse! I'm really looking forward für your book! Any idea, when it will be launched in germany? Hopefully soon!!! All the best wishes! Randy / Hamburg, Germany

Caitlin Margerison commented on 25-Jul-2010 01:33 PM

hey you are a life saver i have read the thing in the newspper the sunday ony)_ anyway you have probly inspired lots and lots of kiids to live there dreams........and i am only 11 well in October atleast and you have inspired me to keep on beliving in being a photography however you spell this anyway you are a friend even though i have never met you i still count you as a friend your new friend caitlin Brisbain northgate from home p.s we as in my sister and i wish you luck in the coming months p.ss i know someone who teachers at your school her name is Trish if you see her say he from caitlin the girl at clares hairdresser place cya

Ellen T commented on 24-Jul-2010 01:22 PM

Fantastic...I hope the book writing was somewhat cathartic not sure that maths will do the same lol! Travel safe...be wise...keep smiling. Look fwd to your book :)

Jack commented on 24-Jul-2010 04:43 AM

I just pre-ordered your book on Amazon. Can't wait to read it!! Good luck driving and have fun!

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Head Down Writing

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Sorry to have gone so quiet lately, but I’ve been head down, working hard on finishing the book (see pic below) - it’s a big job! But I’ve really been enjoying the writing and having a project with deadlines again, that must sound crazy I know!

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The Home Stretch!

Sunday, June 06, 2010

I'm typing this as we motor out of Moreton Bay and up the last 25nm to Mooloolaba and home! It's just getting light and I've got Mike and my brother Tom on board as crew. Actually right now Toms not being the most brilliant crew, he's passed out on my bunk! Big Wave Rider is motoring along beside us and I'm pretty excited about the home coming planned for later today!

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Daniel commented on 22-Jun-2010 11:04 AM

hey jess i hope u do big and better things in ur life maybe the sydney to hobart anyways well done

Daniel commented on 22-Jun-2010 10:39 AM

Jess u did an awesome thing going arround the world now i hope u do bigger and better things

stevep commented on 21-Jun-2010 11:16 PM

Splash !! Whoosh...Ssswwisshh...A Wave across the deck.....Thud! Thump!! Parker squeeks...and squeals...the bow rises and falls into the trough...flap...crack...flutter...flutter..the sails pause..loose...for a moment...as Ella’s Pink Lady And Jessica surf...for a long,long moment...across the top and down ...the back of a liquid mountain Jessica shrieks with delight !!Smiling with a song in her heart..and singing with a smile..,in her voice. In the harmony of wind and wave...forever young!!

Mike commented on 21-Jun-2010 01:19 PM

Hi Jessica and Beverly I too am hoping that from time to time you will let us know how you are going Jesse. Maybe even some words of wisdom about how you are coping with the calm times and more turbulent times of your new journey with Mike (LOL - it's none of my business! but I'm guessing you will handle the unexpected, the stormy and the quieter more peaceful moments with Mike just like you did on your 7 month journey around the world). To Beverly from the Apple Isle. I don't think I can really help. I don't know much at all about the condition you are coping with. Let me say, if you want to take a leaf out of Jessica's (soon to be published) book - one thing that will always stick in my memory is her comment that after being knocked down by a huge wave in the southern ocean she came up smiling - because she survived what the world was throwing at her. That is a great attitude to take through life I reckon. If you could perhaps realise that there are millions of people around the world who have downers from time to time and hopefully realise that one of the many ways to help you through those tough times is to wear a bit of Jessica's magical attitude then hopefully it will give you just a little extra push to lift your spirits. Best of luck Beverly. I know it is easy for me to say those things and I'm not sure what you are enduring in your life at the moment. Being kind to others (as you have shown in your recent blog) is I'm sure something else that will help you. And of course, when you get to read Jessica Watson True Spirit that will definitely give you a lift I reckon! Cheers for now, Mike

hezakiah299 commented on 21-Jun-2010 11:35 AM

06-20-10 @ 21:35 Hi Jessica, Seems like a long time since I’ve written to you, things are quieting down somewhat. But I have some nearly good news for you Australians, Marcus Ambrose almost won the Sprint Cup Road Race in Sanoma Ca. today. He was leading the race with about seven laps to go and there was a caution flag thrown. While they were getting the track cleaned up everyone was just waiting for the green flag to be thrown again, Marcus was trying to conserve fuel and was shutting his engine off and coasting for a distance. But one time he couldn’t restart his engine and he fell back in line about six places. He then got it started and repositioned himself at the lead, but that was against the rules. The judges and referees made him go back to the seventh position and restart there. With only about six laps left Marcus didn’t stand much of a chance at winning. Jimmie Johnson went on to win the event. Even though I like the Hendricks Racing Team I still wanted to see Marcus win, but it was a costly mistake that he made. He proved himself as a driver and will eventually get his first win in NASCAR, I’m looking forward to that. It was one hell-uv-a race……..I hope all is well with you, I pick up little tid-bits of information from the newspapers and your info page and keep up with you that way. Good luck with the book, I’m really looking forward to reading it, and until then I’m wearing my “P” hat…lol… Take good care of yourself and write when you get a chance. Loads of love and hugs…………………….. God will continue to hold you in the palm of His hands, and the Angels will keep you safe, and I pray that He will guide you through your up-coming years, Jessica. Your faithful friend, fan and follower Michael 75) from Kingwood, WV

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Busy, Busy and Back on the Water

Wednesday, June 02, 2010

Well after a few busy weeks in Sydney and brief visits to Brisbane and Melbourne, Ella's Pink Lady and I are back on the water sailing up the coast with Big Wave Rider. We're not planning to arrive until Sunday the 6th, so we've got plenty of time to take it easy and stop off at a few places.

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isabel commented on 28-Jul-2010 06:18 PM

Jess, you are plain awesome! your my idol and my inspiration. You've inspired me, to always follow my dreams! I can't wait to meet you at the boat show, and read your book! see you then Your biggest fan, Isabel, from Sydney.

Randy commented on 08-Jun-2010 05:23 AM

Hi Jesse! Great to hear from you again! Must be a very different feeling, not to be alone an Ella..., how many persons be on board? I really hope, you enjoy all the last days, no - I'm sure! I have one question: What's going on with Ellay pink lady in the future? Is in your boat now??? I think of you! Randy / Hamburg, Germany

Ed commented on 07-Jun-2010 07:16 PM

Congratulations Jessica. You are an inspirational young woman. I wish you all the best for your future endeavours and am sure you will continue to inspire others. Ed

Erica commented on 07-Jun-2010 02:13 PM

hey jess your journey has made me realise my dream of being a showjumper and showing me that anything is possible at the age of 17. I have always wanted to be a showjumper ever since i was a little girl but thought i would never be able to do it until you sailed around the world and showed me do what you want to do in life no matter what anyone else says.

Claudio Silva commented on 07-Jun-2010 12:46 PM

Ahoy, Skipper! Glad to hear from you and from the rest of your on-line crew too! How's everybody? Well, you had a deserved rest, but it's just fine to sail home as you came from there, maybe with a little more company... No, you're not a weird loner who finds company strange. EPL is SMALL like heck. It's had to be, since you're no towering seven-footer, 200 pounds person (well, we'd still love you if you were) and you had to handle it alone around the world. No big trouble for a ride into the harbour, but I'd find it hard to share it with anyone but a stuffed crew,, not out of selfishness but 'cause I like space around me (I'm quite big myself, and I mean sideways, too). Still, you have lots of siblings so sleeping with someone's foot in you face must not be new. Just make sure you buy a bigger boat before really a crowded cruise. Or a sword, an eye-patch and a wooden plank (all pink, of course!), what suits you best. Now seriously, thanks for being back on-line. M'am. We missed you and each other; and we're glad you're happy and getting used to things again. Gradually, of course. No one who has acomplished so much so young should be in a hurry for anything. Ever. And we know you have the best guys around to take care of you, so enjoy the ride again. We'll sail along.

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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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Patrick commented on 10-Jun-2010 12:11 AM

It's awesome to know that somebody my age has done something like this. I knew about the trip that you were doing vaguely on the news when you started, and all I thought was "ah crap, hope she doesn't die", but you sure proved me wrong, and I didn't think about your whole trip at all really until a couple of days before you came in, then I sat glued to the T.V on the Saturday you got in and it was just great to watch. You're really an inspiration, easy to relate to and seem like a really in depth person. Congrats on your achievements and thanks for the inspiration :)

Georgi commented on 07-Jun-2010 07:36 PM

It's so true! you really have proved to everyone, even yourself, that if you put your mind to it, 'impossible' doesn't have to exist! I've always wanted to be a heart surgeon, but i've been really daunted by the prospect of medical school. Your story has given me the motivation to go for it anyway! thank you so much, Jess!

John commented on 06-Jun-2010 09:49 AM

Finally a way I can help! I can take care of the chocolate.

Anonymous commented on 04-Jun-2010 02:45 PM

Jessica, is a radical chick! You rock! YOUR AMAZING!

TrueBlue commented on 02-Jun-2010 11:58 AM

From an unfortunate who had a ticket for your Melbourne appearance and ended up unable to attend because of a "crook" back, I would love to see a few words from you if you have the time during your sail to Mooloolaba. Had a peek at the marina on Google Earth last week and decided I want to retire there when I win OzLotto! Hope your home-coming is as memorable and enjoyable as your leisurely trip around the world!!!!!!! Love from Melbourne. P.S. Thanks to Shore Team for all the updates.

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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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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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Official Jessica Watson Blog

Doco, Walking and Keeping Busy

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Book Finished and Finally Driving!

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Head Down Writing

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The Home Stretch!

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Busy, Busy and Back on the Water

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Life Back on Land

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Across The Line

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So Close and What I'm Going To Miss

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A Working Engine!

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Sunshine, a Ship and Engine Problems

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