I think the knockers are just jealous that they can't do a round the world solo sailing trip.

David G,
I agree.

Severin,
Another subject we agree on. Its getting to be a habit, never used to be so.

Exaninator,
Do you commonly just make things up or assume without doing any fact finding?

You say she is well educated. Huh

You say in an upwardly mobile family. Well that could be correct if you consider living on a boat and in a caravan, for 5 years to be 'upwardly mobile'

Jessica's dad was a boiler maker and now sells real estate, so do you rate that as middle class.

Jessica has worked to get the abilities and experience to enable her to succeed at this venture.

Jessica has a yacht masters certificate, done a marine diesel course, a radio operators course, a Sea and Safety course and a first aid course. She has crewed a yacht sailing to some Antartic islands, has crewed yachts being delivered to various places, skippered a yacht to NZ and return. She teaches kids basic sailing and was extensively involved in the thorough preparation of this boat which was loaned to her. She also had to convince her sponsors of her ability. How many knockbacks from potential sponsors do you think she would have had?

Her quest has been well planned and her training for years to undertake the venture. This with her sailing ability, guts and determination is what made it successful.

I dont suppose that climbing Mt. Everest achieved anything for mankind either, but far more have done that than sailed solo around the world. Twice a year we hand out Australian Honours, many to academics and business people who do nothing more than the work they get paid to do.

Kay Cottee received many awards for doing this feat and so she should.

Jessica has done exactly the same, at a much younger age, so is entitled to receive the same accolades.

Some of you knockers should do a little homework before being so critical.

David G,

Generally,the real value of an 'achievement' is whether or not it improves society in some way,this doesn't.Of course people have the right to do what they like as long as it's not detrimental to others,however this journey has no national significance whatsoever.

I'm waitng for any future Nobel prizewinners to be welcomed home by thousands of rapturous fans.

vanna,

I'd say given modern equipment and some luck, sailing solo around the world wouldn't be all that difficult for a young and fit person.On the other hand winning the Nobel Prize is somewhat more difficult.

I'll admit some respect for the first person to sail solo around the world which, I think, was in the 1890s,no prize for seconds.

Banjo

Loved your informative post. Yeah, we are agreeing way too much. Don't panic, we'll cross swords on immigration or AGW at some point. But one thing I have learned from you and Hasbeen, all because of Jessica Watson, you both have revealed yourselves as sincere and genuine people. You do not post on OLO merely to provoke.

I respect that.

Mac,
I've been in seas where the waves were higher than the top spreaders, but that was with other crew.

Jessica did have a very good boat, and also an extraordinary amount of courage, and very good skills that would have taken much dedication to develop.

Everyone to their own.

mac,
Did not the current US President get awarded the Nobel Prize for peace after only a short time in office?

How difficult is it to obtain a Nobel Prize?