I suddenly thought this morning 'I wonder where that girl is'.

Googled Jessica and up came her website.

She blogged on the 18th that she was 600nm from Good Hope, so she will be soon on the home straight. But don't start cheering just yet as the Southern Ocean has a treacherous reputation, and will be no Sunday afternoon cruise.

Hope plenty of yatchies are planning to head West to meet and escort her home. Sydney had soon start planning a reception.

When I first heard of this 16 year old girl wanting to sail solo round the world, I thought 'what a silly girl', thinking of all the dangers. Glad it was not my daughter. But when she started she had my best wishes.

Now I have nothing but admiration.

Stick with it young lady you are an inspiration!

Dear Banjo,

I second everything you expressed.

I too did not want her to sail. And thought her parents
were being foolish (and brave) to respect her wishes
and let her go.

My heart's still a bit uneasy -
but finger-crossed she makes it
Safe and Sound!
What a home-coming that will be!

My prayers are for her safe return to these
shores and her family.

I have not read anything from Jessica for a few days now either Banjo and although understandable I become concerned as have been logging onto Jessicas site for a long time. Also updating my children on her blogs.

A lump forms in my throat as I put myself in her shoes out there. How many adults in Australia would be so brave at Jessica's age with her background and interest in sailing. Not many have obviously. It is a fantastic credit to Jessica and just as importantly, an inspiration to all of us back home [adults and children].

Years ago when caught one day in a 2-4 metre swell in a 17 foot boat with the motor 'seriously' bogging in between two major rocks with a southerly blowing [worrying as two children on board at the time], I clearly recall thinking at the time "why the heck couldnt the husband have purchased a sailing boat instead of this fishing boat".

The weather forecast had been checked by both he and I the evening beforehand. I had stated "no" to the fishing in between rocks and watched and communicated the swells. The tuna fish were too great for him to turn down.

Two valuable lessons were learned that day many years ago. Check the forecast daily [same day] and do not venture in between large rocks fishing; especially with children!

My respect has deepened for the sea and yachts ever since.

As others have said, I too was worried about her going (though not opposed to it) and have been attentive to her progress - anxious and teary-proud of her at the same time. I can't imagine how much more extreme these same feelings are for her parents or how they're managing. I am in awe of the whole family.

Prayers for her safe return. I know I will be on a high on the day that she finally sails in safe and sound.

Go Jessica!

Oh and just wanted to add that reading about Jessica's sponsors and sponsorships was really interesting too. Just click through from her site. I've been doing that. I'm not sure if it helps her but I thought there's a chance that I might be doing something supportive for her.

Now only 250 nautical miles to round the Cape and head for home.

I can't help cheering her on.

Go girl

I am one of those who was fully in favour of Jessica going on, after her accident, before she started. She has shown herself quite capable now, & I wish her luck.

As I said then, there is not much to sailing a good yacht around the world. It becomes a lot more doing it single handed, & becomes a big deal, doing it non stop.

Now she is getting close, she needs a bit of luck. After all the miles she's done, some of her gear is getting a bit tired. She has proven herself so capable, I'm sure she would have changed the gear that is known to wear out, on such a trip. May the gods smile on any little faults she doesn't know about.

Hasbeen,
Glad you posted as, from reading your posts, you have much yatching experience.

The Southern Ocean will be no harbour cruise and as you say some of the gear will be tired. She has mentioned chafing of lines, one of the solar panels has given up and the 'parker' is a bit bent from 'knockdowns'.

Can you tell a landlubber just how one gets a yatch upright again after a 'knockdown' and would she have to wait untill the seas calmed before doing so.

Hasbeen

I second Banjo's request. I know little about yachting and some explaining would really help.

I, too, have always wondered how a yacht is righted after being dumped by a wave.

Also, in my previous incarnation at OLO, I was in favour of Jessica going on this adventure and I think of her frequently out there with nothing but watery horizon as far as she can see around her. I am in complete awe of anyone who can sail; motorbikes being my thing. I am looking forward to her safe return.

The only reason a modern yacht sails upright, is because they are ballasted. They have from perhaps 30% to 50% of their weight in led, bolted onto the botom of the boat. Without this ballast the may float upright, but could not carry any sail.

When that pommy racing yachtman, [Ballymore was it?], got onto trouble in the southern ocean, & had to be rescued, his ballast fell off. The yacht immediately turned upside down.

Most cruising yachts, [as destinct from racing yachts], are built very strong, particularly in the mast, & rigging.

A knockdown is considered to be when the yachts mast is layed flat on the water, & usually only occures in heavy weather, with big seas running. It is the sea which causes it. Fortunately, in these conditions, the cruising yachtsman will be under reduced sail.

The yachy's ballast will bring it upright quite quickly, with no input from the crew. The bigest dangers are,

1/ Damage to the cabin, or deck, that allows water in.

2/ The sails being filled with water. When this happens the boat will be held on it's side, to some extent. This weight of water, acting against the ballast, trying to right the boat, often damages the rig, or breaks the mast. Reduced sail helps reduce these stresses.

3/ The boat can be rolled right over, through 360 degrees. This usually takes the mast out.

You would be a fool to think you could sail around the the world, by the southern ocean route Jessica is taking, [the only way to do it non stop, & unassisted] without getting a few knock downs.

Yachts of her size, around 36 Ft, if well found, & sailed, can handle this type of stuff, unless they get really unlucky. Down in the southern ocean there are seas capable of taking out any smallish yacht, if you get unlucky, but thousands have done it, & not too many disappeared.

The danger is always present. A mate had his 34 Footer rolled, & dismasted, 40 miles of Newcastle, NSW, a case of wrong place, wrong time.

Hasbeen,
Thanks for that info. I am not likely to be using any of it myself but it is interesting never the less.

Jessica, in her blogs, indicated she had a few knockdowns, including one that was upside down. This is what damaged the 'parker' and put a bit of water in the diesel tank, but the fuel filter on the motor eliminates the problem with that, but she drains the water from the filter.

Other than the chaffing of some lines and the one solar panel out the boat seems to be in pretty good shape considering. Hope there are no other weaknesses she has not picked up on as yet.

Guess the Southern Ocean will sort that out.

I want to see her round the Cape and heading home. I'll be checking her website each day.

Hasbeen & Banjo

Thanks for making this a very interesting discussion.

Landlubber that I am, I am unlikely to put any of your information to use Hasbeen - I get seasick, however your explanation is as succinct as it is informative.

I too will continue to track Jessica's progress.

Cheers

Jessica has now passed the Cape of Good Hope and has sights set on WA.

Read in an article elsewhere that, after rounding Cape Horn, she encountered an Atlantic storm which lasted 12 hours.

During this storm, which had seas running 7-10 metres, she endured 4 'knockdowns', one of which turned her little yacht upside down.

You are one capable sailor, young lady. Thats 2 down and 1 to go.

Good sailing and trust the 'roaring forties' bring you swiftly home.

Oh, don't forget to turn left after passing Tassie! We're waiting.

Thank you for the update Banjo.