This morning Jessica posted a comment on her blog that she had rounded the bottom of Tassie and was heading NORTH.

This is such a relief and she now can expect better conditions as she gets further up and passes the Bass Strait.

Jessica enjoys support from all over the world in her quest. One blogger, that keeps stats, recently said he had recorded people commenting from 81 different countries. Her blogs receive 6-700 posts within 24 hours of her comments going up.

All can say is WELL DONE young lady. You have guts, skill and tenacity. You certainly deserve all the accolades that will come your way and I look forward to a tremdous welcome into Sydney Harbour.

My apologies everyone. I was so anxious to tell all the good news I neglected to say what I was on about, and missed a couple of typos as well.

I was referring to Jessica Watson(16) who is sailing solo,non-stop and unassisted, around the world. The South East Cape of Tasmania is the last major cape for her to pass before heading north to Sydney.

The past week, or so, has been a nail biting time for those that have followed Jessica's voyage, as she has endured some extremely rough weather and seas. I am not a sailor, but her boat has been through a lot and I think that the prospect of a mechanical failure of some part is much higher now than before, so the rough conditions was a tough test.

Let us hope this last northern leg is much easier.

A great achievement for a young girl, I am in awe.

TTM says, you go woman! show up them boys and make them men. like there not men already. Humans have the earth, and by some miracle we make it through the next 100 years, I think the world as one will become a reality.

Antiwoman will not be happy. lol. ( one punt intended ). Now! A song for you all.

DEVO and whip it.

Have a listen and good-luck-thinking to you all.

TTM

I along with family followed Jessica's posts every two days; Jessica and her team are INSPIRATIONAL to every person around the world of all ages; [an understatement]!

Her parents I admire and congratulate for allowing and encouraging their young daughter to pursue and live her dreams. I would have been far too selfish in allowing my daughter to sail around the world on her own, if her passion. I would have discouraged her until mid twenties; however, being younger must be the way to go, as fear and consequences of actions may not be as strong until older and wiser or perhaps Jessica just possesses 'an old soul'!!

I've been quietly following her blog and youtube channel as well. Regardless of your opinion on the whole venture, she's done an AMAZING thing.

The things I'm terrified of don't even register on the same radar as sailing solo around the world and she knocked it over at 16. Incredible.

I find it amazing as well Banjo even though I must admit I haven't been following the voyage too closely. So young, yet so self assured and mature to be able to take on this risky adventure. Her mum and dad must be exhaling a sigh of relief as she gets closer to home.

Banjo, many many sailors have found the Tasman, the nastiest bit of water they found in a circumnavigation, so I hope all those who have been holding their collective breath for her, continue to do so, until she sails through the heads.

Just about every long distance sailor, when they finally dock, is desperate for some fresh food. They have had quite enough of tinned, powdered, freeze dried, heat dried, long life or frozen food, for a while.

I hope they have planned the biggest slap up FRESH food dinner for her first night ashore.

hasbeen,
Thanks to you, and others, and Jessica's blog I have learned a bit about yachting, or at least some of the terms, such as reefing, gybing and heeling. Not that I will ever use them, but interesting.

I have also learnt that we have the 'froggies' for immediate neighbours. Fancy that! They own a few islands right in the middle of the south Indian ocean. Fasinating histories as well, being discovered well before Cook did our east coast.

As I write this I expect that Jessica is passing the Bass Strait which could be rough. Jess is the master of understatement as it is rough when she says it is 'bouncy' and she considers it a bit 'breesy' when it blows 40kts.

I did not realize how addictive her blog is and find myself logging on several times a day hoping to get more info.

We are unique,
Jessica's parents may not have had much option but to go along. I suspect that when she first raised the idea, some 5 years ago, they humoured her a bit and told her all that she would have to do to get the experience and ability to do it. Maybe also hoping she would gain other interests. But being determined she persisted and gained the skills and knowledge. Crewed boats being delivered to various places and got her yacht masters ticket, a marine diesel course, a sea and safety course, radio operators course and even a first aid course. She also skippered a boat to NZ and return to visit her Grandparents. Not to mention that she had to convince her sponsors of her abilities. With that sort of determination most parents would give their support. Her quest was not just on a whim.

I think that everything was done to minimize the risks and it appears the preparation was thorough.

I agree Banjo; read Jessica's website every second evening since October. I comprehend as my 15 year old son works on heavy machinery [Bulldozers/Tractors/Backhoes/Loaders] has his boat licence, jet ski, first aid and awaiting his drivers licence in order to obtain his heavy earthmoving licences. The jetskis out of all the activities he undertakes in future would be my main concern [around other people/water traffic]. Snakes in summer he has dealt with from a young age, came to terms with that concern years ago. Seeing my kids is precious as all of our lives are short, yet wonderful for our kids to pack in as many experiences as possible while young.

Dear Banjo,

Thanks for the good news!

I am so relieved that this is ending well.
And I wish Jessica and her family All The
Best in whatever Jessica chooses to do in
the future.

Jessica certainly deserves Congratulating
and heaps of Bravos for the exceptional
journey that she's undertaken that is now
nearing completion. I, like you,
look forward to a tumultous welcome home
for her!

Foxy and Pelican,
I was most relieved when Jessica got around Tassie after the battering she took since the approach to WA. However, as Hasbeen pointed out, it is not over yet as the Tasman sea can turn nasty when it wants to. Last I heard she was battling strong headwinds that could slow her down if they continue.

It doesn't look as though Jessica can escape contraversy, given the latest claims by the World Speed Sailing Racing Council.

As I understand it, there is no official body that will recognize any circumnavigation by persons under 18, so Jessica is not obliged to adhere to any rules but do what she thinks she should. Jess has sailed across the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian oceans. Has rounded Cape Horn and the Cape of Good Hope. Has crossed the equator and is returning to the port from which she started. Her actual distance covered will be in excess of 23000nm and even now has crossed all meridians of longatude. That will do me for sailing around the world.

I think it a bit rich for the WSSRC to now be saying we will not record your voyage, because of age, but we think you should have done so and so. They excluded themselves from any involvement when they ruled on age. Maybe they are trying to get some of the worldwide publicity that Jessica's quest has received or maybe it is sour grapes because they expected her to fail or give up.

But she is one skilled sailor and a strong and determined young lady. Am looking forward to her Sydney arrival which is currently scheduled for May 15.

Thanks Banjo for the thread.

I am thrilled pink for Jessica and her family - and
relieved that she is soon going to be home safe.

I noted the grumps carrying on about the world record -
sheesh. I think there are others trying to cash in on
Jessica's achievement. For example, some dopey fruit
called pink lady apples:

http://www.smh.com.au/national/jessica-watson-sails-into-trademark-storm-20100506-ub8t.html

"The company claims the phrase is subject to trademark and has cautioned the sailor's team against damaging the brand."

and

"He said the company was supportive of the teenager's voyage and had offered free apples for her home-coming party."

Damage the brand?? Pffft.

I hope (but doubt) they also sent their letter of caution about the brand name to anyone profiting from pink lady cocktails; pink lady medicine and pink lady chocolates ... and anything else that uses the term.

Sounds more like someone is grabbing the opportunity for a bit of
free promotion of their product.

Banjo

Thanks for the thread.

I am still holding my breath - and await her final docking in Sydney.

Another great role model for teenagers. Our young people need them with so much negativity projected towards them by too many adults.

And a big high five to her parents - mine were too overprotective, Jessica's self-reliance is something that has taken me most of my life to achieve and I still would never attempt what she has done.

Severin,
Aw,I dunno love.

Don't our sports people like footballers and the models and rock stars set a shining example for our youngsters?

They are such angels and always in the media. Drink and drugs? perish the thought.

Our politicians also set high standards with their honesty and integrity.

Good news comes so rarely, I doubt we know how to handle it.

Sadly, you can count on one hand the good role models.

Banjo

I get your drift:

>> Sadly, you can count on one hand the good role models. <<

However my father said something to me when I was 10 years old, I'll never forget when I was trying to get him to talk about his war experiences. I wanted to know if he had ever shot someone, he told me he didn't know and then I asked if he was a hero.

My father said, "To be a hero, you have to be seen."

We don't get to see all the good role models - but they are there touching people's lives every day. Occasionally a girl like Jessica comes along - the people who made it possible are all behind the scenes. Starting with her parents and others who believe girls can.

good on ya Jessica. I'm sure she has too much about her but she would be quite within her rights to tell the media where to put it when she gets home.

nairbe

I agree:

http://newmatilda.com/files/imagecache/cartoon_homepage/images/BroelmanHomeStretch.jpg

nairbe,
You bet! I'd like to see her give the finger to the nay sayers and critics, but I reckon Jess is too well brought up and too much of a lady to do that. Actully she had a bit of a giggle at the critics

Severin,
Good one!

With the weather looking not too bad for the next few days and Jess taking EPL easy and nursing her a bit, I am starting to get in the party mood for next weekend.

This song will do for starters

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2Eot7XDk8Y

The only negative note struck was by the world sailing authority who expressed an opinion that was uninvited.Those envious old decrepits shook in their boots at being upstaged by yet another kid.These erstwile mariners feel their shine of their splendid deeds are beginning to wane and look pretty pale by contrast. Cant let that happen so what did they do?
Now as we all know they dont recognise any records under the age of 18 so they tried to get in their penny worth of a grizzle.Jessica Watson's record wasn't going to be recognised. Hang on.You have already aid that no record by any one 18 or under would be recognised so why comment on Jessica's great feat? Just to rain on her parade?You poor,lamenting and lamentable sods, it has nothing to do with you lot.Keep your traps shut. We arent interested in what you think about it or what you want to say about it.
Go back to sailing about in your bathtubs and having fun with your yellow ducks. Your'e safer there.

socratease