Hasbeen, after reading Jessica's blogs every two nights since November my opinion is that Jessica already unwittingly disclosed aspects of her disposition when she first set sail in her blogs. She is down to earth, modest, well grounded and possesses a realistic honest view in relation to her passions, dreams and living those out. Jessica precisely stated the reasons behind her around the world voyage prior to setting sail.

One thing I believed from Jessica's outset was that [overall] she would be a heck of a lot safer away from land, people and roads, than she would be out at sea [if away from pirates]. Sailing boat hazards down on the list as opposed to day to day living in heavily populated cities.

On the other hand, the greatest risks sailing in through storms around WA and Hobart a few weeks ago and Cape Horn were Jessica's major concerns. Lightning, stormy weather and heavy seas could have cracked her yacht in half during dumping, sails broken beyond repair, the motor and generators beyond repairs,as we all would know, any number of things could have taken Jessica's life; mould and rust causing illness and corroded food supplies, significant injuries. Illness is the main factor that caused the first Australian sailing around the world to dock earlier during his first trip.

This girl has listened and taken on board [excuse the pun] every little piece of advice given from the other two 'around the world Sailors'; more importantly Jessica channelled that advice and her energies into action out there, and learned hands on absolutely every thing there is to know about sailing and engineering from her team along the way. Bits and pieces from sailing with her father and family gave her a head start.

The over-riding factor though: Jessica possesses a rare combination of attributes in one so young, such as a factual, yet positive attitude, motivation, determination, COMMON SENSE and intelligence would be the reason I believe beautiful Jessica Watson returned safely.

What a credit she is to herself. It all comes from within herself.

I just had the best time watching her homecoming.

Keen to read her book.

One of the bits I liked especially was when she said how she felt about leaving the Pink Lady to take her first step ashore. I'd noticed how she glanced back over her shoulder at the boat as she stepped up away from it.

She said that it felt strange because she wanted the family hugs so badly; but then had to leave the Pink Lady after spending 7 months doing all that she could to stay on board.

I admire her parents. I think I would have been doing everything I could to discourage any of mine at 16 from undertaking such a whopping big adventure. I thought I was outstanding in having confidence in one of my daughters to travel to, live and work in the US alone at 18.

I think the sponsors too have earned some recognition. An example of one of the better ways that capitalism works for us

Hasbeen

My understanding of Jessica's journey would've been so much poorer without your knowledge of sailing.

I flips me pony-tail - don't have a hat.

How about I bow deeply, as well? You and I have our disagreements, and no doubt we will cross swords again. I want you to know I am honoured to argue with you, mate, you are indeed a good soul - for your insight and support of Jessica from the moment she started her voyage.

And Jessica?

YES, SHE CAN!

http://sailboats.files.wordpress.com/2009/10/jessica-watson.jpg

I like this photo - it is of a sailor and not just a gorgeous 16 year old girl.

Hasbeen

"Anyone else, enforcing their will on these people is just being selfish."

Hasbeen, you are unbelievably naive if you think that Jessica's decision to sail occurred in some sort of vaccum, completely unaffected by external influences. All of those people now showering her with adulation are an external influence. Money is an influence and according to some media reports, she will probably become a millionare because of her experience. The culture that created all of us is an influence. In our culture it is safest to tell young women "all they need is self-belief and they can do anything".

Don't pretend adults who set limits are selfishly imposing their will on others, but encouraging people to do things isn't imposing your will.

Benk, you missed my point.

I was criticising those who were trying to have her stopped. Those calling for government action to stop her were the worst. What business it was of theirs I don't know, but they wanted her stopped.

It is reasonable for those with no knowledge of sailing, or the sea to be worried for her, but they only try to stop her to please their own ideas, & that is selfish. It is also the attitude which is making Oz a nanny state, full of wimps.

I have done many things which others consider dangerous, but I was worried when my son wanted to ride dirt bikes. You see, I think they are dangerous. I built a track, with jumps, as small as I could get away with, in our bottom paddock, where we could pick him up, & take him to hospital when he fell off.

I endured the doctors questioning when he wondered if the damage was from a bike fall, or parental abuse, & thanked heaven when other interests took his fancy, but I would never have stopped him.

benk,
Must disagree with your first post. On her sea trials from Qld to Sydney Jess did not hit a tanker, a bulk carrier struck her. I am given to understand that at sea, power is supposed to give way to sail. The ships crew were aware of the yachts presence some 26 minutes before and did nothing to avoid her. An experienced mariner I have spoken to gave his opinion that many foreign crews are poorly trained. An example is the bulk carrrier that struck the Great Barrier Reef.

I firstly was aprehenxive about the quest. But when i learned more about the knowledge and experience that Jessica had I became more confident, but still concerned at times.

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 barious 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.

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 salute Jessica and trust that fortune smiles upon her in future.