Jessica Watson crosses equator | Ipswich News | Local News in Ipswich
Jessica Watson crosses equator
Jessica Watson at sea on her way to the equator
JESSICA Watson has crossed the equator, a major milestone in her around-the-world sailing adventure.
About 6.17am Jess, a 16-year-old school girl from Buderim, crossed the line.She is attempting to become the youngest person to sail solo and unassisted around the world.
To celebrate crossing the equator Jess had a party on board her yacht, Ella’s Pink Lady, hooking up via satellite phone to relatives in New Zealand.
Jess’s mum, Julie Watson, said reaching the milestone had boosted her daughter’s confidence as she sets sail towards Chile’s infamous Cape Horn.
“She rang us when she crossed and was really excited and, surprisingly for Jess, really emotional. She had a few tears,” Mrs Watson told the Daily.
“Jess has travelled about 3000nm now, which is a big achievement for any sailor.
“Making it to the equator has provided a huge confidence boost. Jess knows she can do it.”
Jess is now looking forward to making the journey to Cape Horn, which will take about a month, and preparing her yacht for the potentially volatile conditions.
“After crossing the line I'll be sailing north another 200nm up around Kiribati Island, my rounding point in the northern hemisphere, then south back across the line and on to Cape Horn,” Jess wrote on her blog.
“I'm becoming more and more nocturnal lately because it's so much easier to get anything done when it cools down after the sun sets.
“It was good to get a few extra catnaps in while I've still got plenty of open water and nice conditions.”
Read more about Jessica Watson.
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Posted by RobertS from Sippy Downs, Queensland
19 November 2009 1:23 p.m. | Suggest removal » | Post reply »
Yawn.
Posted by dunno from Mount Pleasant, Queensland
19 November 2009 2:57 p.m. | Suggest removal » | Post reply »
GOOOOOOOOOO jess, its nearly friday, i might just squeeze an extra stubbie in for yoy this week.
just dunno, do u?
Posted by buderimbob from Buderim, Queensland
19 November 2009 4:28 p.m. | Suggest removal » | Post reply »
For quite some time I was a critic of Jess's parents for allowing her to adventure out on the open seas as she/they wanted but now that Jess has spent so much time at sea and I think that she has proven me wrong I sincerely hope that Jess is successful in her quest to sail around the world.
From reading some of Jess's blogs it appears that the weather has been kind to her so I hope that the rest of the journey is as smooth sailing as the first part.
My family is barracking for you Jess;we think that you are marvellous in what you have achieved so far.
Posted by Cowgirl from Maroochy River, Queensland
19 November 2009 9:29 p.m. | Suggest removal » | Post reply »
What a great achievement. Glad to see you are still going Jess. For those who are "sick" of reading about her ie RobertS its easy fixed, just don't click on the story. There are some of us however who actually would like to hear how she is going.
Posted by dirtroadpirate from Valdora, Queensland
19 November 2009 10:11 p.m. | Suggest removal » | Post reply »
indeed....an achievement... and may King Neptune favour your passage, Jess...
having done 20,000 miles at sea under sail myself... yet never actually sailed across the equator... I know what kind of milestone that is for a sailor.... cheers!..smear some vegemite on yourself for me...ha ha !!!
few of us get to stand at the helm of a sailboat under starry skies.. thousands of miles from land.. miles of deep blue water under you, wind on your cheek forward of the beam...in control of your destiny.... and feel that kind of freedom....
and not the fear and apprehension that our earlier seafaring descendants might have felt 3 decks down in chains or steerage.... with no hand on the wheel at all....
You Go! girl... keep your wits about you.... HUGS..
Posted by Tsoko from Maroochydore, Queensland
24 November 2009 9:21 p.m. | Suggest removal » | Post reply »
well done Jessica !!!!! you are amazing - keep up the awesome work ! Yes and those of you who are bored.... get a life !!! Like cowgirl says - dont click on the link !!!!