Jessica - Around the World.

[Ed Schenck]

I know there was an earlier thread re. Jessica Watson and the controversy about a sixteen year old alone in the southern ocean. And there is lots more to read about that: http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2009/oct/18/yacht-round-the-world/ .

Still I find it interesting to follow her journey by reading her blog:
http://www.jessicawatson.com.au/ . Is she really that self-assured or is it lack of experience in really bad conditions? Do you think she has any notion of what she will encounter?

Today's blog mentions that there will soon be a tracker site. There was some concern that this was not there at the outset. With inexpensive devices like SPOT one wonders why she left without one.

 

[sailingdog]

Ed—

While I like the Spot Messenger, and have used one for a while now...they aren't necessarily a good thing. Like AIS, anything that gives the boat's position away can be used for good or for evil... pirates were using AIS to track cargo ships off the coast of Somalia until the website that they were using stopped showing shipping in that area.

 

[Ed Schenck]

You make an excellent point 'dog. Sad but she really will have to think about that I suppose. But how will her "crew" keep tabs on her in a way that no one else will know?

 

[sailingdog]

Ed—

The SPOT Messenger tracking webpages can be password protected. The real risk is if someone associated with Jessica decides to release the password to the public...

 

[John]

I read in Latitude 38 that she had threatened her mother that she'd "never talk to her again" if her mom didn't give her okay for this venture. If true, that alone really sours me on this girl and her trip.

 

[Scott B]

I read in Latitude 38 that she had threatened her mother that she'd "never talk to her again" if her mom didn't give her okay for this venture. If true, that alone really sours me on this girl and her trip.

Do you have a link to that article?

 

[Ed Schenck]

This might be the link Scott: http://www.latitude38.com/lectronic/lectronicday.lasso?date=2009-09-09&dayid=322 . It is one of several articles and at the bottom. But if this is the link then John was mistaken. It was the Danish girl who threatened not to speak to her mother. This link does tell the story about Jessica's encounter with a container ship. Turned out to be an attempt at a coverup by her father. The real story was later reported: http://yachtpals.com/jessica-watson-collision-7050 .

 

[Stu Jackson]

Do you have a link to that article?

Scott, the entire magazine is now online, not just the teaser every few days 'Lectronic Latitude. www.latitude38.com

 

[Scott B]

This might be the link Scott: http://www.latitude38.com/lectronic/lectronicday.lasso?date=2009-09-09&dayid=322 . It is one of several articles and at the bottom. But if this is the link then John was mistaken. It was the Danish girl who threatened not to speak to her mother. This link does tell the story about Jessica's encounter with a container ship. Turned out to be an attempt at a cover up by her father. The real story was later reported: http://yachtpals.com/jessica-watson-collision-7050 .

and this is why I wanted the link to the quote, there's enough controversy around this without adding inaccurate info


Meanwhile, halfway around the world, Dutch 13-year-old Laura Dekker was prevented from leaving September 1 in her bid for the title by the Dutch government. A judge placed Dekker, who had been in her father's custody after her parents' divorce, in the custody of the state to determine if she would be able to handle such a voyage. Initially, both parents claimed to support their daughter's goals but yesterday her mother admitted that she thought Dekker was too young for the trip and only said otherwise because Dekker threatened to never speak to her again if she didn't.

 

[Scott T-Bird]

I'd bet on her ...

I have a feeling she'll do just fine. Her blogs look like they are well worth keeping up with. It will be an interesting and inspiring ride!