Jessica Watson

[Marlene A. Sassaman]

Golly, another heroine takes my spot. Twenty something years ago I was in such awe when I saw Tania Aebi's pix on the cover of Cruising World. I wouldn't even tell my sailing friends or colleagues about her great adventure. Although I did cut the page off and framed it. Several years later I finally hung it in my office at work. Now, Jessica Watson at age 16 is passing Cape Horn. CAPE HORN, alone, on her million dollar 34 foot monohull. It does anger me that the headlines all say she is sailing unassisted. Sailing solo on the boat I can appreciate but by golly this girl certainly did not earn the money herself. She has daily contact with her mum and advisors. The technology is incredible and I know it is just that deep dark green ugly monster who eats away at me with jealousy that causes me to find fault. Dam, I wish that were me. Like my blog professes, even though I can't be the youngest, I just might do what I can to be the oldest to follow in her path.

Why is it that I long for such an adventure, yet continue to stay in my hum drum job? That's another story, , ,

[Terri]

Hopefully all who want to do this get to fullfill their dream one day. I do think Tanya A. was in a class all of her own, having never solo sailed until the day she left from what I understand. For the ones doing it today even with all the technology and bought and paid for boats....it's still that "out there alone" thing. If the !###! hits the fan....they have to figure it out alone and that's what I most admire, the courage to take off and do it.

[h]

Well,

She hit a ship on her first day sail out of Brisbane. On her way to Sydney, the shake down cruise.

We did not expect her to go too far, after that. But she made it far enough to be a serious sailor by now.

While I am still anchored to a job? When is it my turn?

h

[Orvil Newton]

The challenge of sailing solo on a long voyage is beingalone and having to deal with whatever comes your way with only your own wits and resources. I don't want to diminish the young lady's accomplishment, but really; given virtually unlimited resources and access to all that modern technology, a virtual safety net, you simply cannot put her in the same league with Tanya.

[Joe Goodrow]

That's the real story....

[sailorgirlca]

Marlene: I had to chuckle when I read your comment.....seems to me that is the point...this young girl at 16 has no life experiences to date other than a solo-circumnavigation. Please don't misunderstand me as that is quite a feat if she is able to complete her journey which I certainly hope that she does. At her age she would never have been able to do this alone.....she has had a hoard of help. And. let's keep in mind that Tania Aebi didn't do it all alone either....although again it was quite a feat. The reason you and I aren't out there doing "it" is likely (and I can only speak for myself here) that we don't have the financial resourses and we have life responsibilities......plain and simple ! Don't despair....your next adventure and your day will come.....you'v already had some great adventures from the little I have read........carry on and bon voyage......Dianne