Australian Corvettes Association

[australi]

Thanks to 'Stingraynut' for this

If anyone is interested in Tracking Jessica Watson on her around the world expedition in Pink Lady,

Her website is http://www.jessicawatson.com.au/

Here's her route planed to sail round the world

Route + Rules
"My goal is to sail solo around the world non-stop, unassisted. I have chosen a route that is a traditionally recognised path and distance for 'around the world sailors'. As this is a Southern Hemisphere voyage the significant landmarks are the southern tips of the American and African continents, as well as some of the most challenging oceans a sailor will ever face. The entire journey is a mix of amazing experience and unique challenges.

There are a few key targets I must achieve to qualify for around the world status. The approximate distance is 23,000 nautical miles (about 38,000 kilometres). I must depart and arrive from the same port, cross all lines of longitude, cross the equator entering into the Northern Hemisphere at least once and round the southern landmarks of South America and South Africa.

I have described the journey in parts to give you an idea of my path over the coming months. You will be able to track me and Ella's Pink Lady on this website and through my media partner ONE (Network Ten's 24/7 sports channel).

Part 1 - Departing Sydney and North to the Line Island

The general track will be out of the Sydney Heads and towards northern New Zealand. Depending on the weather (direction and strength of the wind) I will choose a point where I turn left and head towards Fiji. At this stage it's hard to tell if I will go to the left or right of the Fijian Islands.

Once past Fiji and Samoa my course is northeast to the Line Islands. The Equator lays just South of Christmas Island, which is the capital of Kiribati. I will round one of the islands in the Line Group that is north of the equator.

Part 2 - South to Chile and Cape Horn

With the Line Islands behind me it's due south for a while. To make South America I need to head a long way down before I can turn east. This area is well known as the roaring forties. Despite not being there for long I will probably be south of the 50th parallel to make the passage between Argentina and Antarctica.

The Everest of ocean sailing is rounding Cape Horn. It's a famous landmark that is the southernmost headland of the Tierra del Fuego archipelago of southern Chile. It divides the South Pacific with the South Atlantic and is a significant milestone in the voyage.

Part 3 - Cape to Cape

Once around the base of South America it's due north for some calmer weather and a short rest. As the voyage is non-stop I won't be pulling into port, so calmer seas and refuge behind land will feel like a holiday. The track will take me close to the Falkland Islands, most probably to the East.

Part 4 - The South Atlantic Ocean to the African continent

Rested and ready I move onto the next passage of unforgiving but rewarding ocean sailing. As the crow flies the southern points of South America and South Africa are about 3,500 nautical miles (6,400 klms) but my track is bound to be a lot more before I reach South Africa.

Part 5 - Rounding South Africa

The Cape of Good Hope is probably the most recognised landmark for southern Atlantic sailors. It's not the southernmost point of Africa, but sailors that used to travel from the north used this Cape as the point where they could start heading more east. Cape Agulhas is the most southern landmark and divides the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Despite all these capes and geography I won't be very close to land, in fact I may not even see it. It is however another milestone and getting me much closer to home.

Part 6 - Southern Ocean to Home

From South Africa it's the vastness of the Southern Ocean. Despite the next continent being Australia there is a lot of sailing to be done. Over 4,000 nautical miles (direct track) of open and often unforgiving seas. Can't wait. You can have good and bad days in the Southern Ocean, but every one will be memorable.

Entering Australian waters will be a great feeling. Thousands of miles at sea and almost home. Given Australia is the largest island in the world it will take some time to get from Western Australia to my home port of Sydney.

South East Cape is Tasmania's most southern landmark. From here I head north to the mainland and on to Sydney Harbour. I know I will never be able to prepare myself for the feeling of returning home to family and friends. I am sure that part of my voyage will feel like the longest.

I can't wait to experience everything the voyage has to offer. I hope you'll follow the blogs and the tracker to keep up."

[Winfield RED]

At her age, she should not be allowed to do such a thing with such an obvious lack of experience.

A bloke i work with was a professional fisherman running his own boats and ships for abit over 17 years, i think he is dead right when he said "That girl wouldnt have a clue what she is in for out there"

He also told me a few facts about the carrier she hit ( since he has a licence to captain one of those ) He said could take up to 12 nautical miles to stop or turn around, so even if they knew they hit her, they cant just stop and say "sorry we shouldnt have been in your way", cause they have the right of way in any situation. How the hell is one of those going to steer out of the way of something such as that? It cant. She was in the wrong, and it was nothing but a lack of due care and attention on her part that caused that crash. If she was doing what she shouldve been, she wouldve seen a ship that size, and would not have hit it.

I was rather dissapointed in the comment by her mother too when she said "if she has to be rescued, ill pay for it"... So she bloody should, that should go without saying, why the f*** should Australian tax payers have to foot the bill for saving a girl that has no business out there in the first place?
_________________
"Trends may come and go, but Mercedes Benz will always be...."

[nifty]

sorry winnie... but in a way i agree with ya whole heartedly, but i really hope she does it.
its better than her being at the pubs,taking drugs, drinking or getting knocked up IMHO.
if any of my kids wanted to do something like this, for sure i would be worried, but they would have my full support
i believe when she hit the ship, she was asleep, and the alarm she had to prevent such a situation with the ship, failed....
as for the rescue...i personally dont care how much it costs... if ANY life needs to be saved, i cant put a price on that im affraid.
having said that... i hope to christ no pirates happen to come upon her.... i shudder to think what may happen to a 16yr old pretty girl at the hands of them lot.

[Winfield RED]

Mate no one is saying that is what she should be doing, but i think its irresponsible to allow her to go out there, due to the fact if she gets in trouble, people will be risking their lives to save hers, and all at tax payer's expence.

Besides that, she is not of the legal age to be in a pub or drinking.


Excuses excuses though, you dont expect her to say "yeah i f***ed up" do you?
_________________
"Trends may come and go, but Mercedes Benz will always be...."

[WA Vetter]

She should be in School
learning to read, write, add up
and cook, clean and iron
_________________
If its not fun, its not worth doing ,,,

[Winfield RED]

What ever she should be doing, she should NOT be going around the world on her own!!
_________________
"Trends may come and go, but Mercedes Benz will always be...."

[TroppoVette]

Have to say I'm with Winnie on this one. Have the parents prompted her for the notoriety. I can see this ending in disaster!

[Aussie 90 Vette]

[nifty]

[australi]

[australi]

Just checked; yep - SOMETHING'S gone amiss with the tracking!!
...She WAS at sea yesterday anyhow!

[australi]

- I see Jessica is north of Manly now...STILL on dry land AND going in the wrong direction!!! (must be a conspiracy!)

[australi]

Forget the link above; try this:
http://www.jessicawatson.com.au/the-voyage

[australi]

Back in Australian waters already!
WELL DONE girl!!

[australi]

ALMOST HOME!!

[australi]

I think it ABSOLUTELY SUCKS that apparently she doesn't qualify for the youngest person to circumnavigate the globe, because she "didn't sail enough miles" and also apparently the minimum age to break the record is 18 !!!!

She must be GUTTED!

[JiffyLube]

[Stingraynut]

Aha, but it all depends on the REASON she is doing it.

If she's doing it for the record, then that would be disappointing to me anyway. If she's doing it in the spirit of adventure then I admire her.

Firstly, no matter what body 'recognises' or doesn't 'recognise' her voyage, SHE HAS DONE IT - so far, and so nearly home now.

I can see where she has been and so can everyone else. the fact that some association doesn't want to give her a certificate means nothing to me.

I agree with winnie in that if we keep sending youngsters with limited strength and experience out on these ventures there will be trouble. Heck even the experienced guys can have huge trouble.

Nifty made some good points too, and that is why I admire her.

There is an excellent statement at her website about 'The Record' -

[australi]

It was on the news last night Don.

ABSOLUTELY Rob, she's done it and THAT'S what counts.

[JiffyLube]

[australi]

Well she made it home safely a few days ago - WHAT AN EFFORT!

The BIGGEST waves she encountered ironically, were from 3 storm cells in the Great Australian Bite!!

Anyway, monumental effort Jess!
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[JiffyLube]

Yep, She did it! Now who shall I follow around the world next?

Right now I'm watching the adventures of these two:

http://www.bountyboat.com/

http://www.abbysunderland.com/

[australi]

You can follow ME to the letterbox if you like...

[JiffyLube]