Jessica Watson

[Miker]

Wow, not even 24 hours in and she gets into a fracas with a container ship.

http://www.youngestround.blogspot.com/
http://www.jessicawatson.com.au/jessica-is-fine

She's not updated the blog yet with any additional news, but losing a mast on the first night out hopefully isn't an omen of what's to come.

Lucky for her she was able to salvage the mast and get under motor to Southport.

What do you think? Adventurous or foolhardy? S&S 34 are renowned for their sturdiness and it's not the first time one has been used as a single handed attempt. For me I think she's pretty brave, very determined and if she can keep her head on straight and eyes open, she'll do really well and make it without any more mishaps like this one.

Michael

[bornfreee]

just watched some video on her site i hope i am wrong but it seems like she has had all the boat and gear set up for her my concern is what is she able to fix herself if anything goes wrong???? and that solid dodger looks like its just waiting for a southern ocean wave to rip it to bits.... Jessie Martin showed them, lets hope this young girl can to.

[Phillip]

Hi all,
Just saw the news, looked like she had everything ship shape (no pun intended).

Had a look at this site early this morning,
http://www.marinetraffic.com/ais/defaul ... y=-33.8811

I was to late to see which ship she hit, but I could see her AIS as she headed in at 7 knots.

Both had AIS and radar, both were not keeping a look out, but she was sailing therefore HAD the right of way!

Phillip
SEAKA

[Miker]

Just because she was under sail doesn't automatically give her right of way. Both skippers are responsible for avoiding a collision, both should be on watch.

At 2.30 am, no bulk carrier skipper is going to expect a 34' yacht to be in his way. Jessica perhaps should have been a little more careful in a known shipping lane. You'll note there has been no comment on whether she was sleeping, just that she was below....

Still, I agree I hope she shows them, regardless of the naysayers. If it wasn't for people like her Australia would never have been discovered.....

Go for it Jess....

Michael