Well the boat show here in Sydney has got off to a great start! The weather is sunny and temps. are up into the high teens. With five exhibition halls and a marina full of boats there is plenty to see and drool over. ”Spirit of Mystery” is being really well received with loads of people coming on board for the tour and story of her voyage. We are working hard to try and accommodate all who want to see her.
Next door to us is a very pink yacht indeed! It is a 34′ Sparkman and Stephens. Sixteen year old Jessica Watson will be setting off from Sydney in September in her bid to be the youngest solo circumnavigator. Her route will take her northeast across the equator to Washington Island in the North Pacific, around the notorious Cape Horn, below South Africa and the Cape of Good Hope, across the Indian Ocean and up the East coast back home to Sydney. Jessica hopes to return before her 17th birthday. I asked her a few questions whilst being shown around on board.
Why? – The challenge, she has heard the stories and needs to know what it will be like for herself.
Which things are you most looking forward to? – The milestones, the Horn would be great.
What things are you most dreading? – The first storm, other than getting that one behind me not anything really.
What will you miss most? – Friends and family.
How long are you planning for? – 230 days.
What are you taking with you to remind you of friends and family? – Pics, mascots, music and a dancing chicken!
What frustrates you most about societies perception of a youngster taking on what you are about to do? -Not being ready to accept that I can do this. And being classed as a minor on all the forms that have to be signed off.
Jessica came across as a level headed girl who has her sights firmly set on achieving her goal.
We at C&A wish her well and will be following her progress. For more information on Jessica log onto www.jessicawatson.com.au