JESSICA WATSON...

It's too easy to dismiss Jessica Watson's achievements with a "world first" or a "never before". It doesn't matter that some official body refuses to call her voyage a "record". No expletives really do justice to what takes place on Saturday 15th May, 2010.

You just can't get your head around it, to use a well-worn phrase.
 
The reason we can't is that we look around us at other 16 year old boys and girls, doing admirable things I'm sure, but not in the realms of sailing alone around the world, unassisted.

This is a bizarre and wonderful adventure that not only bears witness but scrutiny. ONE and TEN are the best places to be to share, and understand the enormity of Jessica's journey.     

THE BOAT

Jessica has sailed in a S&S (Sparkman and Stephens) 34, a classic design from the famous Sparkman & Stephens, it is known firstly for its seaworthiness, toughness and track record. It is a boat capable of consistent speeds and one that Jessica can easily handle.

The S&S 34 became famous after Jon Sanders, David Dicks and Jesse Martin used them for their history making solo circumnavigations.

There is now an S&S 34 association and hundreds of other S&S 34 have made and are making successful circumnavigations and offshore passages.

THE ROUTE

Jessica’s route has taken her north-east across the equator to Washington Island in the North Pacific. Around notorious Cape Horn below South Africa and the Cape of Good Hope, across the Indian Ocean and up the east coast of Australia home. An estimated total of 23,000 nautical miles and 230 days at sea!

An estimated total of 23,000 nautical miles and 230 days at sea!

THE SCHEDULE

Jessica has had a busy schedule leading up to her September departure.her schedule has been as follows:

• 25 July: Bon Voyage Dinner Sunshine Coast
• 30 Jul-5 Aug: Exhibition at the Sydney Boat Show & unveiling of boat
• 7-12 Aug: Solo sail to Brisbane via Lord Howe Island
• Aug-Sep: Final weeks of preparation
• Sep: Pre-departure media conference in Sydney
• Sep: Depart from Sydney on the historic journey
• May, 2010: Return to Sydney Harbour!!