Epic voyage, epic fail?

Ptang Yang says:

11:44am | 09/09/09

225 metres long and 35 metres wide? That clears up this little mystery then - “The bulk carrier allegedly didn’t stop after the accident.”

Matt says:

11:50am | 09/09/09

“The good news is that we know the tracking systems and communication system on her boat are second to none.”

Spin doctoring 101 fail.

RT says:

11:53am | 09/09/09

I believe Ella’s solo around the world voyage attempt is just cover for her real mission, which is an undercover ASIO operation to expose how easy it would be for terrorists to attack shipping off the Australian coast. The operation has already exceeded expectations and no doubt some valuable security lessons have been learned.  A grateful nation salutes you, Ella.

James says:

11:55am | 09/09/09

Where has she talked herself up Tory?  There has been a media beat up, but that is not controlled by Jessica, and she has sponsorship and the sponsors need & demand coverage, but none of that means that Jessica has talked herself up, or inflated her experience - fact is she does have a lot of ocean miles under her belt, and is a very humble peron.

It’s obvious you do not have any sea going experience yourself.  In the dark at 2:30am off the coast it can be hard to differentiate between the lights of a ship, no matter how large, and the lights on shore.  Radars can help most of the time, but are far from perfect, and just because you know the ship is there, it doesn’t mean you have time to get out of the way.

How about a story on fishing trawlers colliding with yachts off NSW, or freighters colliding with fishing boats off QLD?  ...not controversial enough I guess?

Paul says:

11:58am | 09/09/09

Hey if a fat man on a mono-cycle is riding down the road while an ant is walking across the road, chances are he aint gonna see the ant, and he sure isn’t going to stop and check if the ants ok after he runs over it!

Sure its great shes trying to sail around the world…...... but surely there is something better she should be doing….. if she has all this spare time up her sleeves, couldn’t she be trying to cure cancer? or trying to solve the riddle of Donald Trumps hair piece???

Tom says:

12:03pm | 09/09/09

“The good news is that we know the tracking systems and communication system on her boat are second to none.”

They keep saying this over and over again. What good is a communication system when your stuck in the middle of a killer storm in the middle of the ocean…

Darryl Price says:

12:07pm | 09/09/09

Whether we think this was a good idea or not from the outset, lets all try and resist the urge to dance around the wreckage after this incident. Against a background chorus of naysayers, this girl is prepared to get out there and have a go and for that she deserves our respect. How must she be feeling right now? It is also long past the time for calling into question her parents judgement too. That ground has been covered in the media and the decision made that she was going. What if NOBODY was ever driven to TRY something that was maybe too big for them, where would we be? Keep going Jessica.

Ian says:

12:08pm | 09/09/09

And what have you done that you are famous for, Tory? Leave her alone. She will complete the trip, and all you fools will have egg on your faces.

Madcyril says:

12:12pm | 09/09/09

Her spokesman! Flippin hell, can’t anyone do anything today without a pack of spin doctors and spokespeople being involved? My drive home from work tonight should be tough. I’m appointing a spokesperson to handle any announcements in case I break down!

James says:

12:14pm | 09/09/09

Why is the general media comparing Jessica Watson (her name is NOT ELLA, that is the name of the sponsor - Ella Bache) to Mike Perham?  Perhams round the world attempt was not a non-stop unassisted trip - he stopped in several ports due to gear failure, and was assisted with repairs & took on new equipment.  Jessica is attempting to break Jesse Martins record (also done in a Sparkman & Stephens 34) of a non-stop & unassisted solo circumnavigation, and will hopefully succeed, when she gets started.

Lord Jocks Dog says:

12:15pm | 09/09/09

Container ship ? What container ship ?

Rob says:

12:15pm | 09/09/09

“Riding on their armchairs
They dream of wealth and fame
Fear is their companion
Nintendo is their game
Never done Jack and two thumbs Don
And sidekick don’t say Dick
We’ll laugh at others failures
Though they have not done shit”

Chris H says:

12:19pm | 09/09/09

Hey Tory, how about you achieve something before you belittle the endevours of others?  You read bitter and cynical, and pitching to the unfortunate Australian tall-poppy mentality, but Kudos, at least you know you’ll get hits from the mullet-sporting, ute-driving population.  Can you comprehend the bravery of this child?  Around the world alone on the open ocean?  Good on ya Jessica, fix it up and get back out there - I’ll be cheering you on when you return, triumphant.

Yon toad says:

12:39pm | 09/09/09

Maybe the guidance system got its Yangs and yins confused. Yeh yeh, I know…

Sam Chowder says:

12:43pm | 09/09/09

She must have been texting

Glen says:

12:47pm | 09/09/09

My 2 years old’s teddy bear wants to sail around the world.  He should be able to make it, everyone else and their dog has.  It is no longer earth shattering news for someone to sail around the world so why is this girl getting so much publiity?

Yon toad says:

12:50pm | 09/09/09

It’s not the tall poppy mentality Chris H, you goose. It’s not bitter. It has bugger-all to do with mullets, utes, or anything other than the delicious irony of setting off to sail the world, and running into the biggest thing in the ocean, having barely begun the journey. Life ain’t all that serious for God’s sake!

Martyn says:

12:52pm | 09/09/09

The other question is that why didn’t the ship sound its horn or move away, considering they have far higher technological tracking systems onboard, they would have detected the sailing boat at least 10 kms away, yet did nothing to avert a collision.

Mobius Ecko says:

12:56pm | 09/09/09

Tory did she collide with the bulk carrier or did the bulk carrier collide with her? How about checking before attempting to bad mouth someone.

Large commercial ships have two synchronised radars, one E/F band for long range and one I band for navigation and picking up smaller objects closer in, both hooked to collision alarms. The E/F band at lower frequency, greater range and lower resolution just might miss a yacht in heavy seas or cluttered waterways close to land, but the higher frequency higher resolution one shouldn’t. Also the large ship should have people on watch at all times, including looking at the radar picture.

Have you researched that indeed that bulk carrier was on both visual and radar lookout and picked up the yacht, but ploughed on regardless. Did it for a second cross your mind before you leapt into a sensationalist beat up that the larger ship was at fault or partly at fault.

Tony says:

12:58pm | 09/09/09

To think she was only going for a little sail to get to Sydney for the START!!  If i give the keys to my kids to go in a motorhome around Australia by themself would i be a bad parent???

RobJ says:

12:58pm | 09/09/09

Smaller vessels ALWAYS give way to larger vessels, quite obvious why, for all the freighter knew any blip on their instruments could be anything, not big enough to hurt them and as the young sailor would know the onus was on her to give way.

look, the freighter is out there doing it’s job, the Girl is doing? what was she doing again, was she trying to become the youngest person ever to circumnavigate the globe? Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaawn.

DJG says:

01:00pm | 09/09/09

Get off Tory’s back. The article is fair comment. The kid has done nothing as yet. It does seem a bit strange that she intends to sail solo round the world, yet bumps into a huge Tanker after barely commencing. We better keep a close eye on her, for both her’s and other seafarer’s safety.

Chris H says:

01:01pm | 09/09/09

Hey Von Toad, does your mullet get cuaght in the door of your maloo if you get in in a hurry?  I’ve always been curious about that.

BB says:

01:01pm | 09/09/09

One of my cousins who spent 25 years as RAN officer told me that the crews of big ships are often either asleep (or drunk) at night and cruising on autopilot. They would never know if they hit a yacht.

Front Row says:

01:02pm | 09/09/09

“The good news is that we know the tracking systems and communication system on her boat are second to none.”

Hey Matt - Would have been much better had he managed to mention the brand of the systems.

Geoff says:

01:03pm | 09/09/09

She didn’t hit the container ship, they hit her!! Maritime laws state that a ship under engine power ALWAYS has to give way to a sailing vessel, simple as that container ship in the wrong.

Albie says:

01:08pm | 09/09/09

According to regulations under the Navigation Act, a vessel must constantly have someone on alert and adequate radar etc monitoring surroundings.

What was this girl doing? Enjoying a good night’s sleep? These ships are lit up like Christmas Trees at night time! How the FRACK could she miss it?

I hope she gets charged under the Act and, as she is a minor, I hope her parents get charged too. Stupidity is not an excuse.

Mobius Ecko says:

01:09pm | 09/09/09

So DJG all small vessels should get off the ocean right now?

And as I have asked previously did she bump into the bulk carrier (not tanker) or did it bump into her.

It is up to the smaller vessel to get out of the way of the larger, but it still doesn’t mean that larger vessels can ignore small radar blips on a collision course, which are obviously boats, or collision alarms (this is being investigated) regardless and then sail on after hitting something.

Madcyril says:

01:10pm | 09/09/09

Chris H @ 12:19 How is it tall poppy mentality? She hasn’t done anything yet! If we can’t have a bit of a chuckle at someone setting off on a round the world trip and then colliding with a giant of the sea within 24 hours, then we truly have lost it as a nation!

Mr Pastry says:

01:12pm | 09/09/09

Kids will do anything to get out of school

sally says:

01:11pm | 09/09/09

Really Glen….everyone else and their dog has sailed around the world? And your child’s teddy bear wants to sail around the world also? What a stupid comment. Non stop solo journey around the world - imagine having that much drive and determination. Go back and talk to your teddy bear. Good luck Jessica!

the albatross says:

01:13pm | 09/09/09

admire her courage, glad she is ok….but hell…this is hilarious….do you really think she was texting?

Albie says:

01:14pm | 09/09/09

Part 30 of the Marine Orders under the Navigation Act:

“Rule 5
Look-out
Every vessel shall at all times maintain a proper look-out by sight and hearing as well as by all available means appropriate in the prevailing circumstances and conditions so as to make a full appraisal of the situation and of the risk of collision. “

http://www.comlaw.gov.au/ComLaw/Legislation/LegislativeInstrument1.nsf/0/36AEA6B6E086747DCA2570340024528F/$file/Part30-4+of05.pdf

annala says:

01:18pm | 09/09/09

My thoughts exactly Darryl Price.

Jz_dragon says:

01:20pm | 09/09/09

Go media.!
It is far easier to take someone down, always has been. It’s harder to see the good and adversity here, kinda like swimming upstream, having just started a Master’s in PR I can see what direction I’ll be heading..

It is quite naïve to simply focus on the spin doctoring, I now pronounce to the world, “the war against the tall poppies ppl”, Australian need to get out of the god dam 70’s and realize there is a much bigger world out there.

How about trying to swim upstream, maybe even clip the mullet..

Frank says:

01:28pm | 09/09/09

I’ve got a security system on my boat which detects nearby vibration and sounds an alarm. I would have thought a gadget like this would be mandatory on any single-handed ocean-going boat. At about $1,000.00, I reckon this’d be a worthwhile investment, mandatory or not.

Chris H says:

01:29pm | 09/09/09

Madeyril - how is it tall poppy syndrome?  Well she is a child, she is attempting a world record, has had a setback and the media and the public are swift to cut her down rather than encourage her to get back on the horse and achieve something.  If you need me to explain the birds and the bees, rudimentary math or finger painting to you also, I’d be more than happy to accommodate.

Nic says:

01:31pm | 09/09/09

yachts get run down a dozen of times a year… commercial freighters are poorly maintained and lax about safety.. The Newcastle beaching, the Moreton Bay spill & the colliisions and sinkings in the North Sea sinkings of a few years ago are evidence of the pretty shocking standards of some world shipping.

Tony says:

01:31pm | 09/09/09

if she cant get out of the way of this behemoth at 2.30am this is going to be a long trip if she survives it at all!!!  ok ok dont get on your high horses everyone…whether the big one has to give way or not…COMMON SENSE says uh oh time to turn right/left instead of sitting there thinking “im in the right so he has to stop” or was she asleep? i personally think good on you for having a go but hmmmmm theres a bad feeling about this. hope im wrong.

Jz_dragon says:

01:31pm | 09/09/09

On the 9th September 2009 I here by the decree the national day for war on the Tall Poppies people of Australia..

JRM says:

01:42pm | 09/09/09

If she has tracking and communication equipment and a motor - is this not an ASSISTED voyage ?

And surely a solo yachtsperson cannot keep a 24 watch up - so solo voyages should be illegal.

Mat says:

01:50pm | 09/09/09

Hang on a little yacht collides with a bulk carrier.  Nothing unusual so far except for the fact she didnt sink.  how can she break her mast and yet the rest of her boat is undamaged.  Hmmmmmm…  Something is not being spoken of here.  The ship probably didnt stop cause she never hit the ship.  Something else happened and she has managed to damage it herself.  No more ocean voyage.  Yacht is too banged up.  just wait for it.

Madcyril says:

01:53pm | 09/09/09

I still say this isn’t tall poppy syndrome. All we are doing is having a bit of laugh at a comical incident. When did this nation turn into a bunch of killjoys. I for one haven’t said she shouldn’t do the trip. All this article does is make light of that comical situation ... and Chris H, yes I would like you to explain the birds and bees to me ... right now in this comments section. We are talking about how babies are delivered by storks right?

fred says:

01:58pm | 09/09/09

here is a tip…. SAY OUT OF THE SHIPPING LANE ......

Bob Gray says:

02:10pm | 09/09/09

Surely Ms Waton’s vessel has a short range radar capable of setting an alarm range VRM. This has only to be set during sleeping hours so as not to waste electricity. From the wind and solar systems it appears she also has sufficient power to run this system! Likewise an AIS system interfaced with the GPS plotter would be a cheap but efficient way of monitoring large ships (say 15 -20 miles off- depending on the antenna height and other variables).
During the early stages of preparation, a TV documentary showed her trying to pull on a 6 to 1 block and tackle system! The inadequacies of her strength were obvious. One can only query her physical strength and stamina to last out this endeavour.
It would seem the preparation and training required for safe navigation by this young lady is sadly lacking. I just hope she has damn good luck if she intends to continue.

iansand says:

02:12pm | 09/09/09

“The good news is that we know the tracking systems and communication system on her boat are second to none.”  But not the radar alarm.  Or the radar transponder.

The alarm should have gone off when the ship got close.  The transponder should have told the ship something was around in time for it to change course (assuming someone was on watch on the ship as they should have been).

the albatross says:

02:16pm | 09/09/09

definitely a contender for the We Could be Heroes series 2…or maybe as a secret weapon in the initiatives against the Somali pirates…it’s all very improbable

Chirs H says:

02:20pm | 09/09/09

Madcyril, all *you* are doing is having a laugh at a comical incident.  Understood - and thats just fine mate.  However, where I, and the others echoing my sentiment, are coming from is - wouldn’t it be so refreshing if the media, instead of their knee-jerk reaction being to kick someone when they’re down and immediately aim to appeal to the lowest common denominator, perhaps they would get behind people like Jessica and pitch an article to the public encouraging everyone to show her their support for her and send her messages of encouragement, since we, as Australians, stand behind those of us who strive to achieve.  But that wouldn’t be easy.  That wouldn’t generate as many hits.  Given the author originated from the mail room a few years ago, clearly my expectations from the media are far too high.

Popaye says:

02:22pm | 09/09/09

Yes Tory , you are right about one thing - You don;t know much about boats. there is a good reason why a vessel under power is OBLIGED to give way to vessels under sail. A freighter that size can take the wind out of the yacht’s sails rendering it helpless. Which is WHY it does not matter if she seen the freighter or not. Its the freighter that was supposed to give her way by LAW and it was the freighter that was supposed to stop and assist after the collision by LAW.  The carrier should have been manned with enough crew to insure that there was enough of them to keep a lookout at all times. Otherwise the autopilot fails and we end up with another ship spilling its guts and polluting our shores. Next time you drive your tincan through a traffic light and a prime mover is giving you way imagine what would happen if he just ignored the red light because he was to busy texting his mate to look out for traffic lights. Then after he runs you over keeps on going, because he is “pretty big” and he can. Hey, its your fault because you didn’t get out of his way in time .  If it was me I’d sue the ship owner for all he has, if enough sailors did that the ship owners would be forced to employ enough crew to maintain a proper vigil at all times and obey the LAW.

Davo says:

02:26pm | 09/09/09

Power vessels do NOT always have to give way to vessels under sail.
Rule 18 B ii clearly states that a sailing vessel has to give way to a vessel restricted in its ability to manoeuvre.  People keep stating that it’s impractical for a large vessel to get out of the way.  More than that, the rule is that a small yacht MUST give way to a larger container ship.  I’m concerned that some people stating that “power gives way to sail” may sometimes sail with that attitude.

TG says:

02:27pm | 09/09/09

Darryl Price, above, wrote “What if NOBODY was ever driven to TRY something that was maybe too big for them, where would we be? Keep going Jessica.”

Well said, Darryl - I agree.
  As Browning put it, “Ah, but a man’s reach should exceed his grasp, or what’s a heaven for?”

Sure it was bad luck, and of course it’s a little funny, put the way _Tors did in her article, but good on you for having a go, Jessica, and best of luck on your next attempt.

Jane says:

02:28pm | 09/09/09

My 3 year old nephew is planning to circumnavigate the globe in a hobie cat next year with only a sextant and a big torch to guide him. He’s looking for sponsors if anyone’s interested.

Debra says:

02:30pm | 09/09/09

I admit i agree, im not sure how a ship of this size could be missed. Even if it was in the wrong i think that the “pink lady” would have a better chance to steer away to avoid a hit but in saying that i really get peed off at the way aussie’s just love to point out the bad things when one of our own is giving something a go. Yes an accident has happened but good on Jessica for giving it a go and i would like to see her try again. None of us were out there with her so we dont know what really happened or how hard it may have been to avoid the accident. Honestly i am really mad at Tory Maguire,  your article is nothing short of a dig at this young lady and you should be ashamed. What have you done/tried? nothing i bet and what gives you the right to be so rude when all you do is write crap. I bet this is not published because it is a honest review of how lame writing and silly opinions bring down the aussies giving things a go how sad it is for a younger kids to see that if they try and fail or have a set back they will be talked about in such a negative way instead of praise and given support.

Oh what a world says:

02:32pm | 09/09/09

Nice to see with all your wisdom you know all there is to know about call in position within Australian Water and it is only done a certain spots, certain times and only if called in by the vessel in question and let me also inform you after spending over half my life on the ocean near and far from shore that is not as easy as you would think to see vessel and know their aspects until they are right on you. With all the background scatter around that area along with navigating on her own you think Australians would cut her a bit of slack and back her up. Good on you Jess and don’t let this little bump stop you from getting back out there and after would lets see what you all have to say. Oh wait let me guess “Oh you little champion knew it all along, proud to be called Australian”. People don’t become a sheep be like Jess and get out there.

Madcyril says:

02:43pm | 09/09/09

Look Chris H I agree with you a lot of what you are saying there ... yes the media do generally take the low road and go the easy route. I just think we can sometimes take things a little seriously. I (and others) can have a chuckle at this incident while still wishing the young girl all the best for a safe journey. The two aren’t mutually exclusive. I hope she achieves her goal and completes her journey ... just watch out for big ships!

Ben Gray says:

03:00pm | 09/09/09

She’s gonna die out there. Sorry. If she doesn’t die, it’ll be the next one to try. Soon enough, I guess is my point. Well, not too soon for her parents to be taught the concept of parental responsibility.
They keep saying “This is her decision”, but she’s 16, it’s not her decision, it’s THEIR decision to let their child make a stupid choice. Some kids want their parents to buy them booze, some kids want to sail solo around the world. The answer (from a responsible parent) to both questions is: No.
I fear that the clarity of this line of reasoning will not dawn on them until it’s too late.

Tim says:

03:24pm | 09/09/09

This is child abuse.
If this girl dies or is injured on the voyage I hope her parents are charged with manslaughter. And if she needs to be rescued at all, her parents should be forced to foot the entire bill

steve says:

03:34pm | 09/09/09

You cannot drive a car unassisted in Australia at 16 years old. Why would you allow a young girl to sail around the world at 16?

At least in the Netherlands (of all places), the legal system stepped in when a 13 year old wanted to attempt the same voyage. AND THEIR UP FOR ANYTHING THOSE CRAZY DUTCH ARE!!!

Popeye the Sailor Man says:

03:35pm | 09/09/09

I’ve heard through fairly reliable sources that Jessie was in fact skippering the cargo ship at the time - Tonia Harding style.

bella says:

03:44pm | 09/09/09

Jessica is fully insured.
No ones tax dollars would go to rescue her if she ever needed.

I think today though proved that she is extremely capable (despite this hiccup).

If you would like to know more about her visit her website!
http://www.jessicawatson.com.au/

iansand says:

03:47pm | 09/09/09

I blame Kyle Sandilands.

Sam Chowder says:

03:59pm | 09/09/09

What if she falls pregnant during the voyage?

Agent 86 says:

04:08pm | 09/09/09

WOMEN DRIVERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Damo says:

04:12pm | 09/09/09

Typical Tall Poppy Syndrome there Tory. No one loves to see someone fail more than an Aussie. Sad really.

FYI…as im ‘sure’ you already know, the collision occured at around 2:30am…hardly in the bright sunshine of a midday sun, making it so easy to spot as you imply…

Good luck Jessica!

Bill says:

04:24pm | 09/09/09

So there is more to solo sailing than setting the auto pilot and going to you bunk expecting the world to else to set a course around you.. Maybe 3 hour whatches and boring stuff like that - which used to make it hard to sail solo SAFELY….

Steve of Cornubia says:

05:08pm | 09/09/09

I’ve only recently undertaken basic training to get my boat licence (power, not sail) and even that ONE DAY course left me in no doubt that big muthafugga ships are to be given a very wide berth at all times. This is partly because they can’t change course without a week’s notice in writing, but also we were shown how little the guys at the helm can actually see. With 400 metres of ship in front of you (the bridge tends to be at the rear) they can’t see the first kilometre or so in front of them.

Now this is startling when you first hear it, and you might wonder how safe these things are, but only a bloody fool would ignore the advice. If the young lass knew she was in a major shipping lane, I would imagine she was on lookout.

Tibor Faranic says:

05:19pm | 09/09/09

Damn, having done more than my fair share of passage making, cruising and racing in yachts from small to large and having done so with crew and without this is a prime example of why people die doing this sort of thing.  Collisions with bulk carriers happen in coastal areas in known sea lanes, when in or crossing this type of area you stand watch, a carrier of this size is lit up like a christmas tree and is very hard to mistake for anything other than what it is.  Night sailing requires attention to detail and ore than half a brain.  It would seem this young lady would be better learning to cook as she has failed sailing 101…

sue says:

05:24pm | 09/09/09

Perhaps a few short voyages first would have been a great idea.

1. Brisbane to Sydney.
2. Sydney to Hobart
3.Melbourne to New Zealand
4. Circumnavigate Australia ( Tom Thumb style)
5. Around the world.
By then she would be at least 18. Maybe not the youngest, but perhaps a little more experienced.

She has failed on step 1. Barely made it out past Straddie on the way to Sydney
Try again and then start step 2.

joe says:

05:42pm | 09/09/09

What a joke. Why does she bother? Interesting in her press conference she kept saying how proud she was of the team. Your parents won’t be around to help you next time (when you finally get out of QLD).

And even if she does complete the trip, big deal. Will a 15 yr old be next? I bet no one can name the 18yr old who now holds the record. Who cares.

I do agree with Ben Gray above though, he parents need to say no!

Jason says:

05:47pm | 09/09/09

Using the phrase ‘epic fail’ in a title.

Fail.

James says:

06:02pm | 09/09/09

Sue, that shows the level of ignorance common amongst a lot of people.  If you bothered to do some of your own research on the net you would know that she has already done similar trips, and very recently completed a shake down trip offshore.  She has more sea miles than most people 2 or 3 times her age.

And why on earth would you suggest that someone from Brisbane should do a trip from Melbourne to New Zealand? (she has done some sailing from NZ, and down to the Antarctic)

As far as the title and people saying she has “failed” - failure is not falling down, it’s staying down.

Drunk Guy says:

06:15pm | 09/09/09

I’m guessing that make it or not this young girl will make a fortune from the attempt, and that possibly that and the “break a world record”  thing are not motivation enough to allow someone so young out alone on the high sea.

I’m concerned that this incident could have occurred during a storm or worse or even that there could be other dangers rhat haven’t been mentioned

I’m stunned that people will so readily berate those others who are concerned that this mission may not end well as knockers of the tall poppy, when in reality they are just honest about how they percieve the situation instead of being politically correct.

lodster says:

06:23pm | 09/09/09

Am I the only person wondering why she is not still in school ? 

Didn’t her parents ever learn to say ‘No’

Joy says:

06:28pm | 09/09/09

I think that the whole thing is a tragedy.  I have seen TV interviews with the parents of this child and heard her comments on the radio.  Is she reallyl 16 and not 10 years of age?  I think that her parents are the ‘yachtie’ version of stage parents who force their children into doing something they couldn’t achieve.

Charlie says:

06:42pm | 09/09/09

Seriously why do journalists feel the need to offer opinions on stuff they know nothing about (which is probably just about everything since their sole qualification tends to be a journalsim degree)?

How many bulk carriers is she going to have to avoid sailing around the world in Southern latitudes?

Wilma says:

07:25pm | 09/09/09

Jessica Pleeeeeese become a New Zealander—we would welcome you with open arms—but then of course we understand about heros and adventurers. That’ s what makes us able to punch above our size in the world. What a sad lot you OZ’s are! You probably won’t print this but I do think you should get in behind this girl and try to show a little national pride.

Mark says:

08:13pm | 09/09/09

Power may give way to sail, but this does not cover a vessel limited in its ability to manoever. Even though this one is unloaded it will still take kilometers to stop…

Bryan says:

08:28pm | 09/09/09

How the hell did I end up reading this crap website, how about you learn something about sailing before you let rip at someone who is having ago.

First and last time I read this site.

Scott says:

08:40pm | 09/09/09

Thank god there are still people in Australia that are prepared to extend themselves outside their comfort zones. If she is successful all the hypocritical media and blogg naysayers will bask in HER success and gloat what a “tough little Aussie” she (we?) is. Go Jessica.

sue says:

08:51pm | 09/09/09

Yes James, I did check the net and I had actually read her own website.

The only mention of her experiences was in her own words when she stated that she had only just in the last few weeks completed her first solo trip on the yacht.

im says:

09:40pm | 09/09/09

Jessica has learnt not to sleep in the shipping lanes the hard way… I think this is what they call the school of hard knocks.
Anchors Aweigh, Jess. Last one to Davey Jones’ Locker is a rotten egg.

Warwick says:

09:43pm | 09/09/09

I have sailed a 41 foot Benetau yacht from Singapore to Bali through the South China Sea and Java Sea. There were 4 grown men on board in 4 hour shifts for 11 days. Completely cured me of sailing ever again. Freighters are a common thing in shipping lanes apparently. I think she should be charged for “Failing to keep a proper watch whilst vessel was under her command.” There is no way she should be allowed to even attempt this solo trip. Nowhere near enough experience and obviously incapable of staying on watch while in a shipping lane !! Pfffffffftttttttttt !

adam says:

10:20pm | 09/09/09

Think about this people
1. Its a shiping channel. she should pay more attention.
2. if she crashed all ready maybe these so called sailing experts who thinks she can do it should again. Obviously they aren’t expects if they back someone who crashes into a ship
3. What is so special about it these days. Anyone who learns to sail could do it. She is only going to be the youngest as her parents are irresponsible and are letting her risk her life.
4. Who is it so great. given th opportunity anyone could do it.
5. For all you people who say tall poopy for me saying this. if she wants to do it go do it, but it is hardly news worthy.

Filip says:

10:30pm | 09/09/09

POPAYE wrote: A freighter that size can take the wind out of the yacht’s sails rendering it helpless.

News to you mate, this yacht had an engine, all she had to do was start it up. Given she hadn’t started the journey proper it wouldn’t have been a problem.

Like others have suggested, I reckon she was asleep. How can you do a solo around the world trip if you’re obliged to keep a 24hr watch anyway?

Copiousboot says:

10:34pm | 09/09/09

Typical female driver!

Wilma says:

10:44pm | 09/09/09

Oh my goodness Sue! such an armchair critic and yet you can’t even research a simple little blog site correctly. If you go back to Jess’ site and refer to all her blogs which go way back you will read of her many trips in various oceans, including the southern ocean. She has in her short life experienced more open sea miles than many sailors do in a lifetime. You suggested Melbourne to New Zealand. Sorry she has already done something similar, sailing from Mooloolaba to Whangarei NZ last Christmas. Oh and by the way she skippered the boat and called all the shots. Because she was under 16 there was an observer on board, but he did nothing, including not keeping watch. The pink lady has been completely refitted since her purchase so I guess Jess has not been able to take her out until the refit was completed. Glad you don’t work for me as a researcher!  I think all you grumpy people are simply jealous of this vibrantly alive young woman. Go get a life and leave her to hers. She didn’t need any help to get her boat safely home and behaved in such a manner that the Water police praised her actions and level headedness in what must have been a terrifying time.  I have found all this out by reading the net! Try it some time!

Leah says:

10:52pm | 09/09/09

Madcyril: what, do you expect a 16 year old girl to handle the media herself?? Be realistic. Of course she has a spokesperson, but it’s probably like her uncle or someone from one of her sponsor companies or something.
lodster: this isn’t the behaviour of a spoilt brat. Whether she makes a solo global voyage or not, she has obviously shown the dedication to learn to sail solo anyway. She’s possibly finished school: I graduated before I turned 17 and I know a few others who have too. (In Queensland we graduate the year we turn 17, and if you skipped a grade or started a year early, that makes you 16). Or she might have done the last few years home-schooled. Or she might have quit after grade 10. Or she might be doing distance ed. There are so many options, you can’t judge.

Why do people automatically jump up and down screaming ‘fail!’ when someone makes a mistake? I’ve read many comments on articles relating to this incident, and one particular one stood out to me: a lady who has spent the last few years living on a yacht with her hubby and two young kids said sailing in open ocean is easier and far less stressful than sailing in the shipping lanes. It seems Jessica has a hurdle to leap before even beginning the race.

‘Fail’ is when someone does something completely, utterly stupid (eg. trying a solo global circumnavigation without ever having completed a solo sail before) or when they fall down and stay down. She has not yet failed because she has not yet ended her attempt(s).

Tim: this is not freaking child abuse. Would society STOP ABUSING THE TERM. You’re diminishing the trauma of kids who have been repeatedly beaten, raped, malnourished, etc. Just because you think a parent is being a bit irresponsible does NOT mount to child abuse.

mosaias says:

01:04am | 10/09/09

“Keep going Jessica”.

Yeah, a 16-years old girl sailing ALONE, around the globe. In a pink boat.

Good idea. It will be very difficult for pirates to see her.

Ryan says:

02:18am | 10/09/09

“The good news is that we know the tracking systems and communication system on her boat are second to none.”

So whats the deal then? she was on her cellphone to her friends and wasn’t watching where she was going? a doy

My name? says:

07:28am | 10/09/09

Even if we leave consideration of fault, failure of equipment, whether or not one should sail something that size in a shipping lane and any other contributing factors aside, one must question whether or not it is a good idea to allow this young girl to proceed, based on the fact that this incident occured, for whatever reasons, so soon after her departure.
If the first 24 hours cannot pass incident-free, then if some reasonable doubt doesn’t enter one’s head about the rest of the journey passing without leading to fatality, then sanity has fled.

If she was in the wrong, then one can’t seriously believe the experience is there to permit this young girl to proceed.
If she was not in the wrong, then the requisite experience is still absent to permit her to proceed.

Andrew says:

07:36am | 10/09/09

History is replete with examples of three kinds of people in the world: those who endeavour to achieve something unique and wonderful; those who encourage them and buoy them up; and the miserably mean-spirited type who can’t bear to have anyone else rise above their own pathetic level and try to tear people down to stop that happening. If the third type were the whole story, we would without doubt be extinct by now.

Charles says:

08:01am | 10/09/09

For all those that keep referring to the rule of the sea: ‘power gives way to sail’, envisage the fact that the rule was created at a time when power vessels were more able to be manouvered & alter their course to avoid a collision than a sail craft.

Also, bear in mind the limerick: ‘here lies the body of Michael O’Day, who died maintaining his right of way, his right was clear, his will was strong, but he’s just as dead as if he’d been wrong’.

To young, Jessica I say: ‘keep on going, Girl.  Pick yourself up, dust yourself off and try right over again”.

The achievers of this world are those who fulfill the promise: ‘what the mind of man can perceive and believe, it will achieve’ - Napoleon Hill.

Liz says:

08:19am | 10/09/09

Another case of a tall poppy? Young people love adventure and danger, let her get into it and hope there’s no expensive rescue or putting the lives of others in danger along the way.

Buster says:

10:08am | 10/09/09

To all you who comment without any knowledge of rules at sea or what can be seen or not on radar or visually.
I have 20 year experience on merchant vessels. 17 of those as a ships officer. I was a radar operator in the navy when I did national service in Sweden. Many exercises involved trying to keep a submarine’s telescope in sight on the radar. You have no idea what concentration is required for that and intricate knowledge in how you can minimise sea clutter without losing sight of a small object.
A small sailingboat has only mall navigation lights which at best can be seen a couple of nautical miles away from a large vessel. Then it probably too late for them to avoid a collision.
It is true that motor vessels have to give way to sailing boats, but they first actually have to see them.
There is a law at sea to keep proper lookout at all times, which a lone sailor cannot do. Jessica has been reported to have been under deck at the time of the collision. Well here lies the problem. She is sailing along the coast where a lot of large vessel are going about their business and she is relying on them to see her? You have to be naive to be so confident. In a shower of rain she would totally disapear.
These are only a few problems that she will encounter on her voyage and she probably expects people to come to her rescue (and they will) when something happens miles from nowhere.

stephen says:

10:17am | 10/09/09

@Wilma. Pleeeese become an Aussie. We’d love to have someone who takes pride in having pride. We love heroes and adventurers too ; it’s just that we’re a little concerned about our Jess. Oh, she’ll be allright, we’re just so grateful someone is doing this, that we have all become cynical and mean-spirited. (Just as well, eh, lads, cause you bloody lot’d get lost pickin’ up the milk and bread.)

James says:

01:09pm | 10/09/09

http://www.latitude38.com/lectronic/lectronicday.lasso?date=2009-09-09&dayid=322#Story4

Regardless of what you think of Jessica Watson, there is no excuse for the Silver Yang to have not stopped

there is no excuse for them not answering Jessica on VHF - & reportedly for no one on board (or at least no one on watch at the time) being able to speak decent English, in order to communicate properly with other ships in the vicinity. 

There is no excuse for the Silver Yang, *reportedly* switching off their transponder immediately after the incident.

James says:

01:19pm | 10/09/09

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,26051909-5013404,00.html
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau is investigating the night collision. The bureau’s Mike Squires said Jessica was lucky to have escaped injury, and defended her actions.

“This was not a navigational error on the part of Ms Watson—she wasn’t in a shipping lane,” he said. “She had every right to be where she was.”

Nads says:

02:13pm | 10/09/09

Obviously her ever so responsible parents forgot to tell her to stay out of the shipping channels, and remember to put the radar on when she is having a little nap.

I’m all for having a go, challenging yourself and encouraging young female sailors, but at 16 years of age you shouldn’t be left alone in the house for more than a couple of days for fear of setting the kitchen on fire, yet alone months out at sea.

Her parents are responsible for the embarrassment that the sailing community is coping from the general public about this seriouscollision that is being made light of. Jessica could have been killed, and if she was being a responsible, capable young sailor this never would have happened.

Obviously she intends to go on, and I wish her all the best. Hopefully learning this lesson the hard way has made her a safer, smarter sailor. But really, she should still be in school. Silly, hippie parents.

James says:

06:06pm | 10/09/09

Nads, obviously you can’t bloody read.

Nuggs says:

10:16pm | 10/09/09

Sailing is a funny thing. You can prepare for everything you expect and lose your rudders due to a small rope foul, like i did on my small cat.
From what I have read it sounds like it was a collision. That neither boat was in much condition to make way for the other. The yacht may have been becalmed, it might not have been. And for those who say ‘Just fire up the engines’ they actually take some time to turn on and start generating power. Not like a car engine exactly.
Unfortunate this crash may be, but lets all hope that this young girl actually does give it another go. Even if she doesn’t make it, it would be one hell of a story…

Joy of Ipswich says:

09:06pm | 11/09/09

Now the biggest bully of all - Anna Ligh has bought into the argument supporting this child’s abuse.  Obviously she supports the media show - as she is so completely an expert in the use of spin doctors/translated to PR Agents.  Hey to all of you.  If this child cannot manouvere a shipping channel in Queensland - how is she going to cope with the world seas.  Mum and dad - such fine role models that you are - don’t expect me to be sympathetic towards you when your child goes down - lost and she will be.  Also I will be so angry for any expenses incurred in this disasterous venture - which is a push to achieve what you couldn’t.  In summary.  I thought human sacrafice was illegal under Christian traditions.

Heidi Thomas 16yrs says:

09:00am | 27/04/10

Why is everyone being so dramatic? I mean seriously. “Human sacrifice?” ‘Your child will go down” “Abandon the quest” “too young” “inadequate” “INexperienced” The tremendous amount of negativity coming from Jane and Joe Public disgusts me. Why should she be beaten down because of her age. I would like to see some people as young as her even think about doing something equally awesome. Most dont understand that she has travelled on her parents yacht and around Australia in their motorhome and has experienced more than people twice her age and older. My whole life I have been looked over and told I was too young to do anything. She has also experience this feeling of inadequacy and I feel sorry for anyone who can say that she is not good enough. If anything these coments are making things worse because the mental strength required to look past the media and focus on the few who are encouraging her is huge.
I have nothing but respect for Jessica.

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