Posted on 09/10/2009 9:03:30 AM PDT by Oztrich Boy
FOR a 16-year-old sailor planning a solo voyage around the world, Jessica Watson's first night at sea delivered a stern warning of the dangers she faces.
In the dead of night, just hours after Jessica set sail from Queensland's Sunshine Coast on a 10-day trial voyage to Sydney, her 10.4m sloop Ella's Pink Lady collided with a big cargo ship.
But despite the collision, which left her yacht badly damaged, an uninjured Jessica says she will not be deterred from becoming the youngest person to sail solo, non-stop and independently around the world.
...
(Excerpt) Read more at theaustralian.news.com.au ...
16 years old, huh? Sit down, sweetie, and let me tell you about these things called shipping lanes.
Kids these days...
Nobody ever reads the articles before posting
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."
I’ve always been amazed at the stunning arrogance and need for attention some folks have. This kid should go back to school and stop trying so hard to be “somebody”.
Nope, didn’t read it. Busted.
I enjoy stories of people doing extraordinary things yet when I look at the pictures I can’t get past the term, “spoiled brat.”
For some reason kids going for the “youngest around the world” record seem to be getting younger.
Zac Sunderland recently completely his round-the-world sail to become, supposedly, the youngest to do this. He blogged his way around the globe (see archives at the link) and spent a lot of anxious hours, utilizing sophisticated equipment, avoiding other boats. It didn't sound so easy.
ML/NJ
I wonder why you think schools teach more than preparing for and completing one of these adventures might. How much time do you think Ben Franklin spent in school?
ML/NJ
What she's doing is more valuable than anything she can learn in school. Math, geography, astronomy, philosophy, home ec, shop, electronics, and an invaluable education in other cultures, other countries, and other languages. More kids should have adventures when they're young.
I sense this may have something to do with dating rejection.
What????!!??? I’m just not a fan of attention whores. I have NO idea what the heck you are referring to. Personal attack?
Exactly. She could have an adventure that I’m sure would be more educational than school by far, but this burning
desire to be the “youngest” is just pure attention seeking.
I meant some boy she was interested in may have rejected her for some other girl, and now she’s out to prove her worth before the whole world. It’s how 16 year olds think.
There's some question there, since he went by Panama Canal instead of Cape Horn
No problemo.
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