Guard Dog Posted October 18, 2009 Share Posted October 18, 2009 SYDNEY - A 16-year-old Australian steered her bright pink yacht out of Sydney Harbor on Sunday to start her bid to become the youngest person to sail solo and unassisted around the world. Jessica Watson's plan to make a 23,600-mile journey through some of the world's most treacherous waters sparked a debate in Australia about whether someone so young should be allowed to try such a potentially dangerous feat. Watson and her family insist she is an experienced and capable sailor who has studied navigation, electronics and maritime safety procedures. Although she will sail solo and unassisted, she will be in constant contact with her support team via radio, e-mail and a blog. After hugging her parents goodbye on shore, Watson sailed her pink, 34-foot yacht out of Sydney under gray skies and slightly choppy conditions. She smiled and waved to scores of well-wishers who lined parts of the shore, and boats that gathered on the harbor. 'Nervous' "I think a lot of Australians are nervous for Jessica. I'm nervous for her," Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard told reporters. "But my words at this stage, given that she's determined to go, would be to wish her the best of luck and to urge her to keep safe." Watson's plans suffered several setbacks before she finally left. Last month, her yacht collided with a cargo ship as she sailed toward Sydney to make final preparations "While it is true you learn with age, the down side is what you often learn is what a damn fool you were before" Thomas Sowell Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moose Posted October 18, 2009 Share Posted October 18, 2009 What is peoples' obsession with doing this, haven't they heard of airplanes? There are none that are right, only strong of opinion. There are none that are wrong, only ignorant of facts Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Humodour Posted October 19, 2009 Share Posted October 19, 2009 What is peoples' obsession with doing this, haven't they heard of airplanes? Just out of curiosity, are you overweight? Anyway, if you can't understand the allure of doing something like this, than I'm at a loss to explain it to you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theslug Posted October 19, 2009 Share Posted October 19, 2009 (edited) This has like already been done by a youngster the same age. I was listening to Jim Rome in the morning a couple months ago and some 16 year old American, I believe, sailed around the world unassisted however his story was cool because there were real life pirates in it and his communications and gps went out but in the end he came out of it fine and won life, so this chick is probably like only a couple of months younger which isn't really all that deserving of the "youngest in the world title" but still a pretty cool feat, I suppose, but then again its like touching down on the moon after 50 other people have. But the reason that I remember the story is because I loved the parents attitude about it becuase all these news types and retard people were like well its obviously too dangerous for the boy but they were like you know what the kid knows what hes doing and its our job to support him and let him realize his dreams and happily ever after the end. edit: nvm it actually mentions the guy in the article, whoops Edited October 19, 2009 by theslug There was a time when I questioned the ability for the schizoid to ever experience genuine happiness, at the very least for a prolonged segment of time. I am no closer to finding the answer, however, it has become apparent that contentment is certainly a realizable goal. I find these results to be adequate, if not pleasing. Unfortunately, connection is another subject entirely. When one has sufficiently examined the mind and their emotional constructs, connection can be easily imitated. More data must be gleaned and further collated before a sufficient judgment can be reached. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moose Posted October 19, 2009 Share Posted October 19, 2009 (edited) What is peoples' obsession with doing this, haven't they heard of airplanes? Just out of curiosity, are you overweight? Anyway, if you can't understand the allure of doing something like this, than I'm at a loss to explain it to you. Once again obvious sarcasm completely lost on you. The best bit is how you always feel the need to throw in some random insult, which just totally backfires on yourself. I love it Edited October 19, 2009 by Moose There are none that are right, only strong of opinion. There are none that are wrong, only ignorant of facts Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Azure79 Posted October 19, 2009 Share Posted October 19, 2009 I think I would get bored fairly quickly being alone for months on a ship. I would love to sail around the globe, but frequent stops at different ports around the world for a few days of fun would be a must. Brave girl though. Good luck to her. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Humanoid Posted October 19, 2009 Share Posted October 19, 2009 (edited) Watson's plans suffered several setbacks before she finally left. Last month, her yacht collided with a cargo ship as she sailed toward Sydney to make final preparations — an accident that triggered some calls for her to abandon the attempt. This is the main point of contention really, the investigation after that collision was pretty damning about her level of underpreparedness. Something about falling asleep in the middle of one of the country's busiest shipping lanes, and failing to set up the equipment that should be providing alerts that, you know, there's a big huge cargo ship on a collision course with your dinghy. I'd have no problems with anyone doing this who is demonstrably fit to do so, but this particular case seems to be asking for trouble. Edited October 19, 2009 by Humanoid L I E S T R O N GL I V E W R O N G Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Humodour Posted October 19, 2009 Share Posted October 19, 2009 What is peoples' obsession with doing this, haven't they heard of airplanes? Just out of curiosity, are you overweight? Anyway, if you can't understand the allure of doing something like this, than I'm at a loss to explain it to you. Once again obvious sarcasm completely lost on you. The best bit is how you always feel the need to throw in some random insult, which just totally backfires on yourself. I love it Because sarcasm is very obvious on the Internet, right? Honestly, it wouldn't surprise me at all if you were deadly serious when you posted that. You need only take a look at the likes of Volourn or Visceris to see why. If it was sarcasm as you claim, then I'll take your word for it and what I posted shouldn't bother you in the slightest. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Walsingham Posted October 19, 2009 Share Posted October 19, 2009 Naturally, as we discovered during the statutory rape discussion the entire concept of 'childhood' is a fiction designed to sell birthday cards and persecute intellectuals. I don't just support THIS child sailing solo around the world. I believe ALL children should be forced to sail solo around the world. And all pensioners. "It wasn't lies. It was just... bull****"." -Elwood Blues tarna's dead; processing... complete. Disappointed by Universe. RIP Hades/Sand/etc. Here's hoping your next alt has a harp. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
213374U Posted October 19, 2009 Share Posted October 19, 2009 Feeling a bit cranky today, are we? - When he is best, he is a little worse than a man, and when he is worst, he is little better than a beast. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Walsingham Posted October 19, 2009 Share Posted October 19, 2009 Feeling a bit cranky today, are we? Not at all. I feel fantastic. "It wasn't lies. It was just... bull****"." -Elwood Blues tarna's dead; processing... complete. Disappointed by Universe. RIP Hades/Sand/etc. Here's hoping your next alt has a harp. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guard Dog Posted October 19, 2009 Author Share Posted October 19, 2009 The one thing I've always wanted to do is run the Iditarod. God knows I have enough dogs to do it. "While it is true you learn with age, the down side is what you often learn is what a damn fool you were before" Thomas Sowell Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Walsingham Posted October 19, 2009 Share Posted October 19, 2009 The one thing I've always wanted to do is run the Iditarod. God knows I have enough dogs to do it. Indeed. That , or a Korean restaurant. "It wasn't lies. It was just... bull****"." -Elwood Blues tarna's dead; processing... complete. Disappointed by Universe. RIP Hades/Sand/etc. Here's hoping your next alt has a harp. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guard Dog Posted October 19, 2009 Author Share Posted October 19, 2009 The one thing I've always wanted to do is run the Iditarod. God knows I have enough dogs to do it. Indeed. That , or a Korean restaurant. I was in Korea for Team Spirit in '90 and Valiant Blitz in '91. I actually tried fried dog. I can't say that I liked it but you never look at a dog the same way again. It was still better than kimchee though. "While it is true you learn with age, the down side is what you often learn is what a damn fool you were before" Thomas Sowell Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gorgon Posted October 19, 2009 Share Posted October 19, 2009 My dad once ate fresh monkey brains, this was in ye olde days before anyone had heard of AIDS and trans species transmitted diseases. I dunno, I can think of healthier tests of manhood. Na na na na na na ... greg358 from Darksouls 3 PVP is a CHEATER. That is all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gorgon Posted October 19, 2009 Share Posted October 19, 2009 Anywho sailing around the world in a dingy would be impressive, if there was a reason to do it. There isn't. Na na na na na na ... greg358 from Darksouls 3 PVP is a CHEATER. That is all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest The Architect Posted October 20, 2009 Share Posted October 20, 2009 The point of this story is that Australia rules. If you dispute this, Krezack and I will deal with you. Oh and Gorth, I guess, too, even though he's an old timer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Walsingham Posted October 20, 2009 Share Posted October 20, 2009 I LOVE kimchee. Especially the farting aftewards. "It wasn't lies. It was just... bull****"." -Elwood Blues tarna's dead; processing... complete. Disappointed by Universe. RIP Hades/Sand/etc. Here's hoping your next alt has a harp. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Humodour Posted October 20, 2009 Share Posted October 20, 2009 My dad once ate fresh monkey brains, this was in ye olde days before anyone had heard of AIDS and trans species transmitted diseases. I dunno, I can think of healthier tests of manhood. He's luckier he didn't catch a prion disease. Like that one that makes you die of insomnia, slowly (over a period of years). That's so messed up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guard Dog Posted October 20, 2009 Author Share Posted October 20, 2009 The Vendee Globe is the race I was talking about. Only they have it every four years, not every year. Real hardcore stuff: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vend%C3%A9e_Globe "While it is true you learn with age, the down side is what you often learn is what a damn fool you were before" Thomas Sowell Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guard Dog Posted October 20, 2009 Author Share Posted October 20, 2009 Here is her blog for those that are interested: http://youngestround.blogspot.com/ After reading a few entries she sounds very... sixteen I guess. "While it is true you learn with age, the down side is what you often learn is what a damn fool you were before" Thomas Sowell Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gfted1 Posted October 20, 2009 Share Posted October 20, 2009 My dad once ate fresh monkey brains, this was in ye olde days before anyone had heard of AIDS and trans species transmitted diseases. I dunno, I can think of healthier tests of manhood. I ate monkey meat in the Phillippines. It was delicious, tastes like BBQ pork. However, I didnt have the nerve for Balut. "I'm your biggest fan, Ill follow you until you love me, Papa" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trenitay Posted October 20, 2009 Share Posted October 20, 2009 I bet she'll run out of food. Hey now, my mother is huge and don't you forget it. The drunk can't even get off the couch to make herself a vodka drenched sandwich. Octopus suck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guard Dog Posted October 21, 2009 Author Share Posted October 21, 2009 I bet she'll run out of food. Yeah, from her blog it sounded like she was eating everything in sight. "While it is true you learn with age, the down side is what you often learn is what a damn fool you were before" Thomas Sowell Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Humodour Posted October 21, 2009 Share Posted October 21, 2009 It sounded like she was eating all the random snacks people gave her as gifts, not her actual food rations. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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