DiscussMormonism.com

Hi Folks,

I'm not posting on the main forums anymore, but thought some of you might be interested in following Jessica Watson's round the world journey in the attempt to become the youngest person to circumnavigate the globe single-handed, non-stop, and unassisted.

You can follow her blog here: Official Jessica Watson Blog.

Jess has experienced six knockdowns so far on her journey, which included a 180 degree knockdown in the Southern Atlantic, which means her yacht was capsized; turned upside down. She is now nearing the end of her circumnavigation, but finding southern Australian weather and waters to be the toughest of her journey so far, battling 6-12 metre swells (over 30 feet) and gale force winds. Those swells are the size of four-storey buildings, sometimes breaking as white caps at the top, and Jess is in a 10 metre (34 foot) sailing boat, but built to endure such conditions.

America's Abby Sunderland is no less a brave soul, and plans to continue her journey in spite of being forced to retreat to Cape Town for autopilot repairs.

I have been absolutely captivated by the determination and bravery of these two young women, or as some would say, "girls".

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How does one recover from a knockdown, especially alone? I know the boats balanced such that a capsized condition is unstable.

bcspace wrote:How does one recover from a knockdown, especially alone? I know the boats balanced such that a capsized condition is unstable.

They are specially built to recover from knockdowns. From one link:

Perhaps the following broader definition is closer to what modern designers aim for: a seaworthy sailboat is one that is
• able to recover quickly from a 180-degree capsize without serious damage and without sinking
• strong enough to look after herself while hove-to or lying ahull
• seakindly—free of violent, jerky rolling and pounding
• well-balanced, docile on the helm, and easily handled at all times
• agile downwind and able to avoid most plunging breakers
• able to beat to windward, or at least hold her ground, in all but the heaviest conditions
• habitable—able to carry ample crew with good headroom and comfort, plus water and supplies, for extended periods
• capable of good average speeds on long passages

Sir Francis Chichester, another single-handed circumnavigator (1967), experienced a 140 degree knockdown. Jessica only had one 180 degree knockdown, but six altogether so far. The most "benign" one was 90 degrees, that is, the mast going into the water.

I've noticed that most horses aren't seaworthy. lol

bcspace wrote:I've noticed that most horses aren't seaworthy. lol

??

Seventeen year old Englishman Michael Perham becomes the youngest person ever to sail the world. Mike set off as a 16 year old and returned nine months later at 17. Mike from Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, UK is from an Evangelical Christian family. For videos, see http://www.daylife.com/topic/mike_perham/videos

In a world where young people are often cruelly criticised it is great to find the likes of Jessica Watson and Mike Perham showing just what can be achieved. Sadly a bout of appendicitis has knocked Michael's current project on the head for a while. He has had to cancel his involvement with a re-enactment of The Mutiny on The Bounty journey for the time being.

We miss you Ray.

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Jessica due back in Sydney next Saturday.



Pic: From the big swell during the week, with the drogue trailing behind Ella's Pink Lady, shaking off one wave with the next 10m monster coming up behind.

Malcolm wrote: In a world where young people are often cruelly criticised it is great to find the likes of Jessica Watson and Mike Perham showing just what can be achieved.

This was posted in the media three days ago:

One friend who has proved invaluable during her epic journey is Mike Perham, the 18-year-old sailor who holds the record for the youngest person to sail around the globe assisted.

From his home in Hertfordshire, north of London, Perham has been in weekly contact by phone with Watson as she sailed the seas. He said: "I'm just one of her friends and we chat.

"When you're out there sailing across the ocean, you don't want to get the same questions: how's the weather and what did you have for dinner?

"You want to know what's happening on land. We talk about anything and everything non-related to sailing. We've had some really great conversations."

Perham, who will arrive in Australia this week in time for the much anticipated arrival, spent a week living with Watson and her family at Queensland's Mooloolaba, 62 miles north of Brisbane, before she set off on her voyage last October.

"We just spent time together talking about things before she left, sailing is a tight-knit little community," he said.

Watson to meet soulmate upon arrival.

I dunno. Sounds like more than a little "friendship" brewing there.