Jessica Watson - Page 6

Wayne25 · #51 (**permalink**) 10-29-2009

You do know Ella is her major sponsor. Sounds like she's got her marketing head screwed on correctly. Smart young lady!

smackdaddy · #52 (**permalink**) 10-29-2009

Oh, I never had any doubt about that. Definitely a smart young marketer - as are the rest of the "team members" around her. But is that the point?

Wayne25 · #53 (**permalink**) 11-01-2009

Well, its the means to the end goal. What I mean is that her goal or dream is to sail around the world. To do that as safely as possible takes a lot of bread. So how does a driven 13 year old do that? Over the 3 years dreaming and planning, she see's a record opportunity that will attract sponsors, that will pay for what she needs to to make the dream come true. So yes, I guess that is the point, or at least the part that makes it all happen for her.

Omatako · #54 (**permalink**) 11-01-2009

Seems to me that the continued sponsorship is probably a contractual obligation. The fact is that this record attempt is already practically redundant.

The 14 year old in the Netherlands has nearly a three year headstart on Ms Watson (now heading for 17 years old) and she will get away soon enough. If they both finish the difference between their trip ends will be Ms Watson's record period, then it's gone for her.

It will be quite disheartening for Ms Watson to know that the end of her record is already sailing behind her.

Stillraining · #55 (**permalink**) 11-02-2009

Unless you have heard differently ..they are not letting her sail though.

Omatako · #56 (**permalink**) 11-02-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stillraining

Unless you have heard differently ..they are not letting her sail though.

I think its just a matter of time . . . . and I don't think it'll be 3 years

theartfuldodger · #57 (**permalink**) 11-03-2009

I don't think the thirteen year old will be sailing any time soon as not only is her age against her but so will be her strength, she would be I think a long way from developing the needed strength, among many other things.

flitemdic · #58 (**permalink**) 11-03-2009

.....and the fact that one of her parents don't really want her to go. That by itself should nix it.

lporcano · #59 (**permalink**) 11-03-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Omatako

I think its just a matter of time . . . . and I don't think it'll be 3 years

Jessica is, I believe, attempting two records. One would be youngest to solo circumnavigate and the second would be youngest solo non-stop. Laura is not planning a non-stop, so if Jessica is successful at going non-stop then she would still hold that record. Mike Perham who currently holds the youngest circumnavigation record, was also attempting the non-stop record and fell short as he was forced to stop for repairs. Laura is planning a fairly conservative route, as far as circumnavigations go.

tdw · #60 (**permalink**) 11-03-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by lporcano

Jessica is, I believe, attempting two records. One would be youngest to solo circumnavigate and the second would be youngest solo non-stop. Laura is not planning a non-stop, so if Jessica is successful at going non-stop then she would still hold that record. Mike Perham who currently holds the youngest circumnavigation record, was also attempting the non-stop record and fell short as he was forced to stop for repairs. Laura is planning a fairly conservative route, as far as circumnavigations go.

As I've said before, I confess that it's the 'non stop' aspect of the Watson girl's voyage that worries me the most. even the most experienced of solo sailors have suffered mental health problems on non stop circumnavigations.

Then again most 16 year old girls are barking mad to begin with so perhaps that may be an advantage.....