Yachting FAIL - Jessica Watson

[c-kow]

Let's look at this objectively

there are three things that could happen here

She could circumnavigate the globe, challenge huge obstacles on her own and go through a huge amount of personal growth

She could fail early, be rescued, and get a lesson in humility and understand that if anyone is going to break the youngest record, it's not going to be her and she'll trade the remains of her boat for a pink volkswagen beetle

Or, she'll encounter seas above her skill level, be unable to be rescued, and rid the world of someone who exasperatingly wouldn't take advice!!

One thing is for certain. If she's legally prevented from going then you're going to get a very angry owner of a pink boat who got no personal growth from the experience. Send her off.

[neelie]

c-kow : Exactly! - and that's really all there is to this.

Distressingly, the preceding 39 pages of posts point to a seemingly insatiable thirst for schadenfreude.

Let the girl have a go, lets just have the good grace to wish her the best of luck and godspeed.

[Bark]

Here we go again with this child's obsession with how "cute" her boat is: Jessica Watson, 16, plans to leave next week on sailing voyage around the world | Outposts | Los Angeles Times

The very first words out of her mouth were, predictably, about cuteness.

""She’s a really cute little boat and I’m so proud of her"

And not one word about safety...

[Skipper62]

Just curious if the moderators can tell me whether it is, cute girls who circumnavigate, or hand guns on board threads that get the most attention?

[sneuman]

So what if she thinks her boat is "cute"? Guys routinely refer to how beautiful or how "sexy" their boats are. We talk about perusing yachtworld as looking at "boat porn." Pftt. Besides, the pink boat is pure p.r., and it's worked because we're talking about it.

Frankly, it's statements like this that worry me more: "I’ve got an amazing amount of equipment – we’ve got all sorts of satellite communication equipment and navigation gear and Panasonic Toughbook computers, so I’m in good company," she said.

I guess it's natural for her generation, raised on video games and Iphones, to think technology will solve all problems. Hell, if only she'd known how to turn on that anti-collision alarm thingy, she wouldn't have had the embarrasment of hitting that ship. Whatever.

Someone needs to tell her that electronics are notorious for breaking down exactly when you (think) you need them. Better have a Plan B.

[Ocean Girl]

Originally Posted by neelie

c-kow : Exactly! - and that's really all there is to this.

Distressingly, the preceding 39 pages of posts point to a seemingly insatiable thirst for schadenfreude.

Let the girl have a go, lets just have the good grace to wish her the best of luck and godspeed.

I was going to agree with you completely until I looked up the word schadenfreude, now i almost completely agree with you

I think the stress you read from the last 39 pages is
1) some intolerance for stupidity
2) some concern for the life of a girl with a beautiful spirit
3) and some anger over the risk of life and limb she is putting herself and the rescue people (if it comes to that). not to mention the stress to the parents.

I find it interesting how easy we talk about the option of her rescue as if "rescue" is a quick extraction, some rescues in that neck of the world take days to a week and at great risk by the rescue workers.

I kinda think she could sail around the world, but I don't think she is up to the route she has picked (have I mentioned that before?)

wishing she wouldn't go that route, but either way -Godspeed,
Erika

[S&S]

Originally Posted by sneuman

Someone needs to tell her that electronics are notorious for breaking down exactly when you (think) you need them. Better have a Plan B.

Somehow I don't see her having a copy of the sight reduction tables on board. I'll bet this is all 'new era' navigation.

Now I'm getting somewhat worried. ( her parents should be)

[neelie]

Originally Posted by Skipper62

Just curious if the moderators can tell me whether it is, cute girls who circumnavigate, or hand guns on board threads that get the most attention?

An Erudite question my friend, I'm glad you asked. Judicious Googling of hot chicks & guns soon gave me the answer and I think it would actually be possible to combine both contentious topics into a single super thread.

Just wait until someone buys this young lady a boat and sponsors her circumnavigation. (Yes, yes I know, thread drift and too much time on my hand )

[David_Old_Jersey]

Originally Posted by neelie

Just wait until someone buys this young lady a boat and sponsors her circumnavigation. (Yes, yes I know, thread drift and too much time on my hand )

"make my day"

[Bark]

Originally Posted by sneuman

So what if she thinks her boat is "cute"?

The problem isn't that she is constantly talking about how cute her boat is. The problem is that it's the ONLY thing she talks about.

[Jace]

Notice that all the 'chicks' including Christian Van H, took my words about Jessica being a chick and centering on looks as a light hearted little quip. So did the men. Hey, Christian, your slip is showing.

And just for the record, how much money is spent on make-up, hair care, and jewelry by guys? I rest my case.

www.joekeck.com

[Christian Van H]

Christian Van H is 6' 2", and 245 lbs. Christian Van H knows that little bald pudgy Jace wouldn't call him a chick to his face. Christian Van H guarantees it. Christian Van H would never call any women he respected a chick. Must be something in Christian Van H's upbringing that prevents it. Christian Van H still holds doors open for women too. Must be a character fault. Does your wife like to be called a chick, Jace?

[sabray]

In no way do I wish a failure. I cannot post that I understand a motive. I can say as I re read lee Graham's dove there is a difference in substance portrayed. Lee as I interpret wished to sail and wished to stop sailing and experience a different place and then propelled he sailed. With Jessica Watson the desire for accomplishment is present but the portryal is commercial. I don't know would I have thought the idea of Graham solo sailng in the 1960 s was a good idea? The comparison in maturity as displayed by the avenues we have is drastic. I really don't relate to the idea of accomplishing a Record. I can understand a desire to sail be challenged and discover. I see the comparison between Graham and Watson distinguishing the acceptance divide of the idea.
The idea to solo non stop for the sake of a record to be the youngest is dopey. My older mind can't get with it. Nothing to do with gender or color of the boat.

[Jace]

Hey! Bald, pudgy guys need love too! Just kidding, Christian. Having a bit of testosteronic humorous fun with you. No need to get riled. I'm sure you're a very masculine guy, and a gentleman as well. Ya' just need to be a little less sensitive of the ladies' feelings. The fact that they weren't offended at what I said proves the point that they're not as delicate as you might think.

I love the fairer sex, always have, always will. And I too hold doors open for them, stand when they approach my table, and treat them with respect. But I don't bend over backwards - or forwards for that matter - to solicit they're approval. In these days of the metrosexual man, a real woman wants a real man. Even a bald and pudgy one, as long as he's real.

I'm not married by the way.

www.joekeck.com

[Christian Van H]

Originally Posted by Jace

I'm not married by the way.

That was my point.

I guess I'm just in touch with my feminine side...but as Steve Martin used to say; "I could never be a woman...I'd stay home and play with my breasts all day!"