newsmood - teen sailor jessica watson likely to hit equator on wednesday. go baby go!

this is about the girl for those who do not know about her solo sailing adventure around the world:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discu...

this is the news from her website:

Thursday. 12 November 2009 (1.00pm AEDT)

Despite a lack of wind over the past week, Jessica has passed the 2,500 nautical mile mark and is possibly within one week of reaching the equator.

Whilst it’s still very much weather-dependant as to what date she crosses the line, Jessica’s meteorologist, well renowned Kiwi Bob McDavitt, predicts next Wednesday, 18 November. This would mark exactly one month since Jessica departed Sydney.

Jessica’s mum Julie was in New Zealand earlier in the week visiting family and took the opportunity to meet with Bob.

“It was great to finally meet Bob. He showed me through all his planning for both the immediate forecasts and the longer-term planning for Jess. Is was very informative and from weather patterns over the next week, we expect Jess to pass the equator in a week or so, which will be a wonderful milestone for her,” said Julie.

Jessica was also genuinely excited about approaching the equator.

“I can’t wait. It will be a very significant moment. If all goes according to plan over the next week, then that will be another box ticked and we can head back down south,” said Jessica.

Jessica’s original schedule had her passing the equator at the 35 day mark. The 18 November prediction will be 32 days, placing Jessica three days ahead of schedule, in spite of the lighter winds over the past week.

Once Jessica passes the equator, she will be able turn to a southeast heading on a course back to the South Pacific, bound for the infamous Cape Horn. This component of the voyage is estimated at 38 days.

source: http://www.jessicawatson.com.au/equator-be...

news from today, november 14:

Jessica said she was excited about approaching the Equator.

"I can't wait. It will be a very significant moment. If all goes according to plan over the next week, then that will be another box ticked and we can head back down south," she said.

Jessica's original schedule had her passing the Equator after 35 days, but if she achieves the November 18 target she will be three days ahead of plan.

She will then turn south, heading on a course back to the South Pacific bound for the infamous Cape Horn, a journey expected to take 38 days.

"The Everest of ocean sailing is rounding Cape Horn," she said. "It's a famous landmark that is the southernmost headland of the Tierra del Fuego archipelago."

The teenager is likely to encounter bad weather that has been forecast for Friday.

source: http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0...

go baby, go