Jessica - Less Than Three Weeks to Cape Leeuwin !

Hello Everyone,

Its nice to be back to see the tremendous progress Jess has made. By all accounts she should be passing Cape Leeuwin about the second week of April and consequently, passing the heads at Sydney around the second week of May (Tony, you are correct).

Here is a picture of Tony's EPL project and it looks just fabulous (even though Tony says it is a rough paint job) ! I can't wait to see it with sails and all. Well done Tony !

I will be finally taking this weekend off for some R&R.

Cheers

Jonathan

PS Tony sent me another updated picture and requested I replace the one above with the new one but Tony, please indulge me if I just add it in as opposed to replacing it. We can then see how much amazing progress you have made with the model ! You can now see Jess' Toughbook, her Nav station and other little bits and pieces. Well done !

A Pause for Respite and Catching Up with the Jessaholics

Hello All,

Its nice to be able to step back (temporarily) after a very intense fortnight, working through two weekends and late into the night ! Its all good though and very exciting setting up the new facility exactly how I want to. Another two weeks to go before the set up is complete.

Jessica is making excellent progress and is a third of the way across the Indian Ocean. I'm already thinking past April when she passes through the heads at Sydney and wondering how we are all going to cope. Its been one of the most memorable experiences I have had in recent times and one that I will personally treasure for a long time to come. I'm sure all of you feel the same way.

Good luck everyone and keep those posts coming !

Cheers

Jonathan

New Friendships - Inspired by Jessica

Hello All,

Jessica's latest blog is as good as it can get. On one hand she speaks of "nothing glamorous or exciting to report" but on the other, the description of her "non routine" is so interesting and educational that I for one (not being a sailor), always thought that light winds and calmer seas meant having the opportunity to sit back and get some downtime. Little did I know that the frequently shifting, albeit light winds, required constant adjustment to maintain heading and track !

The picture of her dinner is as cute as it can get. If she ever decided to stop sailing (I think the moon will turn green before that happens !) she can manifest her skills in the culinary arts. Excellent presentation !

The Vics got together for lunch today and we had a wonderful time getting to know each other and enjoying each others company. During the time we were at the restaurant, we could see this massive storm cell move in and in a few minutes, the sea built up and we were all thinking of Jessica and how incredibly brave she is.

To Ailsa, Tony, Collette and your partner Peter, thank you for a very nice time. Each of you in your own way exude positive energy and most of all you are very interesting people. I for one, look forward to Sydney. Bruce, we did miss you.

I have included a picture of the Vics at todays lunch. Left to right : Tony, Ailsa, Peter, Collette, Jonathan. Oh, and I almost forgot ! Jessica's First Mate - Teddy (thank you Ailsa) !

Cheers

Jonathan

Jessica on the Home Stretch (These Interesting Times)

Hello Jessaholics,

I'm thrilled to bits to see Jess powering on into the home stretch ! I know all of you share this excitement and anticipation to see her edging ever closer home. This is a very special young lady who has been consummately professional, demonstrated incredible mental fortitude and yet in many ways is your everyday teenager who likes teenage "stuff" but what really grabs me is her simplicity and humility. I reckon, thats what sets her apart.

The one common thing that comes out of all our comments is how strongly we feel for and support Jessica. In doing so, we have formed a very interesting and colourful community. To this end, once again, anyone is welcome to comment on this blog. It was originally set up as a common area of communication for a group of people that are traveling to Sydney to welcome Jess home but it appears that it is attracting a wider audience.

I wish all of you near and far good luck and happiness.

Jonathan

PS I have attached a picture I took at Melbourne Airport recently. On the left is a Boeing 747 Jumbo and on the right is the new Airbus A380 Super Jumbo. Compare the wingspans, the engines and everything else. Its amazing how large the A380 is compared to what was originally the largest airliner in the world for decades. I thought I would slip that in as a bit of trivia that I hope you enjoy.

EPL WIP (Work In Progress) Part II

Hi Everyone,

Tony has been kind enough to share another picture, this time showing the now completed interior with cushions on the bunk bed and Jessica's pink and white "coconut ice" box over the methylated spirits container (for the stove).

So far, Colette has confirmed 6 March for the dinner. If any of you do have a problem with this date, I am sure we can work around it.

Cheers

Jonathan

Jessica's EPL Immortalised !

Hello All,

I am very excited to share this picture with all of you. Tony passed it along and with his permission, I am posting it.

This picture shows you how far Tony has progressed with the EPL model. Notice how detailed it is. Tony has even made a tiny stove replica and he has said that although the cabin will be enclosed in the finished product, he will still complete the inside down to the last detail.

I can tell you that this model will be absolutely top class. It will be all the more meaningful given that Tony has built it from scratch (not a kit from a model store).

Re the Vics dinner, lets firm up a date. May I suggest the 6th of March. If everyone is agreeable, we can decide on a venue.

Cheers

Jonathan

Jessica's Drive Through Car Wash - Entry Price? Two Bluefins !

Hello Everyone,

I thoroughly enjoyed Jessica's blog today and had a chuckle at her car wash analogy.

I'm guessing that prevailing winds are slowing her down somewhat and at a leisurely 3 kt ground speed, she travels 30-40 kts less than her average 112 kts per day. Additionally, she's a bit off track, so really, its still hard to get a decent ETA.

I was flying over Westernport Bay this morning and was fascinated with the mirror calm water. You could actually see a very clear and detailed reflection of the sky (or in this case, clouds). I know Jess experienced something similar near the Equator. Of course, this area is protected by that large chunk of rock called French Island ! French Island is actually quite pretty and if you ever want to have some alone time, thats where you go. The resident population is said to be less than 100 people.

I'm looking forward to the Vics get together.

Cheers (and beers)

Jonathan