sixtyminutes blog

Charles Wooley: Going Solo

16/10/2009 1:22:00 PM, Charles Wooley Prev Next

I predict that Australia will fall in love with this beautiful, brave, spirited young woman and will follow her adventures around the world with bated breath.

The technology available now means that like never before we can all be part of such a great adventure and can be [virtually] aboard the pink lady with Jessica Watson.

I've crossed the line on this story. While public debate rages as to whether she should or shouldn't I'm definitely on the side of her undertaking this magnificent challenge.

Were this 16 year old girl to simply sit at home on the sofa and gorge herself on junk food and sugary drinks and play video games no-one would say a thing. But when she undertakes to pit herself bravely against the forcers of nature and take on a great challenge suddenly so many of us wish to wrap her in cotton wool like so many of her generation.

Australia was a country built on explorers and pioneers who went bravely into the unknown. Jessica is a part of that history and I believe she's also a valuable part of our future.

I cheer her out and in 230 days time I will be back in Sydney Heads to cheer her in again. She deserves the blessing of the nation.

User comments

Age is not really the issue here. Time and time again we have adventurers braving the challenge of the sea. If they triumph, they've proven the critics wrong. If things go wrong expensive rescue operations have to be mounted, the tax payer gets a very big bill and the finger pointing starts. Somehow the adventurer is never at fault or responsible. The issue of Jessica's age was not highlighted until that collision took place. It raised concerns as to whether she had the required skills. NOBODY, regardless of age, should attempt something like this unless they have the right level of skills. There are plenty of constructive ways for a teenager to challenge their minds and their bodies. Ways much safer and responsible than this. Clayface

"These days there's an increasing trend towards eliminating risk from every part of our lives and creating more rules and regulations. What I think that does is shift responsibility away from the individual ...... I think activity like this is good for individuals and good for society as a whole." - Andrew McAulay in an interview in 2004, after his 7 day, 530km non-stop solo paddle across the Gulf of Carpentaria. Thank God for people like Andrew and Jessica!

Im a mother of two daughters and no way I would let my daughter sail solo around the world. I dont know what Jessica's mum think. My husband is working out on oil and gas out in the sea and he knows how rough it is out there and I dont think Jess would prepared for all of that. All I can say is I wish the best of luck for her journey and we want her to return back to Sydney safely in 8 months time.

There is something about a 16 year old girl putting herself in harms way that brings out the protective side in so many of us. Especially when the price of failure can be so dramatic. I don't think anyone - those who have supported her, or those who said it was madness - have wished jessica ill. People just want to keep her safe. That is the thing about kids though. At some point, protecting them from danger becomes harmful to their development. So to Jessica, i say enjoy the journey, and come home safe with a swag of stories to tell. You have a whole country wishing you well.

For all the Naysayers, get over yourselves you Flacid Phalic people. What is Adventure without risk? Life is not encased in Cotton wool!... BOOYAH young Lady,carry on. May the winds be on your Stern.

40 Years ago when I was 16 I wanted to sail the world. Woman didn't even go to sea in the navy in those days. You are sailing my dream and I shall be with you, cheering you on all the way. My prayers are with you.

To all the naysayers.....I think its better for a 16 yo to be persuing a dream and adventure rather than drinking grog, taking drugs, and all that....think about it

jessica has a dream to challenge the world so we should all support her she has the skill,the aussie spirit to even attempt this so go for it and put the old fashioned doubters to rest. go jess goodluck

I wish Jessica all the best and I think that everyone will be praying for her every single day so that she will come home very safe and sound, I hope she enjoys the adventure that she has ahead of her, but I also pray to God that she never comes to any trouble in her travels. I think she is a lovely girl and also extremely brave to be doing this on her own!!! I know that everyone will follow her travels in the next eight months, be strong Jessica and lets all pray to God she will be safe and return to her family in one piece. Good luck!!!!

It almost brought tears to my eyes to see the young innocent face of Jessica Watson. Please tell her the world loves her whether she sails round it or not. God speed Australia's little pink lady.

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