Jessica Watson's Solo Sail: Hero or Reality TV Star?

[Desiree]

I am not sure if her amazing solo sail around the world has been discussed here on PF before. She is a lovely sweet girl who is back home now after circumnavigating the globe alone. At her reception at the Sydney's harbor, She objects to the Australian Prime Minister for calling her a 'hero'!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yapmL5xJfHU&feature=related
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UE1SgS767WY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c59VxItEUio&feature=related

http://www.jessicawatson.com.au/about-jessica

 

[Cyrus]

No way in hell would I let my daughter sail around the world alone. Her parents are out of her mind. The sea is an incredibly dangerous place, not for an inexperienced young girl. Even experienced boat pilots can easily get killed.

 

[russ_watters]

This is a pretty new fad apparently and will only end when one of these kids gets killed.

 

[Proton Soup]

was she ever truly alone, or did she have escorts ?

 

[Desiree]

was she ever truly alone, or did she have escorts ?

I kinda have the same question as in her You tube video diaries she often uses the term "We" as opposed to"I"?

 

[Evo]

No way in hell would I let my daughter sail around the world alone. Her parents are out of her mind. The sea is an incredibly dangerous place, not for an inexperienced young girl. Even experienced boat pilots can easily get killed.

She failed at her goal of circumnavigating the world.

 

[Desiree]

This was stupid, stupid, stupid.

She failed at her goal of circumnavigating the world.

On her website, it says "...Throughout her journey, Jessica's progress has been closely and accurately monitored by family, support crew and rescue authorities around the world using TracPlus (www.tracplus.com)"
http://www.jessicawatson.com.au/the-voyage

 

[Evo]

She failed. Also she was surrounded by support boats, so did not sail alone.

And it was incredibly stupid.

http://www.upi.com/Top_News/Interna...may-be-denied-recognition/UPI-49981273103163/

 

[GeorginaS]

I am not sure if her amazing solo sail around the world has been discussed here on PF before. She is a lovely sweet girl who is back home now after circumnavigating the globe alone. At her reception at the Sydney's harbor, She objects to the Australian Prime Minister for calling her a 'hero'!

I don't think I understand the "hero" angle.

 

[Desiree]

She failed. Also she was surrounded by support boats, so did not sail alone.

And it was incredibly stupid.

http://www.upi.com/Top_News/Interna...may-be-denied-recognition/UPI-49981273103163/

Well, considering her young age, inexperience and a journey fraught with danger, The wiki Pedia mentions she had had over 10,000 nautical miles training/experience. However that doesn't mean a teenager her age should dare to cross the treacherous oceans on her own. Since it's clear to me that she has been escorted or closely followed by rescue teams, I find it unfair to call her or her parents 'stupid'. Yes, that would have been stupid if she was left all alone...!

And SHE DID NOT Fail as she traveled over 19,631 nm! though the World Sailing Speed Record Council (WSSRC) only recognizes a minimum distance of 21,600 nm and 18 years of age for the competitor, so such an accomplishment is not equal to 'fail'!

Speaking of 'stupid', I have seen many stupid dangerous acts in the supposedly funny vidoes on AFV, so doing stupid things is pretty much the norm in America

 

[Desiree]

I don't think I understand the "hero" angle.

Yeah, I wouldn't call her a 'hero' or anything like that because actually I never believe in the notion of a 'hero' whatsoever. But it's good to hear she objects to the PM's remark.

 

[Gokul43201]

She failed. Also she was surrounded by support boats, so did not sail alone.

Actually, she did not fail at meeting the criteria for unaided solo circumnavigation because of not being "alone", but because of mileage logged (at least if you go by WSSRC rules). Irrespective, it's a tremendous feat.

True, Jessica has sailed alone and unassisted, passed under the four required capes, but the orthodromic route she has taken does not total the necessary 21,600 miles that is equivalent of the girth of the Earth at the equator.

http://www.sail-world.com/USA/Lies,-Damn-Lies,-and-PR-Spin/69252

 

[Evo]

Actually, she did not fail at meeting the criteria for unaided solo circumnavigation because of not being "alone", but because of mileage logged (at least if you go by WSSRC rules).

That's exactly what I said "She failed. Also she was surrounded by support boats". Then I gave the link showing why she failed.

This is a fad right now where teens are trying to get the "youngest to sail around the world" recognition. The Dutch courts recently prevented a young girl from making an attempt.

And Desiree, you're correct, lots of kids get injured and killed from stupid stunts, but they aren't encouraged by news coverage and praise from adults for doing it.

 

[cesiumfrog]

Evo, would you quantify "surrounded by support boats"? (By the way, I've seen the route she took, she succeeded in sailing "around the planet". Odd that you call it a failure based on the rules of some organisation which has discontinued that record category and anyway would have discriminated against her on the basis of age.)

Why the hate? So many billions of people in the world, and you think it stupid that a negligibly tiny handful of the very best resourced/financed choose to try something inspirational? Better to imprison everyone in cotton wool so they encounter no adversity until the moment they turn, what is the arbitrary age of legal adulthood in your particular country, 21? That's sure to contribute to developing the kind of society we would want to live in..

 

[DaveC426913]

...she was surrounded by support boats, so did not sail alone.

I wish to dispute this definition of sailing alone.

Did she receive assistance from these support boats, or did they simply monitor her?

And it was incredibly stupid.

And how, if she was surrounded by support boats, was it stupid? The worst that could have happened is the same thing that could have happened on any ocean-going sailing trip. Or do you think she should not sail at all?

 

[Evo]

Evo, would you quantify "surrounded by support boats"? (By the way, I've seen the route she took, she succeeded in sailing "around the planet". Odd that you call it a failure based on the rules of some organisation which has discontinued that record category and anyway would have discriminated against her on the basis of age.)

Why the hate? So many billions of people in the world, and you think it stupid that a negligibly tiny handful of the very best resourced/financed choose to try something inspirational? Better to imprison everyone in cotton wool so they encounter no adversity until the moment they turn, what is the arbitrary age of legal adulthood in your particular country, 21? That's sure to contribute to developing the kind of society we would want to live in..

If you knew the background, you'd know she was trying to beat an 18 year old male that had successfully met the criteria. She failed. That's not my decision, but the decision of the organisation who's record she wished to obtain.

 

[russ_watters]

I wish to dispute this definition of sailing alone.

Did she receive assistance from these support boats, or did they simply monitor her?

Yes. Their presence is assistance. Even if she never receives any assistance of any kind (difficult to believe) from the support boats, their presence absolutely changes the equation. The danger inherrent in the attempt is part and parcel of what makes it a challenge. Ie, you can take risks you wouldn't otherwise take if you know you have a safety net...which makes a good literal example of the same thing: I'd certainly try tightrope walking...but not without a net.

 

[russ_watters]

Why the hate?

Parents who selfishly risk their own kids' lives irritate me.

 

[russ_watters]

And SHE DID NOT Fail as she traveled over 19,631 nm! though the World Sailing Speed Record Council (WSSRC) only recognizes a minimum distance of 21,600 nm and 18 years of age for the competitor, so such an accomplishment is not equal to 'fail'!

What is your criteria for success? The title of her website is "youngest person to sail solo and unassisted around the world"...so who gets to set the criteria for that? Does she set her own criteria?

The only way to judge success or failure is to set well-defined and publicly recognized criteria and see if she met it or didn't. Since her website references the record holder Evo referrs to, it would seem that that would be the criteria.

 

[DaveC426913]

Parents who selfishly risk their own kids' lives irritate me.

This is a bit judgemental. You don't know it was the parents driving it and you don't know it was selfish.

I had a 16 year old who was bound and determined to fly across the country alone. I had to weigh the odds of the risk versus the damage that might have been caused by vetoing him.

Raising well-adjusted kids is weighing risks.

 

[DaveC426913]

Yes. Their presence is assistance. Even if she never receives any assistance of any kind (difficult to believe) from the support boats, their presence absolutely changes the equation. The danger inherrent in the attempt is part and parcel of what makes it a challenge. Ie, you can take risks you wouldn't otherwise take if you know you have a safety net...which makes a good literal example of the same thing: I'd certainly try tightrope walking...but not without a net.

Ok, their presence helped, but I do not think that counts as not sailing alone.

 

[russ_watters]

This is a bit judgemental. You don't know it was the parents driving it and you don't know it was selfish.

Yeah, I really do, Dave. By law this girl is not old enough to make such decisions for herself, and such undertakings are not something a kid can pull out of thin air.

I had a 16 year old who was bound and determined to fly across the country alone. I had to weigh the odds of the risk versus the damage that might have been caused by vetoing him.

Raising well-adjusted kids is weighing risks.

So what was your decision?

 

[DaveC426913]

Yeah, I really do, Dave. By law this girl is not old enough to make such decisions for herself, and such undertakings are not something a kid can pull out of thin air.

I said nothing about whether they gave permission; clearly they did.

But you said they were "selfish" and you implied they drove it.

So what was your decision?

You have to ask?

 

[Evo]

I said nothing about whether they gave permission; clearly they did.

But you said they were "selfish" and you implied they drove it.



You have to ask?

Dave, I have to ask what your opinion is on allowing an underage child to leave school in order to try to get her name in some record book? Good idea? Or maybe say, finish school, and when you are old enough to do this on your own, you can do whatever you want.


Oh heck, let's all put our children on reality shows and hope they get into records books, eh? Apparently getting into a record book is all important.

 

[cesiumfrog]

Obviously the record book was not all-important, since the book you refer to was always going to disregard her on the basis of her age. Perhaps the inspirational experience was more important? (So of course she is the one defining the goals.)

As for leaving school, 16 year olds are not required to attend (!), but this trip has not obstructed her from completing school anyway. (For that matter, she's old enough to be emancipated.)

And the journey has raised her career/future prospects far beyond what spending that time in a normal classroom would have. (In fact, even if there was no novelty/fame to reap, wouldn't a similar experience like hers still potentially benefit every young adult?)

You still haven't described the circumstances of the support boats.. how far away, for what portion of the trip? You seem to want to complain that she was completely abandoned in mortal danger and receiving great ongoing physical assistance at the same time.

 

[russ_watters]

I said nothing about whether they gave permission; clearly they did.

But you said they were "selfish" and you implied they drove it.

I didn't say anything about permission either. Yes, they drove it. They had to: there's no other way for a kid to do such a thing.

Look, I'm not a parent yet. But it is my understanding that far and away the number one source of pride for a parent is the accomplishments of their kids. From screaming soccer moms to those stupid "My kid is an honors student at..." bumper stickers, kids' accomplishments are parents' accomplishments.

Every kid has dreams like being an athlete or astronaut. Those dreams are ones that the parents can help with but most of the work is done by the kids. But an around-the-world sail is different. That idea doesn't get beyond the "wouldn't it be cool if..." stage if the parents aren't an active enabler, fostering and nourishing the idea. And the reason the parents are active enablers is pride.

Now even goals that can be good can be self-destructive at the same time. For olympic athletes and professional tennis players, the sacrifices are huge and the damage can be devistating - and we only hear about the ones that succeed! But for this, there is little real upside besides the publicity itself. It's a stunt little different than the balloon boy stunt.

Put these ideas together: selfish pride.

You have to ask?

No, I already knew the answer. I was making a point.

 

[rewebster]

well, I think its about the same (the age thing) as a 12 year old entering college---is it right? are they going to be mentally screwed up their whole life because they're not mentally/socially developed?


Sometimes the kid wants to do 'whatever' and the parents are there to support their child's quest and goal--

-I don't think there's anything wrong with any of it--

unless its the parent that pushes the child into a course, a occupation, or an area, whether its the child job area to kids' pageants, then it has a chance of screwing up the kids life as an adult.

Put these ideas together: selfish pride.

do you know the backgound why? Do you know how she decided to do it?

it sounds like you're making a concrete statement from your own opinion without knowing the full story.

 

[russ_watters]

Obviously the record book was not all-important, since the book you refer to was always going to disregard her on the basis of her age. Perhaps the inspirational experience was more important? (So of course she is the one defining the goals.)

That isn't the way her website reads: "Inspired in her turn by Kay Cottee, the first woman to sail solo non-stop unassisted around the world and by Jesse Martin, the youngest person to do so, Jessica Watson has set her sights on beating Jesse’s achievement."

As for leaving school, 16 year olds are not required to attend (!), but this trip has not obstructed her from completing school anyway. (For that matter, she's old enough to be emancipated.)

What do you mean it isn't obstructing her? She wasn't doing internet-based schooling while she was sailing, was she?

And the journey has raised her career/future prospects far beyond what spending that time in a normal classroom would have.

Doubtful. Employers like accomplishments, but accomplishments that come at the expense of other accomplishments don't make an overall net positive. Hopefully, she'll end up finishing school, though.

You still haven't described the circumstances of the support boats.. how far away, for what portion of the trip? You seem to want to complain that she was completely abandoned in mortal danger and receiving great ongoing physical assistance at the same time.

Conceded: when I first posted, I didn't know about the support boats, and I still don't know what they did exactly. Them being there certainly reduces the risk, but it doesn't eliminate it (she collided with a merchant ship!) so it doesn't really change the logic much.

 

[cesiumfrog]

Doubtful? Employers will inevitably bias toward a name they recognise, and her fame provides new avenues of employment (and potential high incomes) in industries that most have no access to.

Her website says she's still continuing and intending to finish school. After that if she chooses to go to uni, there's no way she'll be worse off than the common entrant who first works minimum wage for one year after school (this is done to declare independence and thereby secure government study assistance). But like I pointed out, there's no requirement here for her to have been at school at her age in the first place, so that whole point is moot.

 

[mheslep]

This is a pretty new fad apparently and will only end when one of these kids gets killed.

Why? Many single handed circumnavigators have died at sea, and many have done just fine, including several young women.

 

[rootX]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8684120.stm

Ms Watson has reportedly sold her story to Rupert Murdoch's News Limited for A$700,000 ($625,000).

She made money and earned fame.

Only thing I was amazed was her confidence and maturity in the videos posted in the OP and how she handled questions.

 

[Gokul43201]

I didn't say anything about permission either. Yes, they drove it. They had to: there's no other way for a kid to do such a thing.

Look, I'm not a parent yet. But it is my understanding that far and away the number one source of pride for a parent is the accomplishments of their kids. From screaming soccer moms to those stupid "My kid is an honors student at..." bumper stickers, kids' accomplishments are parents' accomplishments.

Every kid has dreams like being an athlete or astronaut. Those dreams are ones that the parents can help with but most of the work is done by the kids. But an around-the-world sail is different. That idea doesn't get beyond the "wouldn't it be cool if..." stage if the parents aren't an active enabler, fostering and nourishing the idea. And the reason the parents are active enablers is pride.

Now even goals that can be good can be self-destructive at the same time. For olympic athletes and professional tennis players, the sacrifices are huge and the damage can be devistating - and we only hear about the ones that succeed! But for this, there is little real upside besides the publicity itself. It's a stunt little different than the balloon boy stunt.

Put these ideas together: selfish pride.

Russ, this is nothing more that profiling, and at best an unscientific attempt at it. You have some notions of how a (statistical) population generally behaves and what motivates them, and you are using that to draw conclusions about one particular specimen within that population. That's just plain wrong.

Besides, you are stating as a fact about a specific family what is really nothing more than an opinion based on your own amateur (I'm using that term in its technical sense) interpretation of perceived general trends.

 

[Gokul43201]

Also, it tickles me when people who have no experience or in-depth knowledge of a field pass judgment on the risks involved and decide to label people who have loads of experience in said field as "stupid"! Where does the conviction for such judgment arise from?

The same thing happened in the thread (this past winter) about climbers that died on Mt Hood. Everybody and their grandmother decided that the climbers had to be "stupid", while the only person involved in that thread who had actually climbed Mt Hood (and probably the only person in the thread who had climbed any glaciated mountain), refused to make such a judgment.

 

[DaveC426913]

I didn't say anything about permission either. Yes, they drove it. They had to: there's no other way for a kid to do such a thing.

Look, I'm not a parent yet. But it is my understanding that far and away the number one source of pride for a parent is the accomplishments of their kids. From screaming soccer moms to those stupid "My kid is an honors student at..." bumper stickers, kids' accomplishments are parents' accomplishments.

Every kid has dreams like being an athlete or astronaut. Those dreams are ones that the parents can help with but most of the work is done by the kids. But an around-the-world sail is different. That idea doesn't get beyond the "wouldn't it be cool if..." stage if the parents aren't an active enabler, fostering and nourishing the idea. And the reason the parents are active enablers is pride.

Now even goals that can be good can be self-destructive at the same time. For olympic athletes and professional tennis players, the sacrifices are huge and the damage can be devistating - and we only hear about the ones that succeed! But for this, there is little real upside besides the publicity itself. It's a stunt little different than the balloon boy stunt.

Put these ideas together: selfish pride.

Yep. It's not based on the facts; it's based on your preconceptions and generalizations. You tell these people who they are, then judge that, and find them wanting.

Russ, this is nothing more that profiling, and at best an unscientific attempt at it. You have some notions of how a (statistical) population generally behaves and what motivates them, and you are using that to draw conclusions about one particular specimen within that population. That's just plain wrong.

Besides, you are stating as a fact about a specific family what is really nothing more than an opinion based on your own amateur (I'm using that term in its technical sense) interpretation of perceived general trends.

OK, much more eloquent that my comment...

 

[jackmell]

I think 16 is too young and would have tried to convince her to wait until she was 20 or 19 or whenever she's old enough so I can't force her not to. Probably she would pitch a fit though but then I would have tried and explain to her what happens to a dad when he looses his little girl at any age but especially when she's really little (like 16), someone he loves more than anything in the world. It would be a little disturbing and might traumatize her some but maybe that's what it would take to get her to wait and get through adolescence relatively unharmed. After that, I'm done raising you, it's entirely up to you what you wish to do, and I would support you.