True Spirit

by Jessica Watson
Published by Hachette Australia
ISBN 9780733649028

An inspiring story from a young adventurer, Jessica Watson, who at the age of 16 took on a formidable challenge to be the youngest solo sailor to circumnavigate the world. Sadly records for the youngest sailors are no longer officially kept, so her record remains unofficial.

Jessica repeatedly says in her memoir that she isn’t anything special and she is an ordinary Australian teenager (at the time of her adventure in 2009) who had a dream to sail around the world from the age of 14.

After reading her story it is easy to see there is a big difference between Jessica Watson and an ordinary or every day person She had that burning desire to achieve her dream.

The memoir contains her blog posts detailing her daily life on board in which she writes about the many challenges she faced and how she spent her 210 days and nights. Frequently with precious little sleep interrupted by weather conditions. dealing with gale-force winds, forty-foot waves and several knockdowns that saw the boat's mast go beneath the water,

The additional more detailed explanations written for this book following these posts makes interesting reading as she tells the reader about the repairs she has to make, trimming the sails, keeping on course - talking to 'Parker", communicating with her family, reporting positions to authorities and officials even what she’s cooking and eating. Jessica also reveals the things she misses and the ups and fortunately not many downs of coping as a solo sailor in vast oceans with no other help at hand .

Clearly Jessica has a good sense of humour and while at times comments she is a typical teenager, it appears she is far more mature than her years. Listening and taking advice from experienced sailors many years her senior and from those in her age group who have undertaken similar journeys stood her in good stead as she recalls their words and advice at various times throughout this circumnavigation

It is particularly pleasing to read her will to overcome her's and her family's many critics and not let this negativity get in the way or prevent her from doing what she so dearly wanted to achieve. Prejudices against her age, her size and how she looks are something she set out to prove had nothing to do with her abilities. This is something others may learn and take comfort from. It appears these prejudices inspired her even more.

It is easy to imagine her adventure marking off smaller goals as she sails towards crossing the equator, the Line Islands then the four capes, passing and taking care not to get to close to several small/micro islands in the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian Oceans and ships, especially after her initial ordeal off the Queensland coast.

While Jessica Watson has dyslexia, and had not yet completed her schooling when she set sail from Sydney Harbour on this epic journey. She did undertake schoolwork aboard Ella’s Pink Lady completing school on her return to Queensland. She went on to write this book, novels and achieve an MBA and recognition as Young Australian Of The Year in 2011, an OAM (Order of Australia Medal) for services to sailing and being a role model for the youth of Australia.

This is an inspirational story ideal for younger people and adults to understand that you can achieve anything you want in life if you have the will while reading about a thrilling voyage.

The sponsors, supporters and suppliers are frequently mentioned and given their level of support it is to be expected.

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