Sailor Jessica Watson hits bulk carrier before solo round the world voyage

[slackmaster]

Source: Australian Associated Press

...A 16-year-old schoolgirl attempting to become the youngest person to sail solo around the world has suffered a setback after her yacht hit a bulk carrier, but she plans to continue her record voyage.

Jessica Watson left Mooloolaba on Queensland's Sunshine Coast on Tuesday on a 10-day preliminary solo journey to Sydney in her 10.4-metre sloop Ella's Pink Lady.

However at 2.30am (AEST) on Wednesday, her yacht crashed into a 63,000-tonne cargo ship believed to be heading north, 15 nautical miles east of North Stradbroke Island's Point Lookout.

Ms Watson's media spokesman Scott Young described the collision as a "small incident" and said she would continue her journey after repairs were made....

Read more: http://livenews.com.au/news/sailor-jessica-watson-hits-bulk-carrier-before-solo-round-the-world-voyage/2009/9/9/218795

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Teenage drivers. I have to wonder if she was texting.

[maxsolomon]

1. is this the Dutch kid? i thought she was younger...

how many girls are trying to get this record, anyway?

[dipsydoodle]

7. Nope

that's another one who's only 13 years old.

[LisaM]

2. This is so, so self indulgent.

What good does this do anyone?

Remember when that 7-year old (yes, 7-year old) was trying to fly a plane across the country? What is wrong with people, anyway?

[Ian David]

10. You mean the little girl that Matt and Katie killed? n/t

[ixion]

3. uh, that's not a very promising start

really, she might want to gather more experience before attempting that.

[Bette Noir]

5. That's my thought.

If she can't sail without hitting another boat, she really shouldn't be piloting one by herself. Around the world is a long way.

[ShortnFiery]

4. I thought she was 13 y.o.? eom

[Bozita]

6. The collision scared her up to 17

[slackmaster]

9. You're probably thinking of the Dutch girl who was put into a hospital for observation

Or something like that.

National healthcare making sure crazy people don't hurt themselves?

[DRoseDARs]

8. How the HELL does a yatch hit a 63,000 ton freighter? Seriously, they aren't exactly speed boats.

She couldn't avoid hitting a ship the size of a city block? And where the FUCK are her parents? Whoop-dee-doo, she's trying to set a sailing record without having the foggiest clue how to sail. And kill herself in the process? Great parenting there. :eyes:

[lumberjack_jeff]

11. There's an interesting book about Tania Aebi

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tania_Aebi

She got off to a similarly inauspicious start.

South pacific ship traffic are not to be trifled with.