This month’s death of 2 experienced sailors highlights the dangers inherent in yachting and the sheer insanity and utter inadvisability of Jessica Watson’s bid to sail solo around the world.
Many experienced yachties have added their voice to a growing chorus of experts, which includes Queensland’s Maritime Safety Bureau, saying that 16 years old is too inexperienced to embark on such an 11 month voyage.
I interviewed John Bertrand, the skipper of the yacht that won the America’s Cup in 1983, on the topic of whether my view of Jessica’s voyage was valid. A world champion and Olympic medallist, Mr. Bertrand represented Australia in five America’s Cups and two Olympic Games. He told me he could not sanction his own daughter doing the journey, and he expressed doubts about Jessica Watson’s physical strength and experience.
Other sources tell me that experienced yachties have contacted Jessica and advised her to get more experience before setting off. She refused.
Not only are there legitimate questions as to whether she has the cognitive and emotional maturity to handle such an arduous journey, but this sets a dangerous precedent which might encourage even younger people to try their hand.
A Dutch court put a stop to 13-year-old Dutch sailor Laura Dekker’s attempt to become the youngest person ever to sail around by taking temporary custody of her. My question now is: why has no one approached the Family Court or the Supreme Court of Queensland to grant an injunction preventing Jessica Watson from this madness?
Writer Dr Michael Carr-Gregg, Generation Next speaker, adolescent psychologist and author. Editor Dr Ramesh Manocha.
Bah Humbug! The earth is flat! A meteor could strike the earth! Aliens may arrive! Oh no!!!
I am really disappointed with Carr-Gregg’s article on Jessica Watson. As a parent of two young girls and a teacher in an all girls school, I encourage Jessica’s courageous voyage. I have always respected Carr-Gregg’s opinion and judgement on many issues relating to adolescent mental health and generally issues around raising teens. However, I seriously disagree that a court order or injunction should be raised to prevent a young person taking on such a thing. In her decision to take on such a huge challenge, I think Jessica represents a threat to many people, but it could not be said that the yachting community(generally) are not behind her, whilst some would still strongly disagree and there are many who would try to stop her there are also many solo adventureres who have come out in their droves to support her. Thousands of people/adventurerers support her. It is interesting that there was not such a similar outcry against Jesse Martin or Mike Perham who set out on a similar challenge when they were only a year younger than she is now and there was never the same level of outrage. Is this simply because she is a female? The issue of her physical capabilities are of course a cause for concern but many of us would know the strength of mental attitude and strength that can win out against this. Jessica Watson is not naive to the challenges that lie before her and she has both youth on her side and probaby against her at the same time. She is an incredibly articulate, thougthful and well-prepared young woman who is ready to face an incredible journey that will require every aspect of her mental strength and sheer grit and determination to complete.
She is a resilient young woman whom I consider to be a great role model to the young women of Australia and the world. I sincerely hope for the best for Jessica and will continue to uphold her to my daughters and the students I teach as a role model who thirst for adventure and challenge!
I would like to know who or what would motivate a young person to make an 11-month solo voyage around the world when, as I understand, adolescents are generally attracted to more social activities?
Pretty scary stuff. I agree she is very young and inexperienced I just hope she has enough sense to stop before it is too late
I wholeheartedly agree with Carr-Gregg and believe he is one of the few people talking sense in relation to this issue. As a child-protection advocate, i question the attitude of a society that encourages a 16 year old to live like this, where does the law stand in terms of her protection. Just because she has the means to undertake this voyage, doesn’t mean that it should be allowed to happen. If she were undertaking to drive around Australia sleeping under the stars for almost a year would that be acceptable?
Re Jo Mitchell’s post: “incedibly articulate”! You must be joking. When she speaks she is difficult at times to understand, and sounds more like a 14 year old.
Words like “cute”, “amazing” and “wow” pepper her conversation and bloggings.
How can mental strength make up for lack of physical strength when you are fighting a 50 knot gale?
And by the way, she is not a young woman, she is a 16 year old child.