Jessica Watson: 144th Day and less than 6,000 Miles for Sydney Harbour

March 10, 2010:  Today marks day 144 of Jessica’s solo circumnavigation, as she sailed past the 16,500 nautical mile (nm) mark of her journey, less than 6,000 nm to her final destination of Sydney Harbour. 

Jessica is currently progressing east in the Indian Ocean with the code 0 sail up. This is a large sail used in lighter downwind conditions.

Cape Leeuwin is the next landmark, which is located on the most Southern Westerly tip of Australia, where the Indian and Southern Oceans meet. This is approximately 3,500 nm from Jessica’s current position.

Yesterday, Jessica managed to collect 4 litres of rainwater from the mainsail and dodger. For those concerned about the water stocks, rest assured this was more a bonus than a necessity.

She celebrated the capture of rainwater last evening Jessica, enjoying a mix of vegetables for dinner, with her customary dose of chocolate for dessert

“It’s a nice, healthy balanced meal,” Jessica joked.

Having been sailing for over 20 weeks and now edging closer to the west coast of Australia, the excitement of Jessica’s return continues to build. We have had many requests from media and supporters seeking an estimated arrival time back in Sydney.

However, at this stage, it is premature to predict any date, as Jessica still has a long way to go and is just focusing on one day at a time.