JesseMartin.Net
19th October 1999
I AM only 900 nautical miles from Melbourne and I still can't make radio contact with Sandringham Yacht Club.
We must be using a frequency which is too high for the time of night because instead of hearing Stewy's voice coming through like I'd expect, I'm receiving some guy as clear as a bell saying in an Indian accent: "So you want to come into Bombay?"
Radio signals can be strange. It all depends on the atmospheric conditions, weather and position of the sun.
After my comment last week about most things that can break already having done so, I have to report two more casualties.
First, and very annoying, is the chrome handle on the left of the companionway. One of the two attachments holding it to the wall has rusted through.
Every time I go to climb into the cockpit I almost give myself a heart attack when it comes out and I nearly topple backwards.
Second, and equally annoying, is the computer. The screen no longer shows anything understandable and one of the hinges has broken.
I'm now using the spare computer and finding the keyboard strange.
One foggy day last week I just happened to feel like standing at the stern of Lionheart and feel her taking on the waves.
I was outside for only a few minutes when I saw something ahead and to starboard as we were on the crest of a wave.
The next swell disclosed what had caught my eye.
It was a motor vessel heading north on a collision course and gaining quickly.
It was about half a mile away and I had about five minutes to spare, so I dropped the headsail and jibed over to run a parallel course in the opposite direction.
I waited until it passed, then put the boat back on course before going below to call on the VHF radio.
I received no reply.
They probably didn't expect to see anyone down here and neither did I.
I looked on the chart but there were no islands south of our position, so my only guess is that it was perhaps a survey vessel, a fishing boat or even a supply ship from Antarctica.
I believe this is the second-last diary entry that I'll have to write. Wooohooo, because I'm running out of things to write about!
It usually takes me about half an hour or 40 minutes to complete a diary entry and send it off.
This is a long time to sit still and have the computer open when water is coming in and the boat needs attention.
I'm pleased to say it's only 20 knots at the moment and the sun is out, making it such a glorious day that I feel like letting loose with an Italian opera song. I don't know any opera songs and I can't speak Italian. But I would if I could.
With only one more entry after this, I'd like to thank the following people who have been greatly involved and assisted in getting me away with a positive attitude and a "head-down, bum-up" approach:
Dr GEOFF Broomhall, who instructed me in applying first aid treatment and organising my comprehensive medical kit.
JACINTA Oxford, who spent countless hours walking down supermarket aisles taking notes and drawing up my nutritionally balanced menu.
PHIL Carr and Dad, for their very hard work in co-ordinating the tradesmen in the boat yard and their many skills put to use in installing equipment.
SCOTT Eccleston, from Sandringham Yacht Club, for helping me boost sailing's profile throughout my journey.
JOHN Hill, for his moral support and fastidiousness in teaching me navigation, survival and maintenance and his behind-the-scenes phone calls.
STEVE O'Sullivan, for his introductions and being the first organisation to take me on.
ROGER Badham, for his correspondence with weather reports and advice every day.
MUM and Andrew, who seemed to do all the jobs that go in between.
MATTHEW Gerard, the cornerstone to it all.
And finally, thanks to Claire Bolge, of Grade 4, St Joseph's, Warragul, for this poem:
Sailing through the icy sea, heading back to home.
Determined to get back to shore, ambition made of stone.
Bravery's important, when you set out on a quest.
When you handle things like you do, you will come back like the best.
Schools wishing to welcome Jesse home should contact Sandringham Yacht Club on 9598 7444 or e-mail office@ syc.org.au to organise bus parking.