Jessica Watson has polarised a nation with her attempt to be the youngest person to sail an unassisted solo voyage around the world in her little 34 foot boat, "Ella's Pink Lady".

Those with an adventurist spirit can relate to her courage, desire and determination to follow her heart and silence her critics. Having met Jessica and her family and after sitting with her on her boat, I am one of the optimists that believe she can do it. She is well prepared, incredibly focussed and unbelievably mature for a 16 year old girl. 
She know's exactly what she's doing. As the current record holder Jesse Martin said, "Experience is overrated. All you need is a good attitude and Jessica certainly has that."

Of course, I can't comment from a parent's point of view, but from a child that was given the freedom to explore opportunity and pursue my dreams from a young age, I am a strong supporter of anyone that has the willingness to set a goal and the audacity to achieve a dream, no matter how extreme it may seem to the masses.

There are so many out there that live in fear of failure, but the only fear people like Jess experience is living a life not lived.

Good luck Jessica, I know you can do it!