When the Aussie gal Jessica left on her shake down cruise and hit the freighter, I was really skeptical of her abilities. But she has really earned my respect. A real trouper, good writer and has great attitude. She picked a simple boat, outfitted fitted it well, took off at appropriate season and has executed all the way. This whole Open 40, Abby trip seems like it was just rushed to make some I'm the youngest prize. They skipped the shakedown and ended up having to go into Cabo. Left late in the season. Picked a boat that doesn't seem like a good match for a relatively inexperienced single-hander. Had equipment on board that just doesn't seem thought out well enough for the rigors of a single-handed RTW. In the end, it sounds like Jessica really enjoys what she is doing. I'm not sure Abby does.

Paul L