Why do people find it so hard to support a 16 year old girl's quest to become the youngest person to ever sail solo around the world?

When I first read about Aussie girl Jessica Watson's quest on News.com.au I felt very proud. Not only is this a good day for Australia, but also for women.

But Jessica has received a great deal of negative media coverage and public disapproval. And why?

Sure, her maiden voyage down the east coast of Australia did not go according to plan when she was involved in a collision with a cargo ship, but is that really reason to conclude that she should not attempt to complete her mission? Have you ever had a dream?

I have seen many public displays of concern, from "Why is she not in school?" to "Your pride will not let you pull out now". But, it seems one of the main concerns with Jess embarking on this journey is taxpayers having to foot the bill when, and if, she requires rescuing.

When did we become so damn selfish and greedy?

Every day our tax is funding things like alcohol and drug related health issues, dole bludgers, career mothers who pop out baby after baby to keep the steady flow of income, and paying council workers to clean up our filthy streets after we litter them with empty alcohol cans and bottles, and spray paint peoples' letterboxes.

If supporting Jess in achieving her dreams is not a worthy way of spending our taxes, then I do not know what is.

Sure, the risks are high... it is a dangerous mission. But it is one girl's dream, and it is an admirable dream. The girl has guts.

Jess cannot wait another year. In order to break the record as the youngest person to ever sail solo around the world, she must do it now, while she is 16. The record is currently at age 17, so there is no second chance here.

Unlike many of us, whether she succeeds or fails, this girl can walk away with her head held high and progress through life without the regret of not giving it a go.

Rewards do not come cheap, and satisfaction is not achieved without having to take some risks. I think we all know the biggest risk Jess faces with her mission, and Jess knows it, too. But it is a risk she is willing to take, and if it means this girl gets to grow up without having any regrets, then we need to support her.

She is not a druggy, she is not a trouble-making teen. She is a girl with a dream. And that dream requires a lot of hard work, guts, and ambition. Do not rain on Jessica Watson's parade anymore. Hold your head up high and be proud that there are still youth like this around.

Bon voyage, Jess. Make us proud. May the sun shine on you during your quest.