A southeast wind guarantees a smooth sea underway from Bremerhaven to the Netherlands. Under these circumstances we enjoyed a beautiful day under sail last Sunday. The lack of waves has a remarkable effect on the reduced resistance of our ship through the water and only a moderate breeze is enough to push the Clipper to 10 knots speed. We sailed close under the coast which is only allowed to us when under canvas, using the engine obligates a vessel to use the traffic separation scheme, a shipping lane somewhat further from land.
As we came along the Dutch coastline the coastguard of our home country boarded our ship for an inspection. They appeared to be asked for that by their German colleges who suspected us of using the engine after having left the river Weser and outside the traffic separation scheme. A ship that increases speed after shutting down the engine and continue the voyage under canvas seems to be a rarity for some people.   

Richard Slootweg
Captain Stad Amsterdam