For those who have seen the Clipper turned inside out it may look like a miracle to sail away from here with passengers in just over a week from now. Luckily we have the experience that everything turns out to be o.k. at the end but still there is a lot to be done before that. Having some yards ashore you cannot cal the “Stad” a fully rigged vessel, the engine room looks like a battle field and a longroom without furniture reminds one of a desolated dancing room.
This writing is being made in the cabin of the hotel manager due to the lack of an interior at the place of the captain’s cabin. This paneling together with that of some other cabins had to be taken apart in order to replace some pipes. Meanwhile we are in a stadium of building up again and being aware of the positive results of all the work everybody seems to be stimulated and remains in a good mood. 

Richard Slootweg
Captain Stad Amsterdam