On  May 6th  we leave Faro. As prelude for the weather in the Mediterranean we proceed under engine with no wind and in the evening the wind increases to 9 beaufort on the nose. With that, the tendency for the trip to Civitavecchia is set; Wind, no wind, headwind, downwind. All kinds of wind directions and forces start with no warning.

Still, in all this irregularity there is regularity: The blue watch sets all sails at eight o’clock followed by the red watch who takes it all away at two o’clock because the speed is too low. The white watch continues stowing at four o’clock but sees wind picking up at seven o’clock and at eight o clock the blue watch starts their watch…

When the Italian Pilot hears that we sailed all the way from Faro he finds the right words immediately: “Mamma Mia!”
 
Christophe Meijer
1st mate Clipper Stad Amsterdam