We are gaining westerly longitude. The wind starts backing and that means a more downwind track for the Clipper. The running rigging for the studding sails was replaced today to make it able to set these sails. With the knowledge of an even more backing wind the maintop will cover the sails on the foretop and we will need these light weather sails.
New year’s evening was very calm. After all we are on sea so most of the crew is or on watch or in their bunk. At the watch handover at 00.00 there was a moment of celebration on the campaigndeck. After convincing ourselves that there was no ship in within 50 miles around we launched some old emergency fireworks en the 2nd mate Matthijs gave a lasershow on the sails. Milou took care of the atmosphere by playing some music on the charthouse and handing out breaklights while Paul celebrated his new year in black tie with a Cuban sigar. His new year’s resolution says it will be his last nicotine for 2010.

Richard Slootweg
Capitein Clipper Stad Amsterdam