On the advice of Aeolus, we were heading since the start from Galapagos north of our course line. The Gribfiles promised us that more to the north will be more wind. And because we keep heading north we had always the option to continue with an expected decline of the wind, by turning along. This should give us a better wind angle, so all sails have something to do. During the journey, it seems that we have chosen the right option. We did not turn to the south at all, because the wind at our latitude is better than the one south of us.

This gives us the opportunity to sail around Fatu Hiva, the most southern isle of the Marquisas Archipelago. The bureaucracy let us unfortunately no affordable opportunity to visit the isle for an hour or anchoring.

That is why we just passed it, watched it… momentarily lie still… swim ladder out… getting wet and soon sail further…

Richard Slootweg
Captain Clipper Stad Amsterdam