Bumpy sea

The problem that I described last Tuesday seems to be solved. We don’t have to sail for days within sight of Sydney harbor to ensure a scheduled arrival. The Australian authorities are very flexible by clearing the vessel at an unusual location: Lord Howe Island. A piece of land of 14 square kilometer 300 miles of the Australian coast. Some say it is the most beautiful island in the Pacific. We will know tomorrow, but from a distance as going ashore is not allowed with this clearing. Nevertheless most aboard are satisfied with a quit anchorage as the ship has had a fair share of rolling. Keeping your balance is hard work for most even during the night when it takes quite some effort to stay in your bunk. When you don’t hold on to your cup at dinner to avoid your food from sliding of your plate your orange juice will end on your neighbor’s clothing. The galley sounds like a brass band playing out of rhythm and the 2nd mate draws an uncontrolled course line straight over land. As my computer mouse flew by several times over the last few minutes and my leg aches from having my food to my closet is seems justified to end today’s log entry here…

Richard Slootweg
Captain Clipper Stad Amsterdam