Position: 2000 LT 39° S, 147°06’ E
Date:Saturday February 20, 2010

Miles

We still have favorable winds but we fear it will not last too long.

The barometric pressure has decreased considerably and the first cirrus type clouds were observed halfway in the afternoon. These clouds do resemble like feathers. They are the omen of an approaching front that we expect to impair veering and increasing winds. Since we expect that the major part of the misery will remain south of our rump line we are not disturbed very much, however the subsequent system may affect us.
From Monday to Tuesday a low pressure system is raving through the Bass Strait, potentially even more aggravated by the funnel effect between the Australian continent and Tasmania.
The yachting world was shocked by the sinking of 5 yachts and the loss of 6 yachtsmen during the Sydney- Hobart Race of twelve years ago. Therefore any indication of change of weather in this area must be taken very seriously.
The first sails have already been taken in and are being stowed on the yards with gaskets, but we still carry enough sail to keep heading west in the hope to reach Port Philip, the bay off Melbourne, in time before the misery passes over.
 
Richard Slootweg
Captain Clipper Stad Amsterdam