Position: 1600 35˚21’S, 117°02’E
Date:Wednesday March 10, 2010

Berth taken

Meanwhile, the wind turned to the north east and is now constantly blowing around 30 knots. The sky is clear and we can once again enjoy a perfect sailing day. At  the moment we can use coast navigation to determine our position more accurate. At 30 miles distance we sail with 12 knots along the southwest coast of Australia. Around noon time we passed Albany. After two days of seeing no ships at all, we are now sailing on a real highway for ships. Some of them hope to find some cover from the coast, but the waves roll around Australia and cause a lot of swell. But thanks to the beautiful weather everyone still enjoys the trip.
Last night, the wind decreased and turned to the north, unfavorable to us because we want to go north. High on the wind, we will continue to sail west, away from the coast. That's good, because we have just been told that the world's largest cruise ship is on our berth on the 14th. The Queen Mary II leaves at 17:00 LT so we have time to sail a little longer at sea. And then when the wind will turn to the west, it will be perfect sailing to Fremantle. Timing is everything.

Andi Manser
Captain Clipper Stad Amsterdam