Position: 1100 LT 34˚08’S, 114°42’E
Date:Thursday March 11, 2010

Berth taken

Usually I am an early riser. I do not have to hurry since at that time the shower is not occupied yet. After my first cup of coffee and downloading my e-mail, it is time to go on deck for a while. I find peace and quiet on deck. All but the crew on watch are still sleeping. A brief check of the sail trim and a check of the weather. The ship sails gracefully through the sea. De wind decreased during the night and the sea calmed down.
The Clipper’s deck is clean and tidy again. The watch is not only occupied with sail handling during the night, they also clean the entire ship. A chore that is less aspiring, but important none the less. Besides the nautical tasks everybody has to perform the chores as well. Cleaning and sail handling are both part of the job.
This is the moment of sunrise. A red disk slowly rising from the sea on the horizon. Remarkable, but after seeing so many sun rises I still enjoy the moment. On a distance emerges Cape Leeuwin, the southernmost point of the Australian continent. The sky is hardly clouded. Nice, this appears to become a fine day again. Hans Fels is fishing diligently. Another soul enjoying the early morning. A moment on the bridge for a briefing of the latest developments. Then it is time for my second cup of coffee.
It was very quiet at the breakfast table today, not many people were awake yet. Strange, since it is such a lovely day. Possibly everybody is still tired of the rolling of the ship the past couple of days. They are granted to regain their rest.
And now we have rounded the last cape but one. Later, tomorrow or the day after two low pressure zones will arrive, promising heavy head winds at Cape Leeuwin. Just on time. One of the reasons why we sailed as fast as we could the past few days.
We may expect sunny weather and a gentle breeze until Perth. This is welcomed by all on board. Have a very nice day yourself.
 
Andi Manser
Captain Clipper Stad Amsterdam