We have left the tropics behind us. We could say the same about the sun…

The day before yesterday we passed the sun by sailing underneath it. During the days before this passage, we could see the sun turning from the east towards the north and to the west. By now she passes us familiarly from the south. To estimate our afternoon position we can set up on the aft deck again. A few days ago we were still struggling with the jibs on the foredeck to find a spot to be able to use the sextant. 
            In the evening dusk, the first officer, apprentice officer and myself were running around the deck trying to find a position with our sextants. In all directions we have to make a dead reckoning within a certain timeframe. Apprentice officer Martin takes the opportunity to estimate the ship’s position using the stars en visibly enjoys being able to do so. With a bit of help from Arcturus, Spica and Dubhe….

Richard Slootweg
Captain Clipper Stad Amsterdam