Atlantische oversteek, dag 2
SeaWalk op reis
Sergej & Isabelle Berendsen
Mon 24 Nov 2008 13:18
We have left. I
actually thought we would be more nervous starting a few days before the
actual start. That was not the case. Especially because we were very busy
with the preparations. Even on the morning of the start we were busy with
preparing Seawalk for her trip. Details about the last week are still to be
written down and will follow later.
We were about the
last boat across the starting line en were sailing behind the fleet most of the
day. Day 1 was wonderful sailing weather. With the Genaker, the boat went very
nice and quick. In the evening it became a little too much (often 9 knots
with a max of 10.2 knots), so we took off the Genaker and went further on the
Genua 1.Unfortunately the wind died down a few hours later and we only clocked
about 4 -5 knots most of the night with only our Genua.
Because we chose for
comfort our first nigtht out, so we could sleep better and get used to the
movements of the boat, we were getting behind even further. Very frustrating for
a competitively natured crew. Isabelle, Yannick and I all would like to go
faster. But what difference does it make on this long haul anyway and the
comfort is very important for our kids as that increases the enjoyment for all
on this trip.
Now we are sailing
on the Genaker and the HA (High Aspect), both boomed out to the side. This is
called Butterfly, but in dutch we also call this ¨milkmaid¨.
Sinterklaas and
Black Pete are sailing with us. Before we left we put 2 AH dolls in the mast for
the look-out and so the real Sinterklaas knows were a Dutch children boat is
sailing, so he can bring us gifts for the kids on 5
December.
This morning we were
happy to see a large group of dolphins who were playing around Seawalk for
hours. Their beautiful jumps were a sight for sore eyes. And getting a
guideance of Neptunes´ herauts is always a good sign.
The atmosphere on
board is fantastic and the weather is expected to be very favourable the
coming days. Will be continued.