As we have been beating up against the wind northwards, we have been treated to some superb views of the coast of Greenland.  We are sailing under a constant grey blanket of cloud, but the land seems to have all the sunshine, so we are treated to a narrow pillar box sun-filled views. 
The odd 'berg in the way only adds the to the magic.

Of course being close to the shore has its more exciting moments.  One occurred yesterday when the Skipper realised that we suddenly hit at current pushing us onto shore at 7 knots and had to tack really quickly.  Should the cool calm professorial described in yesterday's blog really be shouting and swearing that much?  [Although given the performance of the crew who had been “focusing on icebergs” (not much action required apart from looking) for the past few days their “rapid” response to the imminent danger was not quite the coiled spring approach the Skipper was looking for, hence some _expression_ of his needs J, all in the nicest possible way – note from Anne (Watch Leader)].

As I write, we are about 50 miles to Maniitsoq, should be on our final tack for a straight run.  The most common questions heard at the moment is 'How far to go'? and ‘Which watch will be on when we get there?'.  We do not know what is in store for us apart from a refuel, but we hope to be allowed a few hours ashore.  Peter says that his greatest wish is to lie down flat on an unmoving surface.

Last night we got up to do our 4 – 8 watch and commented on the number of times we were rolled side to side in our beds.  We mentioned to the off coming White watch that they must have had a few goldfish moments * whilst steering and had gone round in circles.  They were very defensive, and denied any 'off track' steering.   However, if you look closely at the attached photo, the flag has been wrapped around several times. We conclude that it can only have happened by the boat going around the flag.

* Goldfish moment.    Skipper definition:  Goldfish only have a memory span of four minutes.  Approx the same length of time a crew member can keep a simple instruction in their heads.

Everyone is really looking forward to getting to Kangaamiut and meeting up with the other guys from the expedition. The sight of the Greenland coast yesterday is very similar to Scotland. However the currents close in can be very treacherous and as previously described we had to tack very quickly. It looks like we may stop up in Maniitsoq and continue on our trip tomorrow, however it remains to be seen what happens after we refuel. Peter has spent the day going over reefs and tacking with Allan (hopefully for some swift ‘coiled spring’ response for our next tacking requirements), we are planned to be on the 12-4 watch tonight, although hope to be alongside by then and tucked in our bunks for a relaxing nights sleep. The weather has been quite overcast and it is very cold on watch so everyone has had to wrap up well as it is getting very cold at night. We are also hoping to see some of the Arctic sun if the cloud breaks and some more icebergs. Only a couple more days to go. The trip has gone very quickly!

Blue Watch at Dinner!!!!!

We are slowly bearing down on Maniitsoq and looking forward to a short refueling break. Its been very cold at times transiting up the West Greenland coast which seems to have led all of us to become a little more tired. Its certainly harder to get out of our warm sleeping bags after 2.5ish hours rest when the cabins are very cold and the extra warm kit makes the initial getting ready phase all the more cumbersome. Not to mention the difficulty of getting to the heads (loos) before getting dressed. We’ve been getting plenty of practice at tacking and will soon be refreshing our coming alongside/mooring skills [“oh joy” says the Skipper]. Looking forward to seeing all you Leg 2ers in Kangaamiut soon.

Regards, Blue Watch  (Anne, Peter, Allan, Neil)

Sheila

Can you send an email so we have your return email for any last minute changes to return leg plans for meeting at Windsor.  Your husband cannot remember your work email address. Send to ‘adventure at mailasail dot com’. [This is just a rouse requirement to email – real reason is Peter is feeling left out as no-one is mailing him personally! Sheila, please respond if you have nothing else to do and save us from the misery of his daily moaning.]