06.06.2016: On Course to the Azores

On Course to the Azores

We are on our way. We cast off from the Jacaré Marina on the 2nd of June after taking on provisions and a total of 2000 liters of diesel fuel – out of 20-liter canisters – that takes a while. And then we were off.

Ahead of us lies the longest non-stop stage of the whole journey with about 3000 sea miles without a stopover to the Azores. We are hoping for favourable winds. Actually the southeast trade winds should prevail here but they are coming more from east-northeast – pretty much head on. To get us well positioned north of the equator in order to get the northeast trade winds we want to reach the 25° western longitude if possible. It takes strategy and luck to be able to make a swift passage. The sea waters have a temperature of 28°C and the air is a little cooler with 27°C.

Daily life on board is determined by the rhythm of watches. Von 0-4 Fabian and Friedrich take their turn, from 4-8 it is then Krischan and Mauro and from 8-12 Leszek and Lauren. Babett is the ship’s cook and I as skipper get involved pretty well everywhere. After early symptoms of seasickness with some of the new crew members, everyone is luckily feeling better. It is this daily routine at sea – I enjoy this very much. Dependent only on the wind the clouds and the sea.

We have covered considerable distances in the past weeks. It was 3559 sea miles from Ushuaia to Cabedelo. Yesterday we passed the island Fernando do Noronha – the last land sighting for quite a long time. On the outward journey the “Dagmar Aaen” stopped over there for a week. We just don’t have that much time now. Our next destination is the equator. I will report!

Arved Fuchs