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13.06.2016: The Calm Belt


The Calm Belt


The Callesen motor cannot complain of having nothing to do these past days. The “Dagmar Aaen” has entered the calm belt further north and is hoping for at least a little breeze soon. The calm belt is an almost windless region near the equator especially in the area between the 10th southerly and the 10th northerly degrees of latitude. Therefore it is impossible to sail at the moment and in addition it has been raining incessantly for the past few days.


During a short improvement in the weather the crew at least managed a big catch – a dolphin fish provided a rise in spirits and a welcome change on the meal plan. Otherwise the crew and Arved Fuchs spend their windless time at different tasks on board are anxiously awaiting the results of the European Soccer Tournament. Fabian is happy about the first match of the Swiss team and is filled with optimism for the next matches. “Everything is possible”, rejoices the boatman from Switzerland. Leszek is longing for the results for the Polish team and might have to put up with the mockery of the crew for days after the duel against Germany this Thursday. Or he might just completely take over the commando on board.


  


 


 


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08.06.2016: Equator


Christening of Sailors on Crossing the line


Today on the 7th of June at 01:51 we crossed the equator. This of course does not remain without certain consequences. At about 11 o’clock pm Neptune arrived with his entourage to complete the christening of those yet unchristened sailors. According to tradition those to be christened must go through certain procedures before they can accept their christening certificate.



We are under full sail and on a northerly course once again – the weather is beautiful.


At night we can see both the Southern Cross and the Big Dipper. The Southern Cross which has accompanied us these past months is slowly sinking behind the horizon. Just another few days and we will see the Northern Star once again. It is wonderful to observe these changes in nature.


Arved Fuchs


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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