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.

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

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

The Cape shows its tougher side!

During the Christmas and New Year’s celebrations you could get the impression that the weather at Cape Horn is much better than its reputation. With a mild 25 °C in the sun, blue skies and mild winds one is reminded of a northern German summer.

This peacefulness is now definitely over. For days now, the Cape Horn weather station has reported a wind force of 40 to 58 knots and wave heights of up to 6 meters. The forecast for the next five days: An improvement in the weather cannot be expected. We spoke with Osvaldo yesterday. Osvaldo is the owner and skipper of the “Polarwind”, a robust and comfortably equipped steel yacht. Osvaldo is Chilean and used to work as a lighthouse keeper on Cape Horn. He worked alone there. His descriptions of the storms which he experienced there are a cause for concern.

Hell is breaking loose

During one storm his lodging, which was secured by steel cables, was raised by 10 cm and all the windows were broken. “At Cape Horn you must always add about 15 knots to the wind velocity that has been forecasted”, say Osvaldo. Cape Horn is not just a legend – Cape Horn is true to its bad reputation.
Due to the actual weather situation, the Chilean navy has requested and stationed another helicopter for Puerto Williams. This one is larger and higher in performance and is now available in the event of ships in distress.

We have been here in Puerto Williams for days now waiting for better weather conditions together with other yachts from all over the world. Many laptops are flipped open with crew members sitting in front of them and studying the weather forecasts. Skippers are leaning over their ship’s rail with knitted brows and talking to one another – contemplative faces everywhere. But we are all safe here! One look over the Beagle Canal leaves no questions open. There are at least 6 Beaufort and wave heights of 1,5-2 meters – and that in the protected inner fairway. Further out all hell is breaking loose.

We can only wait until this storm front has passed by...

Arved Fuchs