Happy Birthday

18 February 2014

Update by Wim Galliaert:
“Since yesterday morning we sail through thick fog. Maximum sight of 200 meter. In my watch, 04:00 till 08:00, the wind slowly fades away and we set the upper topsail. We also change the Argentinian courtesy flag for the Union Jack, The Falklands are getting closer. When the watch is over we take off our heavy weather gear, drenched by the fog. Downstairs breakfast is waiting and the saloon is nicely decorated for our birthday girl, Lotte (20). Happy Birthday Lotte! After breakfast it’s straight to bed for a little nap. The minute I show my face again on deck, Peter asks me to climb the mast. The upper topsail needs to be tied up. The previous time I didn’t make it halfway the upper topsail (to untie the sail). It’s really steep and the movement much longer. We sail out of the fog. Upstairs Peter makes sure I‘m comfortable, and this time I do make it halfway the upper topsail. When Peter ties up the sail on one end, I ask him if I can try it alone. “Go ahead”, is the answer. And this time I make it all the way to the end! What a personal victory. Peter points out two dolphins playing in front of the ship. From my viewing point it’s like the swim under glass: so clear. Back on deck the birthday girl and myself come face to face with a seal in the water: Happy birthday Lotte!”