Departure from Salvador

30 October 2023

Departure from Salvador

Last week, I had the opportunity to take over Gerben’s ship. It was delightful to step on board the Oosterschelde again; it always feels like coming home each time! In Salvador, there was a spot for us along the quay, but due to the occasional rolling of the waves, it was sometimes better to anchor outside the harbor. We would come alongside when there were activities on the ship and return to anchor once they were done. We guided numerous school classes around the ship, conducted a few day trips, and, in the meantime, the researchers associated with the Darwin200 project were carrying out their studies. It was a few hectic days, but the enthusiasm of the schoolchildren and their teachers made it all worthwhile.

The last days in the harbor were all about restocking. All stores were replenished as much as possible: food, drinks, diesel, and so on. We are now ready for the next legs of the journey. On the last day, I was mainly occupied with all the paperwork to leave Salvador and ensure we wouldn’t encounter any issues in Rio de Janeiro later on. A few last-minute changes in the crew list didn’t make it any easier, but ultimately, we believe we have received all the necessary forms and stamps. Our departure from Salvador was exactly how you’d want it: sunny weather, calm waters, and a favorable sailing wind. So, once outside the harbor entrance, we could lower the sponsor sail and hoist the ‘normal’ sails. We quickly gained good speed heading south. Now, we’ve been on the water for about 24 hours and have left Salvador over 140 miles behind us. This is such wonderful sailing!