Leaving Antarctica
We have left Antarctica. Wind dictates when you do that, as the Drake Passage, the piece off water between the Antarctic Peninsula and Tierra del Fuego, is known for its big winds and high waves. The weather on Antarctica had been bad the past two days, at anchor at a Chilean base, amidst the ice, we sat out a North East strong wind. And also the rain that came with it. Next day we did head into the rain, but it takes away much of the beautiful sights and the feeling that you want to be outside. As it was unlikely this weather would get better soon, and as there was a wind gap between strong North Westerlies and Westerlies, we decided it was time to go!
We had spend the last days in Governen, Port Lockroy, Paradise harbour, Danco, and Waterboat point. We had seen the leopard seal, the penguin colonies, many humpback whales, a pod of Orca’s, Weddell seals, crabeater seals, storm petrels, fulmars, skuas and now it was time to head back out to the Albatrosses and make our way to Chile.
We are under engine with staysail and mizzen for support, the wind is Northerly and we are trying to make as much west and north as possible. During the day the wind should decrease and turn westerly until it completely drops away. And then on the 10th we are expecting a strong westerly wind to set in. Hopefully with some south in it!
Prachtig, ik ben jaloers. Ooit heb ik op een zesleper de kaap gerond met een boorplatform erachter, prachtig.