Petrels and competitions

4 April 2013

At half past seven in the morning we have breakfast, our watch (the day watch from 4-8AM) is finished. It was nice we had some days to adjust. Now I am used to walking while the ship is heeling over and for instance get myself a cup of tea (that falls over a minute later when I try to place in on the table).
We now have a strong wind (5-6 Bft) and we are doing 4 to 8 knots. It is amazing to see the ship moving through the waves. Life on board consists of joining in to the watches, sleeping and eating. It might sound a bit boring, but I am constantly busy.
This morning at daybreak the wind increased (first mate Maarten explains that this is quite normal) and all of a sudden the inner jib started to clap, the steel cable of the sheet broke. We had to take the jib down as soon as possible so we were ready to help. The others kept the ship on course. Sailor Jana put the sail back in place on the bowsprit. During the rest of the watch we take turns at the wheel and try to spot birds.
We saw several petrels, with help from a book about birds we could identify the Atlantic petrel and the white-chinned petrel. We all hope to spot whales and albatrosses in a while. Yesterday we saw flying fish.
Eating is a challenge, but sleeping can be interesting too when the ship is swaying and heeling over. Besides sailing we also entertain ourselves with all kinds of competitions. All the guys won’t shave for the whole voyage and the ladies will decide who’s beard will be the longest or nicest and wins. We also have a competition going on when we will arrive in Tristan da Cunha. We sail clause-hauled now and we hope to catch the westerly winds within a few days.
Greetings from the ‘Oosterschelde’, Alice Deinum-Teekman