Paramaribo

On the chart we can see the water gradually becoming shallower, while the wind begins to ease. The deep, clear blue of the ocean gives way to a greenish, almost jade-like color, slightly murky and noticeably different in character. On board, a quiet excitement is building, everyone senses that land is approaching. The reduced rolling helps too: after two weeks at sea, people are finally sleeping better, making life on board far more comfortable.

Thursday, March 19. The seabed continues to rise and we are now sailing in waters of around 50 meters deep, with approximately 100 nautical miles to go before reaching the coast. The sea is remarkably calm, even murkier than the day before, and its color now resembles that of the North Sea. Later tonight we will reach the point where the pilot boards for the final 25 nautical miles into port. He will come alongside in the middle of the night, allowing us to sail up the Suriname River with the rising tide. It’s also striking that, so far from home, we suddenly find ourselves speaking Dutch again.

We have arrived in Paramaribo.