Stopping over in IJmuiden (Netherlands)

After we left Horsens we have been on the water for approx 87 hours. According to the log, that we kept every hour on board, we have been using the engine for 35 hours, and thus the sails for 52 hours.

As the Chief Engineer I'm a little relieved (and surprised - but don't tell the crew) that our engine has done so well 😄

Our highest speed was 9 knots. This was recorded just after leaving the Kieler channel and entering the river Elben (mostly because of a fortunate helping current out in to the North Sea). The most wind we have recorded is 9,7 m/s (approx 20 knots).

I personally feel that the trip was not as tough as when we crossed over to Orkney a couple of years ago, but it was still on occasion really exhausting because of waves and wind constantly making performing even the most mundane tasks a bit of a challenge.

Especially during the night watches, it could be a bit scary - and very cold: No matter how much clothes we put on: after some hours at the helm all warmth was gone.

Now we are snugly parked in IJmuiden harbor, the weather is great, and we are rewarding our accomplishment with a wee bit of whiskey and an occasional beer.

Tomorrow we are staying here because of a low pressure system that need to pass before we continue on Monday: Next stop Dover!

One time after being relieved from night watch at the helm, I climbed into bed for a restless sleep and I had a feeling very accurately described in "The Lighthouse" (Text: Sailors Hymn Aparting):

Should pale death, with treble dread,
make the ocean caves our bed,
God, who hear'st the surges roll,
deign to save our suppliant soles.

(Thanks to crew member Gustav for reminding me about this poem)