Got underway from Bermuda this morning, heaved back the anchor and steamed out through the Town cut before setting sail. After six months at sea and nearly 9,000 nautical miles we’re finally homeward bound. Mixed feelings as always on this final passage back to Lunenburg: joy in anticipation of seeing family, friends and home. Sadness to be soon leaving this ship and shipmates, many of whom have become like family. A sense of achievement in being so close to completing what we set out to do. The crew are focussed, as required by the North Atlantic in spring. And the Captain and mates have been pouring over weather forecasts, planning our strategy to get north as safely and comfortably as possible.
SHIP’S WORK: Hoist skiff, heave back starboard anchor and get underway. Finish stowing for sea, bend mizzen staysail.
FROM: St George, Bermuda
TOWARDS: Lunenburg, NS, Canada
TIME ZONE: ZD+3
NOON POSITION: 32°31.5’N /064°44.2’W
DAYS RUN: 10nm
PASSAGE LOG: 10nm
DISTANCE REMAINING: 710nm
COURSE AND SPEED: WxN 1/2 N, (CMG: 292°T)
WIND: Force 4, South South West
WEATHER: 2/8 cloud cover (alto cumulus, cumulus), air temp 70F (21°C), sea temp 70F (21°C), barometer reading 1021 millibars, visibility good
SWELL HEIGHT & DIRECTION: approx 4 feet, ENE
SAILS SET: Square sails to the royals, inner jib, spanker and upper staysails.