By 23:00 we entered the Windward Passage and from there sailed into the Caribbean Sea. Losing our lee from Haiti by 06:00 in the morning we got 35 knots full on the port beam. The good thing is that in this area the wind is always blowing from the East and the Trade wind and the… read more of “29 April 2012; At…”
The wind and current we had with us coming up the coast, were now against us. Wind force 6 to 7 blowing from the East and the ship going against it with a wind force 6,creating a combined wind force 13 on deck at times. Thus I kept the doors to the forward observations decks… read more of “28 April 2012; At…”
We had a very strong Gulf Stream during the night and by the time we passed Miami we were doing about 22 knots, e.g. four knots of current with us. Ahead of us was the Island Princess with a pilot time of 05.45, the Maasdam with a pilot time of 06.00 and the Statendam with… read more of “27 April 2012; Fort…”
The weather was not behaving according to the forecast. Only the general direction was correct. For the rest there was too much wind, too much swell and too much rain. When the ship came out of the lee from under Haiti, while exiting the Windward Passage, it became a bumpy ride for about 2 hours…. read more of “26 April 2012; At…”
Today we crossed the Caribbean Sea on an almost northerly course (007) that will bring us eventually to the Windward Passage and from there into the North Atlantic above Cuba. A sea day to enjoy for all on board. I started the day with a more unusual item, ANZAC day. 25 April is the date… read more of “25 April 2012; At…”
During the night the lousy weather abated somewhat and with only at stiff breeze left we arrived at 08.30 at the Boca Chica pilot station which is located at the entrance of the bay leading to Cartagena. Port Control was not very much in control at all, as although we had been cleared for a… read more of “24 April 2012;…”
Late yesterday the schedule arrived and I was not a happy person. Due to congestion in the Canal, the convoy was made up of all big – panamax -boys; we were selected to be number 23. Nearly the end of the day convoy and putting our pilot boarding time back to 06:00. Resulting in a… read more of “23 April 2012;…”
This is our 2nd day at sea, which will last until 1800 when we will be at anchor at Fuerte Amador for the evening. The weather chart is showing no rain, so I hope mother nature will act accordingly as it would spoil a nice evening ashore if you come back drenched. Because if it… read more of “22 April 2012; At…”
