North Atlantic – September 20 Date and time: 20.09.25, 12:00 Location: LAT 54.25°, LON 27.30° SOG (speed over ground): 11.5 knots Wind: 4.7 knots The day brought a small drama when the engine had to be shut down for a fuel change, the filters clogged,…

In this conversation, Louie explains how storms are monitored and what precautions the crew takes to prepare cabins and secure the ship. He and Lia reflect on the atmosphere of the bridge, the importance of teamwork, and the demanding maintenance tasks that continue even on…

The internet has not been working well for the last week, so instead of talking through these questions, I will write my answers down. What is it like navigating the waters or the harbour with other ships around? Is there anything that you noticed about…

North Atlantic – September 19 Date and time: 19.09.25, 12:00 Location: LAT 55.22°, LON 32.12° SOG (speed over ground): 10.6 knots Wind: 4 knots The winds have dropped, and the day is bright and calm, though long swells still roll the ship enough to make…

The pull of the Orkneys Behind Scapa Flow A lonely island with sheep Yearning for quiet. Crass velvet painting Bright pumpkin orange Is only found in nature And not on a brush. (Photo by Nigel Greenwood) Where to look with all that beauty Night watch…

North Atlantic – September 18 Date and time: 18.09.25, 11:00 Location: LAT 56.48°, LON 39.13° SOG (speed over ground): 10.6 knots Wind: 9 knots The sun is shining today after what was a rolly night. The winds have eased, the seas a little too, though…

On the bridge there is a small coffee corner: a cupboard, a sink, the coffee machine and a stand-alone water dispenser perched beside them. It looks ordinary enough until you notice what is wedged tightly in the gap. A large roll of tape. Its sole…

North Atlantic – September 17 Date and time: 17.09.25, 00:30 (UTC -1) Location: LAT 58.37°, LON 44.19° SOG (speed over ground): 2.8 knots Wind: 39 knots The storm found us in the night. By half past midnight the wind was up to 39 knots, the…

In part two of my conversation with 2nd Officer Louie Abdon Dumagat, we continue along the bridge console, focusing on radar, steering, and communication systems. Louie explains the differences between X-band and S-band radar, how officers read the echoes of waves and whitecaps, and why…

North Atlantic – September 16 Date and time: 16.09.25, 14:00 (UTC -2) Location: LAT 59.51°, LON 49.30° SOG (speed over ground): 10.4 knots Wind: 25 knots The winds have risen and the sky shows what lies ahead: a storm gathering along the south of Greenland.

I have been wrestling with my emotions for the last days. On the surface, nothing has changed. We are still sailing. Life on board is fun and comforting. The time at sea, as well as at port, is constantly shifting. So, it is hard to…

Greenland Waters – September 15 Date and time: 15.09.25, 00:45 Location: LAT 62.58°, LON 54.03° SOG (speed over ground): 11 knots Wind: 7 knots The seas have been calm through the night and into the morning, a welcome stretch of quiet. The day began with…

Labrador Sea – September 14 Date and time: 14.09.25, 14:00 Location: LAT 67.35°, LON 57.20° SOG (speed over ground): 11.5 knots Wind: 2 knots The day is grey, heavy with low clouds, though now and then the sun breaks through for a moment. The seas…

To a child living on a sailing boat with siblings and parents, a dinghy is a magical thing. Even when it's tied up to the boat, it was my favourite place to escape to, with a good book, a pillow for cushioning, and a wide-brimmed…

This week’s images are of northern landscapes. From the little I have seen of these skies, waters, and shores, I am struck by their starkness. Until now I felt most at home in tropical places, but perhaps age, or simply the gift of this chance…

Baffin Bay – September 13 Date and time: 13.09.25, 12:35 Location: LAT 71.27°, LON 65.14° SOG (speed over ground): 11.4 knots Wind: 4 knots The night was swallowed by fog, a vast grey bank that lingered until morning. Then, as though on cue, the air…

In a regatta, speed depends on how well you keep the sails trimmed. When tacking, it’s critical to shift direction quickly and get the sails set without delay. Even during a quiet afternoon sail, Dave paid close attention. He made sure the sails were filled…

3rd Officer Beata tells how a girl once scared of the surf found her way to the sea. From a seasick voyage that reset her life to months on a tall ship and work on her country’s training vessel, she traces routes, races, and her…

A day in the life of an AB* Going on standby The anchor is soon to drop Orders come from bridge. (AB= able body) Waiting with(out) patience We wait for two days Being at anchor costs nerves Only blues and white. A Monarch on deck…

The heart of the family The job of a ship steward is relatively easy to describe. They are there to help keep the two messes running during mealtimes. They assist the cook when needed. And they keep all of the offices and messes in tiptop…