Travelogue: sudden squalls

Date and time: 08.08.25, 11:00
Location: LAT 63.30°, LON 04.39°
SOG (speed over ground): 10.9 knots
Wind: 28 knots, gusting higher

The wind was up to 40 knots in the night with waves at least four or five meters, according to the captain. It made for a very rolly night. The wind and sea came on the beam, so as you can imagine, the motion was relentless. In my bunk, I tried squeezing into a corner, but it didn’t help. For tonight, I might try the narrow sofa that runs stern to bow. Perhaps it will work better.

We have now changed course and are heading with the wind astern. About half an hour ago, a massive oil or fuel carrier passed, going straight into the wind. Its bow rose high, then smashed down, sending water right over the forecastle. Quite a sight. I wouldn’t like to be in a sailboat out here. Not fun at all. But on board here, it’s fine.

The crew has finished cleaning the first five holds and is setting up for hold six. They are under time pressure again: by this afternoon we will have to slow down to avoid crossing the line beyond which cleaning is forbidden.

We should arrive early tomorrow morning. The crew change will be in Narvik, not Hamburg. Three are going off, three coming on. The chief engineer is leaving, the second engineer will be promoted, and a new second engineer from Ethiopia is joining. Cadet Maria is leaving, and her replacement, a woman from Indonesia, will come aboard.

Out on deck, work goes on as usual. The sky ahead is dark, a wall of squall roaring down on us. The wind has risen to 47 knots.