Sargassum rafts floating around Overnight the Europa sails in the light breeze while we get closer to the calm airs in the doldrums, a couple of degrees of latitude southwards. With the wind becoming more E-ly, the...
The lectures during a trip on board Europa are worthwhile. Apart from lessons on ropes and sail handling, today we listened to a talk on Oceans and Climate. In the middle of playing down and denial, there are thousands of...
Light airs since the beginning of the new day, again make for the use of the engines to keep some speed. Together with all square canvas set, Europa gently rolls on the low swell at about 3kn, revealing a phosphorescence wake...
Half way from Canary Islands to the Equator. Sails repairs. The good sailing on the fair winds channelled between the Cape Verdian Islands of Sao Vicente and Santo Antaao lasted for a few hours during last day....
6 days at sea have brought us to sail by the Cape Verde Islands, after 842nm left behind since departure from Tenerife. By lunchtime we found ourselves gently rolling in the swell with views of imposing islands surrounding us,...
After spending a few days dockedin Tenerife we embarked on our journey crossing the Atlantic Ocean. The first week of sailing the wind and sea state weretoo strong for trawling. So instead of trawling,...
Closing in to the Doldrums. Afternoon and evening of rain showers. Plankton trawl for bioluminescence study is hoisted on deck and its always surprising contents are put under cameras and microscopes just before the...
Variable easing following winds. Falling into tropical calmer area Fascinating glittering of the little creatures inhabiting the ocean as Europa’s bow cuts through the low long swell welcomes us on deck during...
“Haul away the halyard!” may not appeal to everyone, but is does make sense to a sailor on a tall ship. Some of the commands on board wake up a naughty little schoolboy in me. I started making up some silly...
Keeping the good progress and opportunities for trawling on the micro-plastic research project, using the Europa as scientific platform. The Trade Winds allow for good downwind sailing on our Southwesterly...