Date: 14.07.2018
Position: Sunderland Docks (ready to race)
Weather: Nice and sunny
Log Day Two
The crew of the good ship Alexander von Humbolt II cheered for Sunderland as we warped away from the crowds lining the docks. Following the pilot out through the narrow locks we quickly joined the throng at sea.
Gazing about I could see all fifty-one ships in the perfect sunny weather. The North Sea sparkled indigo and my heart swelled with the sails. I’ve waited ten years to do this and if it weren’t for the beginnings of the callouses on my palms I might mistake the view for a dream.
Each watch practiced manouvers this morning on deck and above in the rigging. Now at the start line we pulled together to set and trim the sails. We bounded past the starting mark with a minute to spare. You can track us on https://yb.tl/tsr2018.
Our crew is a merry one. We are all volunteers here. I’ve traveled all the way from Florida, but most people here are from Germany, Denmark, the United Kingdom, or other European nations. It’s amazing to me how quickly the work bonds us- no matter the language barriers we’re all shipmates now.
Certainly it’s not all sunshine and sails- we feel nervous and overwhelmed as well. This is the first time over half the crew has been on a tall ship. Thanks to the patientce of our watch leaders and the more experienced sailors, by the end of the week we’ll all be fluent in sailor’s German.
Finishing off our blessings our cooks Bernhard (Schängel), Klaus, and Andreas are keeping us well fed with excellent meals, featuring fresh baked rolls and pretzels. Petra is helping us keep clean and comfortable. All that’s left is to learn the ropes.
Best wishes, captain Mike, Shelly and the crew