This morning, Sunday 21 June, we left the quay where we had been berthed at Augpilagtoq. The people there were friendly and had appeared to have been celebrating. (Maybe they are always celebrating.) They gave us enough fuel to fill our tanks to capacity, and some fresh fish and rye bread. The village had a population of about 200 people, most of whom survived from hunting. There were many seal carcasses around and the blubber, meat and skins were laid out to dry in the cool sun. We were the first of an average of 15 visiting boats per year. On Saturday the crew had enjoyed a good day of hiking in the neighbourhood and I had an opportunity for minor running repairs.

After a good night sail (Sunday morning) we headed south for the entrance to the Torssukatak Fijord where we were met by 6/10 ice cover. It was time to make a plan and we decided the best alternative was a passage along the coast inside the ice. We then decided to change this and set out to sea. No joy here so we returned back to the coast, then round in circles - then anywhere! We were trapped with 9/10 ice threatening to block our progress totally.

Morale was high, but so too was the potential danger as on a few occasions we could not move in any direction for periods of up to 1 hour. However this gave plenty opportunity for people to 'go ashore' onto the ice for photographs , sunbathing, and streaking! The fog came in at lunchtime and we lost sight of the other boat as the ice closed in further. Then we saw an opportunity as an opening about 10 feet wide appeared. 'We'll go for it' said Mike and with a bit of pushing we were free! The fog cleared and Ariel followed us through. From aloft there were cries that there was no apparent way clear of ice, so we decided it was best to attempt a retreat. We entered the Torssukatak Fjord again at dinner time.

Once again the ice closes in and we are being pushed down the fjord at an alarming rate. Time to run for shelter at Augpilagtoq again. Its cold, but its exciting!

Mark Hampton, Clipper Antiope.

P.S. Could someone please bring me more woolly socks!
BT - Official satellite telecom supplier to Clipper Ventures

From Sir Robin Knox-Johnston

An interesting day. We left the fjord early and then ran into thicker ice which eventually piled up behind us and left us trapped for four hours. When it spread again we returned to the fjord. Here we tried anchoring to an iceberg and tested to see if it would hold by going astern. The result was that the 60 pound fisherman's anchor flew into the air. We believe this is the first recorded attempt to fly fish with such a large hook.

We are safely tucked into the fjord with Augpilagtok nearby and will wait for conditions to change which they do very quickly. It has all been a great experience for the crew (me too!) and we have some fabulous pictures.

All calm this morning with another great day in store.

RKJ

Comments, feedback and other articles are welcome and should be addressed to me at cdemowbray@clipper-ventures.com

Should you wish to communicate with either of the Clippers please refer to the article 'Satcoms made easy' (Yes, it's a lie) on the Clipper Ventures' Home page

Bingo

Colin