This is an early posting to catch crews for the next leg before they leave home. Sir Roibin's report will have gone to the office and will follow by 1000 this morning.

Being one for the quiet life we have spent the day in Augpilagtoq drying out, sunbathing and sending home post cards. We have also had one small shore party exploring the mountains on opposite side of Fjord.

Yesterday (Monday 22 June) after finding our path to the sea totally blocked, several parties were put ashore on various sites off Torssukatak Fjord in glorious sunshine. After climbing around 50 metres up the fjord side we were all in T shirts, as one person said it was like walking out of a fridge. Late in the day the wind picked up from the south forcing us up the fjord and making our way back to Augpilagtoq. We were trapped like rats in a cage as the ice moved up the fjord from the sea forcing us to manoeuvre up and down a small section of Fjord all the night.

At 0500 local time this morning (Tuesday 23 June) we made one final attempt to escape which soon ended in failure however Port. Augpilagtoq opened up just enough for us to squeeze back in.

A helicopter has now been ordered for the crew change tomorrow and it looks that at the moment we will be here for a few days.

Regards Mike Harry

After a great day on the hills and a vindaloo cooked by Robin, we have all retired to Antiope for a PARTY. Drinks are flowing and the music pumping. Tomorrow (Wednesday 24 June) the crew depart by helicopter, sad to go but looking forward to being warm again! Those of us staying are sad to see them go as they have been a great bunch and we have been through a lot together. However we are greatly looking forward to the new crew joining, bringing a fresh wind to this ice ruled environment.

The pack ice closed in entirely today, but local knowledge leads us to believe that an opening may arise in a few days or so. For those joining us, the hills which surround us will astound you. The 1800 metre cliffs rise straight out from the sea. Too much for me, but I envy those that will conquer them.

Regards to everyone back home and elsewhere. Lovely to hear that you are all following our fortunes

Mark Hampton.

From Sir Robin Knox-Johnston

To follow

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