11 Aug 1833 GMT

STOP PRES STOP PRESS STOP PRESS

by Colin de Mowbray
We have just had a signal to say that both boats are safely clear of the ice and on their way to Iceland. Hooray and well done to all the crews. More news tomorrow

11 Aug

by Colin de Mowbray
For the benefit of new visitors the two Clipper yachts, Antiope and Ariel remain stuck inside the ice belt at Ammassalik (65 37N 37 37W) on the East Coast of Greenland.

Ammassalik is the capital of East Greenland and has a population of about 1500 people who live there all the year round. It has one small jetty which provides a good berth for the two Clippers but they have to move at least once a day to let other traffic alongside. There is a good store ashore and an excellent bakery. The walking and climbing nearby is also excellent although the weather does not seem too good for that at present. There is one hotel which also has the bar and apparently the beer is extremely expensive. The local airfield is at Kulusauk which is an island about 10 miles on the opposite side of the fjord. (Notice the term airfield - it is hardly an airport!) This was built by the Americans as part of their DEW Line (early warning system). Lastly there is a helicopter based in the port and this becomes important when the fjord is impassable as it is the only way to get to the airfield.
Not a long report today as everyone is looking at the various options for the boats and the crews. It is just worth repeating yesterday's remarks that the ice will continue to clear until about early December so their present set back is no more than an inconvenient delay!

The log entries are produced from messages sent by both Clipper yachts via their InmarsatC using BT satellite services. They are compiled either by Colin de Mowbray or David Cullen and the intention is to have them published by 1000BST daily (but they are sometimes late!)

If you know of people without access to the Web who would like to follow the Clipper please note that both voice-back and fax-back is available on 01234 711550