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BT - Official satellite telecom supplier to Clipper Ventures
12 Aug
by Colin de Mowbray
It is a good news day for Ariel and Antiope, the two Clippers in Greenland. After three unsuccessful attempts they have managed to find a passage through the coastal belt of ice being brought down the coast on the East Greenland Current. They are now on their way home after all their excitements. Because they are now a few days late the next stage is to decide where they will head for and to look at the various options for the crew as some have deadlines to meet. Everyone will be kept informed as the plan unfolds.
Colin
BT - Official satellite telecom supplier to Clipper Ventures
Ariel 1956 GMT 11 August
Jim Thom (Skipper)
Happy to report we are now clear of the coastal ice belt and once again on our way
Regards from a happy and smiling crew
Jim
BT - Official satellite telecom supplier to Clipper Ventures
Antiope 2058 GMT 11 August
From Louise Driver (Crew member) (prompts by Mark the Mate)
We have started out from the harbour and we are currently motoring through the ice. Having scrubbed the deck (which kept me warm for a bit). I am now sitting in the cockpit and I was struck with the urge to write. Anyway I want everyone to know how this is, but words can not describe it. All around us we are surrounded by vast amounts of ice. The bergs and pack ice are made up of indescribably large pieces that I could not comprehend we could possibly chomp our way through. (By Mark: Lou likes to eat ice!)
It is all so quiet, still and beautiful. The mountains are behind us, and ahead of us the ice stretches for miles and beyond that open sea. It really does sound corny, but I am filled with awe and wonder at the sight and I still feel as if I am not really here. I could take a million photos but none would capture the reality of being here, right now. The only sight that makes me sad is that some of the bergs are black and brown and probably our passage to this amazing place will contribute more to spoiling it for everyone else. The ice has got worse since yesterday and we are doing some pretty nifty manoeuvring to get through (By Mark- Must have been when I was on the helm.)
We are now finally clear. This is good, very good and we all feel so happy and contented. Everlasting memories. Louise
PS by Charlie (Skipper)
Good news about the cricket - even better that we are out and on our way back to Iceland. I never want to see ice again except in my Gin and Tonic
Charlie
BT - Official satellite telecom supplier to Clipper Ventures
Ariel 2359 GMT 11 August
Jim Thom (Skipper)
Position 65.05n 37.06W Course 130T speed 6.5
We are motor-sailing through occasional ice and will maintain this course until 0400 12th so that we clear all the ice. Wind is NE force 5 and it is raining. Great to be back at sea again although a couple of the crew have not got used to it yet and are suffering a wee bit. Looking at the various options and will discuss with you and crew once we are settled.
Business as usual. Jim
BT - Official satellite telecom supplier to Clipper Ventures
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
Comments, feedback and other articles are welcome and should be addressed to either: cdemowbray@clipper-ventures.com or dcullen@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) is a news items dated 11 June 98 on the Clipper Ventures' Home page
BT - Official satellite telecom supplier to Clipper Ventures
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