07.45, log 633, wind south-west, 6 metres/sec.
We cast off and row out of Lowestoft harbour, expectant and happy.
10.00, log 647, wind south-west, 9 metres/sec.
We head directly east for Holland to have the option of going into harbour if the wind is no good for a course for Thyborøn. We will wait until we are off the Dutch coast before deciding whether to go on to the north-east or wait for a more favourable wind in Den Helder.
12.00, log 668, wind south-west, 12 metres/sec.
We cross the north-bound deep water route. A lot of traffic. The wind has increased and there is more swell. We consider taking in a reef, but decide to wait to keep our speed while we cross the traffic.
13.50, log 664, wind south-west, 15 metres/sec.
Wind increasing. We ease off the sail and take in 2 reefs. The sea is rough and we are rolling quite a bit.
15.02, log 682, wind south-west, 10 metres/sec.
We are rolling quite a bit in the sea, up to 15 degrees. A few are seasick.
16.00, log 687, wind south-west, 8 metres/sec.
The wind has dropped and we reef out to full sail again. We are still rolling a lot in the swell and we need more speed to settle the ship.
17.00, log 693, wind south-west, 8 metres/sec.
Conflicting weather forecasts mean we are still undecided whether we will go in to Den Helder or on to Thyborøn direct. It could mean several days sailing. The crew is informed and the free watch makes sure of getting some rest.
19.00, log 701, wind south-west, 6 metres/sec.
We switch from British to Danish time. It is now 20.00.
The rudder tackle is checked and tightened.
21.00, log 704, wind south-west, 4–5 metres/sec.
Due to a weather forecast of fresh easterly and north-easterly winds later today and tomorrow, we have decided to go into Den Helder. The lanterns are lit. Drilling platforms both to port and to starboard. A pigeon is sitting on the yard and has been there an hour.
24.00, log 715, wind south south-east, 5 metres/sec.
The wind has turned a little, so we move the tack forward closer to the wind.
02.00, log 724, wind south south-east, 6 metres/sec.
Back on course after giving way to a ship with limited manoeuvrability. These waters are full of traffic. Otherwise quiet and peaceful sailing.
03.00, log 728, wind south south-east, 6 metres/sec.
Peaceful and starry night. Port watch are sleeping quietly, while the starboard watch are enjoying the moon that has just risen. The current is pushing us north of our course. We will lose speed and drift more if we sail closer to the wind, so we continue our steered course and wait for the current to turn in an hour.
06.00, log 737, wind south-east, 4 metres/sec.
The lanterns are switched off. The pigeon takes off from the yard and flies away. Our low speed means that we will be too late for a favourable current when we sail in to Den Helder.
09.30, log 743, wind south-east, 4 metres/sec.
We have a 1.5-knot current against us as we begin our approach to Den Helder. Our speed over the ground is 0.3 knots. We tack and head for the northern part of the approach.
11.00, log 746, wind south south-east, 6 metres/sec.
We have a 2-knot current against us, but have a good speed. We go close to land to find less current.
12.00, log 747, wind south south-east, 6 metres/sec.
We sail closer to the wind and round the point of Kaap Hoold. Everyone sits down to reduce wind resistance. The countercurrent is 1.5 knots.
13.00, log 750, wind east, 6 metres/sec.
We tack towards the harbour, rowing with every second oar as we sail so we can advance against the current. This is working well and is a good exercise for the crew.
14.47 log 755, wind east, 3 metres/sec
We sailed into the harbour under sail and rowed under a bridge to the innermost past of the harbour. Mooring ropes secured after 122 nautical miles in 30 hours. Average speed: 4.1 knots.