Thurs 11th August. Day 23 20:00 UTC N76 43 . 2 E 109 50.6 pressure 988 wind from the south 10/15 knots sea temp -0.3 outside temp 7 Depth 8 m
Well what a day, still only sailed 12 hours but a real tonic for everyone .
Anchor watch last night was long, as whilst we were sheltered we had the odd large bergy bit coming our way.
Up at 8am, and discussed with Nikolai. Options were to stay another day so south winds would hopefully drive the ice from the shore, or try to see if we could actually get to shore. Phone calls to Sergai and the latest Sat photo showed still ice in our way.
I had the first helm, and that depressingly took us north to get around a large solid strip of ice, once through this, it got easier during the day. We made it to our second option for anchor in a large bay. The team were great, and all pleased to be making slow progress along the coast. Genoa in and out, engine off and on, rain off and on reflex on and off. Fog, rain and blue skies.
Tonight a great ray of sun on the low hills on the shore, with rolling fog on the ice at sea. Very odd combinations, that Turner would have marvelled at.
The ice charts show we still have some ice closing the Laptev sea, but this was the best 12 hours so far on the trip. I’m looking forward to my lighter fuel at 12 with my Comrades.