This morning, the albatrosses are here, pirouetting in our wake, like guardians welcoming us at the gateway to the South Pacific.
This morning, the albatrosses are here, pirouetting in our wake, like guardians welcoming us at the gateway to the South Pacific.
On the horizon they are large and majestic, mirroring our course; a course at 180 degrees, which is taking us right into the thick of things.
In a few days’ time, we’ll be forced to make our way along the edge of the ice exclusion zone located at 54 degrees south.
Today, the temperature of the waves swallowing up the deck tells us that the atmosphere is a few degrees cooler.
It’s already been two days since we left Auckland and we’re encountering an entirely different climate now.
The sunshine is low in the sky and the light is whiter and colder. The sea is in turmoil and the crests of the waves are being carried away in a good breeze of over 25kts.
We can sense that we’re getting closer. The deep south is opening its arms to us in anticipation. It’s ready to accept us into the fold, ready to share its long swell and its icy winds with us.
On board the crew isn’t exactly leaping with joy at this invitation. Eyes meet, we chat and we wonder about the weather, about this area of the globe that sailors are so unfamiliar with. How are we going to be treated?
One thing for sure is that it’s going to be far from restful. It’ll be very strong and intense. The thermometer will be bordering on 0 degrees and the waves will make the playing field particularly perilous.
