08.27, log 755, wind south-east, 4 metres/sec.
We cast off in Den Helder and row out of the harbour in a steady south-easterly wind The Danish Met Office promises south-westerly wind from around midday, up to 13 metres/sec. So we have taken in a reef from the start.
09.03, log 757, wind south south-east, 9 metres/sec.
We head for Moolengat, the north-western channel to the North Sea.
09.17, log 758, wind south south-east, 16 metres/sec.
The wind is up to 16–17 metres/sec. We must keep up with the current, so we don’t take in another reef. Everyone sits to windward to trim the ship.
11.00, log 768, south-west 17, metres/sec.
We are on a steady course with three reefs in the sail. The sail tore a little in the strong wind, but has been sewn. In the meantime the wind increases to 19–20 metres/sec. Average wind is 16–17 metres/sec. Hard on the rudder.
12.00, log 773, wind south-west, 16 metres/sec
Eier Landsche Gronden abeam. We set course for Thyborøn. The swell is building up and is about 1.5 metres.
17.00, log 804, wind south-west, 15 metres/sec.
We are on a steady course, but turn in the swell every now and again. The tack is moved forward as far as it will go to improve the ship’s balance a little and stop the turning. It helps.
20.00, log 822, wind south-west, 10 metres/sec
We tighten the rudder tackle. It’s holding well. The highest waves are three metres. The evening meal was a dry-freeze bag per man – the heavy sea makes preparing food difficult.
22.00, log 832, south-west 11.5, metres/sec.
The sun goes down over the horizon at 21.54. The wind has dropped, but we keep all three reefs in the sail so as to make the going smoother and safer for the night, when half the crew must sleep. The swell is still three metres high and everyone puts a wetsuit on for the night. The lamps are lit.
01.00, log 846, wind south south-west, 10 metres/sec.
The wind rises and drops. Sometimes we are up to 12–13 metres/sec, and sometimes down to 7–8 metres/sec. The stars are out.
06.00, log 872, wind south south-west, 10 metres/sec.
Lanterns switched off 05.30. Beautiful sunrise and relatively quiet sailing.
07.00, log 877, wind south south-west, 11 metres/sec.
We put in a reef to increase our speed a bit in the long swells.
12.00, log 907, wind south south-west, 14 metres/sec.
The wind is increasing and somewhat bigger swells.
14.00, log 919, wind south south-west, 10 metres/sec.
Heavy sea, but stable sailing. The weather forecast is for the wind to turn to the west in the course of the night and drop to 5–10 metres/sec. The sun is shining, but dark clouds are spreading over the sky from the south.
14.00, log 923, wind south south-west, 9 metres/sec.
Position 55° 19' N, 6° 47' E. We are in Denmark! We cheer and celebrate on board with “Når du ser et rødt flag smælde” and other songs of the fatherland.
16.40, log 935, wind south-west, 11 metres/sec.
Heavy showers, the wind drops.
18.30, log 945, south-west, 9 metres/sec.
We put in the reefs to increase speed in the lighter wind. The weather forecast is for showers this evening and tonight, possibly with thunder, so everyone must have their wetsuits on again tonight. 65 nautical miles to Thyborøn. ETA early tomorrow.
The Sea Stallion sails on into the night. The logbook will continue tomorrow, Sunday 3 August.