At Sea Between France and Sardinia
Monday, July 7th
This was the only full day at sea during our two weeks. A day to relax and enjoy sailing.
But there would not be much real sailing on this trip. Not enough wind. The strong
wind and rough seas we enjoyed so much 20 months ago are typical of the Mediterranean in
September, but July is much more calm. There would be moments of strong winds, but for
the most part, the Star Clipper moved ahead under motor power. No pitching or heeling.
No seasickness. To be fair, though, a smooth sail is exactly what most passengers wanted.
Captain Brunon Borowka (Poland) gave an interesting talk on navigation. Anatoly the
Rigger shared his secrets of knot tying. Passengers learned to climb the mast. One of
the cooks demonstrated fruit and vegetable carving. Al relaxed in the Widow's Net, which
hangs beneath the bowsprit. Later in the afternoon, we had fun at a French class conducted
by two French crew members, Elsa and Marine.
Royal Clipper
(Click Photo to Zoom)
The highlight of the day was our unexpected rendezvous with the Royal Clipper, sister
ship of the Star Clipper. Yesterday, Captain Borowka learned that the two ships would
be in the same vicinity today, traveling in opposite directions. This morning, he radioed
for positions, and the two captains adjusted course so the ships would meet. Mid-afternoon,
the 5-masted Royal Clipper appeared off our port bow. Heading into the wind, she passed us
with only a few sails up. Then she came around, unfurled all 42 sails, pursued, caught and
passed us. She looked magnificent. The crews of both ships were ecstatic, waving and shouting.
Because many crew members alternate between ships, they all know each other. The Star
Clipper saluted her sister ship with three shots from a miniature cannon. Finally, the
Royal Clipper reversed course again, dropped most of her sails, and resumed her course to
Barcelona. The meeting had been great fun for all.
)
Royal Clipper