SAA II Final SITREP Voy 004

Hello All

We recovered the CPR last night shortly before midnight to conclude the scientific observations for the voyage.

We made radar landfall of Cape Town around midnight at 90 miles and shortly before dawn we gave port control 2 hours notice after which we were instructed to wait in the small anchorage until their shift change has been completed. EOP was rung at 07:00 and 2 Pilots boarded the vessel at 07:48 as we proceeded toward the harbour entrance.

Our first line was sent ashore at 08:18 and we were all fast at 08:42 with the pilots disembarked.

After immigration and department formalities were completed all passengers were disembarked and all their luggage discharged. The 2 Starlight helicopters were also flown off and all their gear discharged.

It was a very good voyage and all objectives were met, thanks to all.

The vessel is scheduled to sail to Antarctica for the annual SANAE relief voyage on the 6th of December 2012.

SAA II SITREP Voy 004-034

Hello All

We advanced clocks last night to GMT + 2 to come in line with South African time.

Conditions are still amazing and we certainly can not complain about the sea we have had from TDC to CT. This morning was taken up by some drills and meetings and this afternoon we will also have our pre-arrival Group Leaders meeting.

Our ETA remains 07:00 SAST tomorrow the 11th of October 2012. Depending on pilot and tug availability I would imagine we should be alongside and tied up by 08:30, after which immigration and customs formalities will take place.

All the best and see you tomorrow.

SAA II Voy 004-033

Hello All

The only operational activity that has been completed in the preceding 24 hours is to recover, reset and redeploy the CPR. The CPR cartridge is refreshed every 500 Miles. For those interested, it is a device that is towed behind the vessel and is collecting plankton samples as we steam along. CPR (Continues Plankton Recovery).

Tonight we will do another hour's advance on out clocks to come in line with SAST.

All the best.

SAA II SITREP Voy 004-032

Hello All

We spotted quite a view pods of whales yesterday still in very good weather conditions and made very good speed all the way.

Last night we advanced clocks by one hour to GMT + 1 and will again on Tuesday night to come in line with SAST.

Enjoy the start of you week and all the best.

SAA II SITREP Voy 004-031

Hello All

We are still making very good way and from time to time we are wondering if we are going the correct way since it feels like we are sailing in the tropics....should not talk to early.

This morning we recovered the CPR to change the cartridge and used that time to dump the island Sagina.

Have relaxing Sunday.

SAA II SITREP Voy 004-030

Hello All

We left yesterday in moderate conditions, but the swell remain low.

We are steaming nicely along now with conditions even more improved today.

We will be at the Pilot Station at 07:00SAST on the 11th of October 2012.

Enjoy the weekend and all the best.

SAA II SITREP Voy 004-029

Hello All

Yesterday afternoon we continued with the transfer of passengers visiting the island by boat in very good weather conditions. We remained at anchor for the entire time.

This morning weather was not quite as nice, but we managed to send some passengers ashore for a lunch with the Tristan Administrator while we were working luggage lifts from the barges to the vessel.

We should be full away this afternoon after flying all the Tristan passengers on.

Enjoy the start to your weekend.

SAA II SITREP Voy 004-028

Hello All

We sailed from Gough Island yesterday in quite good weather, but the beam swell gave the vessel a lazy roll resulting in some preferring to lie down than stand up.

In very good weather conditions we joined the "Baltic Trader" in the anchorage in Edinburgh Roads at Tristan da Cunha very early this morning. We prepared to launch our FRB and Workboats to run in some cargo nets and passengers for a visit to the island. The helicopter was employed to collect some personnel ashore for the repair of a VHF aerial in the mountain.

We would probably remain at anchor here until we depart tomorrow night.

Have a good day.

SAA II SITREP Voy 004-027

Hello All

Yesterday after completing the flight operations we went offshore a bit to run test deployments on the UCTD system, which turned out very successful. We then proceded to the Quest Bay anchorage and was brought up at 14:30.

This morning the anchor was aweigh shortly after sun rise to make way for Transvaal Bay to complete the last of the luggage lifts and passenger flights to the vessel. All was done by 09:00 in the morning as we made our way around the island slowly while settling in and securing the vessel for a sea passage. We then conducted a emergency and boat muster while ringing full away for Tristan da Cunha at 09:48. It seems that the year team is quite sad to leave behind there home for a year, but they are very happy to finally have some fresh fruit again.

We will be at Tristan at first light tomorrow and should be there until Friday evening before heading for Cape Town.

All the best.

SAA II SITREP Voy 004-026

Hello All

We dropped anchor again in Quest Bay yesterday afternoon and stayed at anchor for the night to westerly weather.

This morning the island completed their "chicken run" and we prepared for cargo flying. We started with back loads at tea time and shortly after 11 this morning 4 passenger flights were completed from the island to the ship with 20 people boarding.

We are conducting some scientific equipment test this afternoon and will go back to anchor in Quest Bay for the evening.

Tomorrow will be our final flights onboard after which we will leave for Tristan da Cunha.

All the best.

SAA II SITREP Voy 004-025

Hello All

We brought the visiting passengers to the island back on board yesterday afternoon and left Transvaal Bay for Quest bay. We did not go to anchor due to the wind direction and sat offshore in the bay on DP for the night.

This morning we steamed back to Transvaal Bay early in preperation for the days cargo flying operations. The island took some time in the morning to prepare the lifts for flying. We started with the back loading shortly after 9 and completed all the planned cargo before 11:00 with 25 lifts back loaded. The operation went very smooth with the lifts at times dropped on the flight deck within 2 minutes of each other. We are on our way to Quest Bay now to anchor for the remainder of the day. Tomorrow we would complete the final back loads and most of the passenger flights.

Have a good start to the week.

All the best.

SAA II SITREP Voy 004-024

Hello All

We remained at anchor in front of Transvaal Bay for the evening with a predominant North Westerly wind, but that changed this morning before 06:00 when the winds suddenly backed to the south and we were setting closer to the shore. We recovered the anchor and went further offshore to sit on DP.

During the morning the weather remained between 30 and 40 knots which was unsuitable to start the helicopters for flying.

We then steamed around to Quest Bay to be in the lee and will probably fly the passengers on from here.

All the best.

SAA II SITREP Voy 004-23

Hello All

Yesterday afternoon we used the 206 to fly some of the scientists into the field and started with cargo flying for an hour over lunch back loading 9 lifts and flying off 8. We then went to anchor for the night in Quest Bay.

This morning we weighed anchor in Quest Bay and made our way around to Transvaal Bay for the flying of passengers to the base for the take over function. We then went to anchor in Transvaal Bay and hope to stay here over night.

Enjoy the rugby and all the best.

SAA II SITREP Voy 004-022

Hello All

Yesterday afternoon the wind turned onshore at Sea Elephant Bay so we relocated to Quest Bay, but could not anchor due to the opposing wind and swell. We remained in the bay on DP for the night.

This morning we were in Transvaal Bay at first light and ready for helicopter operations. A Passenger flight to the island was conducted including some sensitive equipment. We will fly the remainder of the frozens ashore today and start with the back loading. The weather has calmed down to a moderate breeze from the SW which has blown down the northerly swell also...a pleasant change.

Have a good Firday, all the best.

SAA II SITREP Voy 004-021

Hello All

We rang end of passage yesterday at tea time as we approached Transvaal bay, but realized that neither there nor Quest Bay would be suitable for anchorage.

We established radio contact with the base and also with the local cray fishing boat the Edinburgh before steaming to a anchorage in Sea Elephant Bay to sit out the approaching storm.

We were initially brought up to 7 shackles in the bay, but overnight the winds picked up to close to 60 knots and our anchor could not keep us in position. We relayed our anchor twice during the day with the wind  gusting up to 85 knots.

This afternoon we had to relocate anhorage to Quest Bay due to the wind backing onshore at Sea Elephant Bay. Quest bay is good for the building westerly winds, but the Northerly swell is running in high into the bay and will not be suitable for anchorage. In the mean time we will sit on DP until conditions change. Tomorrows weather would perhaps allow us to do some island flying.

SAA II SITREP Voy 004-020

Hello All

After completing the Glider deployment yesterday after lunch we headed directly for the island with a stop for a CTD last night at 18:00 and another this morning at 06:00.

The island was detected this morning at 3, 69 miles to the north, in very good weather conditions. The island was sighted early this morning and a radio sched held shortly after lunch today.

We are expecting some inclement weather conditions during the course of the night and tomorrow and hope that the island could provide us with a good anchorage to sit it out.

All the best.

SAA II SITREP Voy 004-019

Hello All

We stopped last night for our 18:00 CTD cast with a slight breeze from the North East and half an hour later were confronted by veering wind gusting well over 50 knots from the South East. We had all our days to try and maintain position since the weather came onto the vessels beam. We managed to maintain position while the CTD cast was completed. After the station we headed for our proposed glider deployment position for this morning but after a couple of uncomfortable rolls we decided to hove to for the night and wait for the weather to moderate.

We still managed to get to the deployment area by 09:00z this morning and after several communication test from ashore and a CTD cast we deployed the last of the two gliders shortly before lunch.

Other than the evening and morning CTDs we are making normal passage to the island and will be there by the evening tomorrow just in time to hide away from the approaching weather.

SAA II SITREP Voy 004-018

Hello All

We continued on our passage north deploying weather buoys and ARGO floats along the way and this morning at around 3 we altered course toward Gough Island again.

It is rainy outside with a moderate easterly wind pushing us to lean slightly to port and the confused swell making movement slightly erratic onboard.

Enjoy the public holiday.

SAA II SITREP Voy 004-017

Hello All

Our Southern most leg has been completed as we turned north again after supper last night, but it is only now that we are feeling the latitudes we are in with the barometer dipping to 980mb and the snow fall brought in by the strong South Easter evident to that fact.

We completed two 2000m CTD stations, several buoy deployments and several ARGO float deployments during the preceding 24 hours making use of being in a less traversed geographical location.

We are hoping to get a break in the weather at midday on the 25th to launch the second glider, but from what we can see there is something brewing to the north west that might give us a bit of a hiding on arrival day.

All the best and have a relaxing Sunday.

SAA II SITREP Voy 004-016

Hello All

The lull in the weather subsided as a small front came though veering the wind around to the SSE with considerable strength. During the very early hours of this morning we recovered the CPR and deployed the first SAWS weather drifting buoy shortly before altering course due west on the 50° latitude.

We will deploy another buoy after lunch today and then later tonight at supper time another one with a CTD station before altering to the north again.

Have a good Saturday.

SAA II SITREP Voy 004-015

Hello All

The two weeks since departing Cape Town has gone passed very quickly with many things happening.

We are making our way south and would reach our furthest most latitude, for our first buoy deployment, at the very early hours tomorrow before turning west. There is a wary lull in the weather at the moment with hardly any movement on the ship, but knowing that we are in the roaring forties where some of the worlds worst weather conditions occur makes you quite anxious. We will celebrate the good weather and Neptune's grace with a evening braai even though outside temperatures are now well below 10°C...what South Africans will do for a braai is above imagination :-).

Enjoy your Friday and the start to the weekend.

SAA II SITREP Voy 004-014

Hello All

Yesterday afternoon we deployed our first float and then a 2000m CTD in the evening.

Today turned out to be quite exiting with us on station to deploy the gliders. The first glider was struck by a wave of water as the vessel slammed down on the stern of which force broke its wing. We then had to deploy our Rescue Boat in marginal conditions to recover the glider again. We reviewed our deployment strategy and deployed the second glider with success. The glider was sent down to depth and return to the surface after communication to it from the shore station. We remained on station to deploy another float and completed a CTD station. We are hoping to deploy the "clipped" glider on the north bound leg again.

Have a good end to the week.

SAA II SITREP Voy 004-013

Hello All

Yesterday afternoon all the visiting scientist were flown back onboard before the vessel settled on anchor in Transvaal Bay.

We prepared the vessel for a deep sea passage and rang full away at 08:00 Z  this morning shortly after our radio schedule with the DCO.

We stopped for our first CTD only an hour after departing from the base in inclement weather conditions, but managed to hold station.

Shortly after lunch today we deployed our first ARGO float from the vessel and all went well.

Enjoy the day and all the best.

SAA II SITREP Voy 004-012

Hello All

After afternoon tea yesterday afternoon we recovered the anchor and steam offshore until a depth of over 500 meters were reached for a CTD cast. The cast went well and we were at anchor again in Quest Bay shortly before supper.

This morning conditions were good and some extra stores were required on the island and a visit for the ship based scientists were made possible. The B206 flew passengers between 09 and 10. We then used the sheltered bay to complete our lifeboat exercise by launching the port lifeboat and giving Officer's and crew familiarization in the boats launching and operation, we did the same for the FRB.

We will remain at anchor until tea time today after which we would recover the anchor and steam to Transvaal Bay for the passenger flights back to the ship. We are planning to leave for the buoy run tomorrow morning.

All the best.

SAA II SITREP Voy 004-011

Hello All

We remained at anchor during the preceding 24 hours. Yesterday we dragged the anchor a short distance when the wind came up over 40 knots, but after paying out another shackle she kept well. This morning was almost windless and we managed to do a helicopter flight to the island to pick up the two SAWS personnel who would be joining us for the buoy run. We are planning to leave Wednesday on the buoy run, a day earlier than scheduled, so that we have more time in the bag for the back loading on our return should the weather be foul.

I hope you had a good start to the week.

All the best.

SAA II SITREP Voy 004-010

Hello All

After completing the fuel pumping yesterday we recovered the open moor and shifted the anchor position a little further offshore with the wind predictions from the NW and SW.

Today we wanted to complete some passenger flights to the island but the gusting wind with occasional rain squalls made flying marginal and it was decided to suspend flights for the day.

If the wind direction remains we will maintain our anchorage here in Transvaal Bay.

Have a relaxing Sunday.

SAA II SITREP Voy 004-009

Hello All

I apologies for the late report, but my attention was required elsewhere.

As predicted the weather turned out perfectly yesterday and we managed to complete all cargo discharge flights with the exception of some frozens that the island can not yet take until they have repacked their fridges.

We managed to bring the ship up on her open moor and ran out the fuel hoses around lunch time. The first bunch of hoses did not pass the air pressure test, even though they were tested back in Cape Town. Luckily we had our old set from the previous vessel, but it took quite some time to recover the hoses and redeploy before we could actually start the pumping. Once the pumping started it went smoothly and around 60 000 litres were pumped to the island to complete their requirements.

All hoses and boats were recovered during twilight as the dinner bell rang, which came as a relief to many who have been up since the crack of dawn in preparations for the days activities. I commend my crew.

I hope that you had a good Saturday and wish you a even better Sunday.

_________________________

SAA II SITREP Voy 004-008

Hello All

A boot washing ceremony and team leaders meeting was held yesterday afternoon in anticipation of today's arrival at Gough island. We were not quite sure if the weather would be workable, but all stations were on standby if it was.

We stopped for an hour yesterday afternoon shortly before supper to do a CTD cast before continuing on our way.

We were in Transvaal Bay early this morning and decided that it was all systems go with the weather workable. We completed all the passenger flights and changed over helicopters to complete several under slung loads to the island.

With the vessel holding station beautifully on DP it makes life much easier.  We are now preparing for the rest of the cargo to be flown off the vessel.

We have put aside tomorrow to complete the refueling on the island since it is predicted to be a very nice day weather wise, but in many ways the calm before the storm and from what we can see next week will not be workable at all.

Enjoy the weekend and all the best.

SAA II SITREP Voy 004-007

Hello All

We spent the night around the Southern end of the island in anticipation of the NE'ly winds blowing onshore at Edinburgh Straits. This morning early we made our way to the North  Eastern side of Nightingale Island and were ready for helicopter operations at dawn. Being ready so at first light proved to have  been vital since by 09:00 it was closed up and raining with flying not piossible. We managed to get all 6 passengers and their gear flown onto the island.

We are now proceeding to Gough and will be there at first light. If conditions at Gough are workable we will start with our Passenger Flights.

All the best.

SAA II SITREP Voy 004-006

Hello All

We had quite a full day today at Tristan, hence the delayed report.

All and all everything went very smoothly today with all the Tristanians and there luggage safely ashore. Several others had the opportunity to visit the island for a quick walk around.

The weather was kind to us, which made life easier.

All the best.

SAA II SITREP Voy 004-005

Hello All

We are still pushing our way through strong head seas and large swell, but are making good progress and will achieve our ETA.

The activities are lined up for tomorrow and the day will be full. Luckily the weather prognoses is counting in our favor, but it is looking grim for the day there after. We have to conduct a helicopter drop for 6 people and their luggage on Nightingale on that day and hope that we could fit it in before the front closes in on the 13th...hold thumbs.

If all goes well we would make landfall at Gough on Saturday the 15th, which is looking quite good at this stage weather wise.

We will retard clocks tonight after which ships time will remain on GMT for the remainder of the voyage, before the return leg.

I am sure that there are many eager people onboard waiting on their visit to  Tristan Island.

All the best.

SAA II SITREP Voy 004-004

Hello All

The wind has regained a bit of strength and veered to the WNW after quieting down for a while last night. It gave us the opportunity to gain a bit of distance.

We retarded the ships clocks last night by one hour to GMT + 1 and will again on Tuesday night as we make our way to the west and coming in line with Tristan.

We managed a broken HF radio sched with TDC this morning and will try again tomorrow morning. Our anticipated arrival is building some excitement onboard now.

This morning we spent mostly on ship and helicopter personnel training and testing of the required safety equipment in anticipation of the arrival operations.

I hope you had a good start to the week.

All the best.

SAA II SITREP Voy 004-004

Hello All

The wind has regained a bit of strength and veered to the WNW after quieting down for a while last night. It gave us the opportunity to gain a bit of distance.

We retarded the ships clocks last night by one hour to GMT + 1 and will again on Tuesday night as we make our way to the west and coming in line with Tristan.

We managed a broken HF radio sched with TDC this morning and will try again tomorrow morning. Our anticipated arrival is building some excitement onboard now.

This morning we spent mostly on ship and helicopter personnel training and testing of the required safety equipment in anticipation of the arrival operations.

I hope you had a good start to the week.

All the best.

SAA II SITREP Voy 004-003

Hello All

We have been hampered by quite a strong Westerly wind and swell over the past 24 hours. Out scientific stations are also eating away at our distance run for the day, which means that it would be a push to get to Tristan on time for the morning of the 12th. Tomorrow the winds are said to be veering to north of west, which would allow for some weather routing hopefully.

Today, being Sunday, were more relaxed onboard with a interdenominational church service held for all onboard.

Enjoy your Sunday and the start to the week.

SAA II SITREP Voy 004-002

Hello All

Time is flying and so are we with the fair weather in our favor.

Passengers were entertained today to briefings from all the various disciplines and dignitaries onboard, while the ships staff used the time to complete the weekly drills. We did experience one or two light drizzles but not anything to write home about.

We have set and ETA for TDC for 08:00 Z on the 12th of September 2012 and feel confidant that we would make that even with stopping twice a day for a 2000 meter CTD dip.

The drop keel has been lowered to improve the scientists ADCP readings.

Enjoy the rest of your day and the rugby.

SAA II SITREP 004-001

Hello All

Shoe there we go! Our departure from Cape Town yesterday was preceded by a flurry of events, which had all and sundry running around like headless chicken. Luckily we chose the perfect day to sail with many waking to red faces from sun exposure this morning.

We pushed along a bit over night to try and regain the time lost for the few delays we had and managed just that.

This morning we did our first CD cast to 2000m and was pleasantly entertained by a humpback whale flapping its tail for several minutes...show off :-)

Well hopefully the going will be good for the rest of the day as we approach our second CTD cast tonight at 20:00.

Have a splendid Friday. All the best.

SAA II Delivery - Day 26 / 02 May 2012

Hello All

As my kids said...only one more sleep!!

We came in thick fog yesterday afternoon into the St. Helena Bay anchorage and was actually quite surprised to find a handful of bulkies anchored in the bay, probably waiting on their berths to come available at the iron ore terminals in Saldanha. Well we found a snuggle spot to anchor for the night while waiting on some DEA personnel to come onboard the next morning early to brief us on our arrival proceedings.

We were lucky and the fog lifted nicely to allow us to run our FRB in and pick 3 delegates up this morning. We are also taking out some time to dress up the ship and prepare the accommodation ladder and so forth. We would not want to struggle with any of those things tomorrow.

After our last team supper tonight we will recover the anchor and make for our last leg to the Mother City, hold thumbs for a good weather day, please.

Have a good midweek and see you tomorrow.

All the best.

SAA II Delivery - Day 25 / 01 May 2012

Hello All

Yesterday we got hammered a bit by the north westerly gale, but luckily it subsided relatively quickly. It was difficult to adjust to a comfortable heading with the seas and mayor swell almost apposing.

We made radar and visual landfall yesterday after many days of not having any land in sight, quite a welcoming event. We are slow steaming along the west coast and abeam to Lambertsbay at the moment heading south.

This morning we woke to what we know at sea as "pea soup", thick fog which even closes in the foremast. One has to think of sailors back in the day without radar...sure they had hair on their teeth.

We even had cell phone signal for a short while last night and this morning. Needless to say everyone grabbed their phones to say a quick "hello" before arrival.

Enjoy the public holiday and all the best.

SAA II Delivery - Day 24 / 30 April 2012

Hello All

From a stunning day yesterday to a true South African howling north westerly wind today. We don't mind and feel right at home and was expecting this weather for this time of the year.

We crossed the Namibian/South African seaward border this morning at 02:42 in position 29°37'S 015°03.4'E. The first time the vessel enters her home waters, quite an event.

Well we have decided to hove too the weather for the remainder of the day further offshore to stay well clear of a lee shore.

The weather forecasts are predicting some rain for the next few days and in particular our day of arrival on the 3rd of May...who organised that? ;-)

Have a good start to the week and see you on Thursday.

SAA II Delivery - Day 23 / 29 April 2012

Hello All

We were treated to quite the steak night last night and were only short of a nice glass of merlot, but that left for another time.

This morning we woke up to the best weather we had this voyage and the sea looked more like a lake with only a long south westerly swell giving away its true colours. We decided to use this weather to stop for a short while and respool the top layer of the CTD winch wire by deploying the Mock-Up CTD we have onboard. This also gave the guys a good chance to familiarise themselves with the equipment. We also opened and tested the moonpool hatches while we were stopped. It is days like this that one wants to test and deploy all the boats and equipment that you can since there are not many such days especially in the southern oceans where we would normally find ourselves.

We are still making very good speed and are well on schedule for our intended arrival in Cape Town on the morning of the 3rd of May 2012.

Have a relaxing Sunday and see you next week.

SAA II Delivery - Day 22 / 28 April 2012

Hello All

Yesterday afternoon went rather eventless and we took some time to appreciate the Freedom's day celebration, even though at sea most days feel the same and only diffirentiated by what is on the menu, which brings us to tonight....last steak night before Cape Town...Whooww!

This morning we had an amazing occasion to celebrate. Today it is the 50th Birthday of our onboard ETO (Electro Technical Officer) and it was rightly celebrated with a large cake and coffee for all in the mess room. A "A3" size birhtday card was sigend by all, after all it is a really big birthday and it is nice to share it with Vince Kruger here onboard the S.A. Agulhas II on her maiden voyage. I am sure that another celebration will be on the cards once he is home with friends and loved ones.

We are now abeam to the West of Walvisbay by 290 Nautical Miles and this morning edged our course a bit more in towards the coast. We are having a stunning day out at sea with the South Easter now a mere gentle breeze.

Well, I do hope that you are all standing around a Saturday afternoon "braai" with a cold one in hand waiting in anticipation for the rugby to kick off.

All the best.

SAA II Delivery - Day 22 / 27 April 2012

Hello All

We made good progress at our reduced settings and are now sort of half way between the Kunene and Walsvisbay quite far offshore, but closing daily.

The skies today are more overcast than usual and rain was threatening but never came through. The barometric pressure has been constantly high though at around 1015, so maybe that explains it. The South easter we have been facing the last view days remained through the last 24 hours and we wonder when that will finally change.

I believe Cape Town has been getting some rain, winter is coming then.

Well, enjoy your day of Freedom.

All the best.

SAA II Delivery - Day 20 / 26 April 2012

Hello All

The swell period increased yesterday and we had the long even swells of the South Atlantic that we are used to. The vessel rode them out nicely so we were gently moving to the motion of the ocean.

Last night, for the first time since we left, we went UMS (Unmanned) in the engine room without any alarms during the night, quite an accomplishment, well done to the guys down below.

We are still unpacking spare parts and bits and pieces and have now started with giving the inside of the accommodation a shine after spending all the good weather days mostly outside washing, cleaning and securing.

We are now 420 miles to the west of the Kunene river mouth, the northern boarder between Namibia and Angola and edging closer to the home land on a course of 140°T.

Enjoy the rest of your day and see you soon!

SAAII Delivery - Day 19 / 25 April 2012

Hello All

Yesterday afternoon we used the extra time we have in hand to run the engines in different configurations and at different combinator settings to note the power changes for future reference. We managed to bring her down to run on two propellers on only one generator, but later found that it was not good for the shaft bearings since the jacking pumps then have to run continuously. There are still some ways around that which we will investigate in time. At least we have many options, as they say many ways to skin a cat :-)

Early this morning before sunrise we crossed over to the "right" side of the Greenwich meridian and were glad to see the sun rise at a more respectable time shortly after eight and it will probably also set tonight at a more reasonable time.

We have slowed our progress down a bit to keep within our arrival schedule.

Have a splendid mid week.

SAA II Delivery - Day 18 / 24 April 2012

Hello All

Another day on the big blue ocean for us, with no other vessel's in sight, quite blissful.

Yesterday afternoon the ocean surface was strangely rippling with sea life. We had shoals of fish breaking the surface, flying fish and flocks of birds all over, probably feeding off the fish.

The adverse current released its grip last night and our speed attested to that.

Today we have a clear, almost cloudless day with the predominant South Easter somewhat moderated from what it was yesterday.

The daily ambient and sea water temperatures are falling now by a degree to a degree and a half as we move further south.

Have a good day.

SAA II Delivery - Day 17 / 23 April 2012

Hello All

We have similar condition to what we had yesterday with a moderate head wind and an adverse current slowing us down slightly but we still managed over 13 knots for the day. We had one vessel on the radar yesterday and that was all in the way of traffic.

Another 10 days to go before seeing the blue mountain or in seaman's terms...only one more steak night!

This morning we made some time for a safety drill for all.

Have a good start to the week

SAA II Delivery - Day 16 / 22 April 2012

Hello All

Today opened clear, but the South Easterly wind is building. The adverse current we experienced slacked off a bit, but increased again shortly before lunch. This current knocked our average speed back by about 1.5 knots over the preceding 24 hours. We are still well ahead of schedule and have some buffer time if the weather came up.

Our ETA for Cape Town pilot station is 08:00LT on the 3rd of May 2012.

SAA II Delivery - Day 15 / 21 April 2012

Hello All

Yesterday was a very awkward day onboard with all the polliwogs very nervous for the initiation day.

There nervea proved to be justified when King Neptune's Royal Party visited the vessel today and gave the first time equator crossing sailors a proper initiation into the order of the deep. I must admit each one of them deserve credit for their brave efforts and endurance. Attached is a photo of King Neptune and his Royal Party and a group photo of all the sailors that were initiated.

We are in the doldrums and the vessel is sailing along quietly with no sea to talk of really and a gentle swell from ahead. We are now spotting more and more sea life with the flying fish, whales, dolphins, sharks and the odd

We have been picking up quite a strong adverse current since this morning after tea which is slowing our progress by 2 knots.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.

All the best

SAA II Delivery - Day 14 / 20 April 2012

Hello All

Sjoe! the water temp shot up to 28°C with the outside temperature following....we do not mind.

Yesterday we saw many flying fish scattering over the water surface as we disturbed their ways. Today we have complete overcast skies and had a cloud break a short while ago. Finally that "free" wash we were hoping for.

We had word that Neptune will visit the vessel tomorrow to convert the "polliwogs" to "shellbacks" as we make our way over the 0 degree latitude line. Needless to say there are several worrying faces around.

Keep well and all the best

SAA II Delivery - Day 13 / 19 April 2012

Hello All

The humidity is increasing as we close the tropical zones, a nice change for some.

We maintained a good speed, but are faced with a SE'ly current that reduced our distance over the ground. We are slightly ahead of schedule, which is a good thing, since we might end up with a couple of days worth of adverse head weather once we are further south.

Yesterday we spotted a pod of whales in the distance, but were not close enough to identify them.

We were hoping to get a couple of rain showers to take the vessel for a "free" wash, but had no luck yet.

All the best.

SAA II Delivery - Day 12 / 18 April 2012

Hello All

How lucky are we to have this following weather all this way. We will probably get it al back once in the southern hemisphere, plus interest! Lets hope it will be smooth sailing. Attached is a photo from the CCTV system looking astern over the helideck and the wake of the vessel.

The cadets were introduced to "soogie" (ships term for soapy water to wash down) today and I am sure they will have some aching muscles after. It is such a repetitive task that has to be done regularly to get rid of all the salt deposits left behind from the sea spray. We are making almost 40 tons of fresh water per day and only really using around 10, so there are plenty to spare for washing down the vessel.

We are heading due south now and our next course alteration will point us directly in the direction of Cape Town... :-), at last.

The working atmosphere onboard is exciting and I would imagine somewhat like an ants nest. Most of the senior Officers onboard this vessel has sailed for many years on the old vessel and are fully aware what needs to be done to get everything in place. It is nice to know that we have so much depth in our team that we could run two Antarctic Supply vessels both at sea at the same time!

Enjoy the rest of your mid week.

SAA II Delivery - Day 11 17 April 2012

Hello All

We went a bit further offshore yesterday and almost feel deserted out here now with no traffic on the radar or AIS, maybe not a bad things for these parts.

We had to slow down during the morning hours to change converters due to some alarms, but this was quickly cleared up and we continued within a short while. The sea remains following all the way and even at our reduced setting we are managing more than 14 knots with the wind pushing us along. The current that has been against us the past 2 days has also now disappeared. It is quite confusing for us in the morning, since it only becomes light between 8 and 9. This is because we decided to remain on SA time. We are altering due south now and will be altering straight for SA when we hit the 10°N latitude at which point our days would start to normalise as we head east again. The time is flying by with our busy days and every day we are a step closer to home.

Other than some sea birds we have not seen much in way of sea animals. There has been 3 racing pigeons that hitched a ride for 2 days, but they are also gone now, probably only sat on deck to have a rest.

Good luck and enjoy the rest of your week

SAA II Delivery - Day 10 16 April 2012

Hello All

We could just wave at the pretty lights of the Canary Islands as we passed by through the VTS, perhaps one day we will be able to visit its shores rather than its surrounding waters.

The traffic in the area remained very light and with the continuous following seas we are making very good head way. We have picked up a gentle roll as the swell has built over the couple of days of steady winds, but it is nothing really and one should only remember that the coffee cup could slide of the table :-).

The skies remain clear as the rise in barometric pressure has steadied out now. We are estimated to cross the equator into the Southern Hemisphere by Friday or latest Saturday, where I am sure King Neptune and his Queen would pay a visit to the vessel to meet with those that have not yet crossed the sacred line by sea.

Attached is a photo of one of the trainee navigating officers, Mr Wilsnach plotting the vessels position on the chart.

We wish you a good start to the week. 

SAA II Delivery - Day 9 15 April 2012

Hello All

We are starting to feel the effects of the lower latitudes and are slowly thawing out. The temperatures for both air and sea are shooting up as we make our way south. The wind remains moderate and following with the barometer rising steadily.

We will make land fall of the Canary Islands later this afternoon as we pass them relatively closely on our track. We are still meeting some north bound vessels. We are planning to route a little further offshore after the islands staying clear of any known piracy areas.

Otherwise all is well onboard and we have had a very good voyage this far with a nice bunch of people. We are all getting excited now to see the blue mountain and our families.

Have a relaxing Sunday afternoon.

All the best. 

SAA II Delivery - Day 8 14 April 2012

Hello All

Well it is Saturday and to be honest I do not have much to report today. Onboard it is as any other day and we are all still frantically sorting and packing, while trying to implement systems onboard that will make life easier in the  long run.

We are experiencing quite a strong WNW'ly wind of around 35 knots and a swell of about 3 meters slightly forward of the beam. Needless to say we are rolling slightly more and the non skid table covering has made its appearance, but it is nothing really and we are quite comfortable. We still have to see how she would behave in proper storm, but for now we will give her the time off since she will be seeing plenty of that in the next 30 years!

Again we have made very good progress and averaged around 14.5 knots. So while the going is good we are making hay while the sun shines as they say.

Enjoy your weekend and all thumbs up for the Stormers to beat the Crusaders today!!

SAA II Deilvery - Day 7 13 April 2012

Hello All

Is it already a week since we have left, sjoe it has gone by so quickly!!

We are now sailing almost due south with our heading at 195°T as we round the Portugese west coast. Our next hurdle would be the crossing traffic in and out of Gibraltar, but after the Dover Straits and the English channel it will probably seem less exciting. We made good progress yesterday and averaged 14.5 knots with the currents and following winds pushing us along. Perhaps the vessel knows her destination and is like a horse back to the stables....:-)

It is amasing how much paper work is required to seaworthy a vessel of this nature. It is still a mountain we are climbing at the moment to have it all organised and settled. We are lucky to have this couple of weeks during the delivery voyage to do exactly that. The cadets are also shown the basics of housekeeping by the Chief Officer, Bosun and the Chief Steward. They are all keen youngsters, which makes training them so much easier. The past view nights provided clear skies for them to practise their azimuths and the rising and setting sun has been good for an amplitude. Some had to shake off the rust to get these calculations right.

It feels like a normal passage now that there is more than 3km of water below us.

Even though it is Friday the 13th, we have had a good day so far and are glad to face in the right direction.

I am attaching two photographs. One is of the Great Belts bridge we passed under with a clearance of 65 meters, bridge to waterline. The other is of the pilot boat that came alongside shortly after passing underneath the bridge.

Have a good start to the weekend.

SAA II Delivery - Day 6 12 April 2012

Hello All

Finally we reached open ocean yesterday afternoon and we are experiencing the so familiar motion of the ocean, which is quite different to  the choppy seas of the gulf of Bothnia and the North Sea. The vessel has a gentle roll to the long north westerly swell reminding us what it is like to be at sea.

We continued to make good speed all through last night and today as the moderate winds kept on the quarter. Other than a couple of fisherman the traffic through the English channel was quite manageable and it was like going for a Sunday afternoon drive with everyone taking it easy and following the rules and their lanes.

I have attached two images. The photo of the wind farms  is from the south of Denmark shortly after we picked up the first pilot and the photo of the nice sunset was taken last night.

The to do lists are growing daily as we make the vessel our own and everyone on board is giving that little extra to get everything organised, I commend them.

The outside and sea water temperatures are rising rapidly and even though it is only at 11°C it feels like summer to the ones that has just experienced a harsh finish winter.

All the best.

SAA II delivery - Day 5 11 April 2012

Hello All

It was quite an exciting preceding 24 hours with us really taking the vessel through her paces to make sure all her functionalities are working without any glitches while still having the Converteam engineers on board to assist us in clearing up any issues. At one stage yesterday afternoon we were cruising at 18 knots while testing the full sea going mode and ice modes. The weather cleared up nicely so today we had quite an easy transfer of the Converteam engineers to the pilot boat at Cherbourg. We were even lucky enough to engage the dynamic positioning mode while we waited for the pilot boat for a short while to test if that is working well, which it was.

It is amazing how strong the tidal stream can get in the English channel and at the pilot boarding point I estimated we had around two knots flow, that is quite something.

The trainee officers on board is really getting good experience while we are traversing these more traffic dense areas and I hope they remember what they are learning here now.

The ship has been running well and other than a couple of leaks and a electronic device here or there we have not had any mayor problems....touch wood.

I hope that Neptune will grant us easy passage through the notorious bay of Biscay when we finally make our way more south.

All the best.