Charter Yacht Annaliesse

Mega motor yacht ANNALIESSE built in 2004 is one of the world's most impressive charter yachts, spectacular at every level, built to SOLAS safety specifications, with exceptional taste in design by Lalis Poulias. Construction is by steel in hull and superstructure with aluminium deckhouses. The mega motor yacht is equipped to carry op to 36 passengers with 34 crew members. With a range of over 7.000 nautical miles, Annaliesse is capable of crossing the Atlantic, navigating the Panama Canal and reaching the west coast of the United States and Mexico, while spends summer time in Mediterranean Sea. She has unquestionable presence with her sleek hull, at the same time towering but welcoming. Access is easy via passarelle or the wide, teak swimming platform and once on board, life unfolds over five spectacular decks.

Thirty six guests are looked after by thirty-four crew and there is room to entertain at the most lavish level. With 2.400 square meters (25.833 sq. ft.) of guest space, everyone can enjoy the Annaliesse of their choice. And the choice is enormous. Arriving by lift 21 meters (70 ft.) up from the sea, the sun deck provides privacy, intimacy and spectacular views over your domain. At the one end, the heli-pad converts into a circular sunbathing terrace, at the other, is a jacuzzi surrounded by sunbeds. Crew at the large bar serve anything from a cold drink to a hot buffet-24 hours a day. For sport, there are four waverunners, two tenders and a garage full of other leisure equipment including a fully equipped diving centre. At night the bridge deck is tranformed- dimmed lights overhead, candle lights on starched white table linen and dinner as only Annaliesse can provide!

Charter Yacht Haida G

Ex RosenKavalier, the Haida G mega yacht is the greatest surviving classic motor yacht of the 1920's at no exaggeration. Designed by Cox & Stevens and built by the Friedrich Krupp Shipyard in Kiel Germany, she is still powered by her original Krupp Diesel engines. A great history stars from her first owner the millionaire Max Fleischman of Santa Barbara with her first name HAIDA . Decades later the yacht is on her initial name and tenth owner. During World II Haida was acquired by the US Navy in October 1940 and was converted for coastal patrol. Named as Sarina by the following owner in Egypt remained in Alexandria until King Farouk was overthrown, at which time Adda Maurice the owner based her in Cannes for use as a floating home and office.

Mexico Country Specific Information

Mexico is a Spanish-speaking country about three times the size of Texas, consisting of 31 states and one federal district. The capital is Mexico City. Mexico has a rapidly developing economy, ranked by the International Monetary Fund as the fourteenth largest in the world. The climate ranges from tropical to arid, and the terrain consists of coastal lowlands, central high plateaus, deserts and mountains of up to 18,000 feet.Many cities throughout Mexico are popular tourist destinations for U.S. citizens. Travelers should note that location-specific information contained below is not confined solely to those cities, but can reflect conditions throughout Mexico. Although the majority of visitors to Mexico thoroughly enjoy their stay, a small number experience difficulties and serious inconveniences.

Giverny and Versailles Small Group Day Trip from Paris

After picking you up at the doorstep of your downtown hotel in Paris, our guide will take you for a wonderful day outside of Paris.This day will lead you first to the edge of Normandy, where you will visit Claude Monet's home, the "Father of Impressionism". There you will discover the famous gardens created by the impressionist painter, and the well known Japanese bridge in the midst of its flowered paths and wather-lily ponds.

"Claude Monet's property at Giverny, left by his son to the Académie des Beaux-arts in 1966, has, after completion of large scale restoration work, become the Claude Monet Foundation, inaugurated in 1980. The house, with its pink crushed brick façade, where the leader of the Impressionist School lived from 1883 to 1926, once again has its colourful décor and intimate charin of former times. The precious collection of Japanese engravings is displayed in several rooms, hung in the marmer chosen by the master of Giverny himself.

The huge Nymphéas studio, a stone's throw from the house, has also been restored. It contains the Foundation's Shop. The gardens have been replanted as they once were and offer for the admiration of visitors the "painting from nature" which Claude Monet's contemporaries considered one of his masterpieces. The rectangular Clos Normand, with archways of climbing plants entwined around brilliantly coloured shrubs, lies before the house and studios, offering from Spring to Autumn the palette of varying colours to the painter-gardner who was "ecstatic about flowers". Lastly, the Water Garden, formed by a tributary of the Epte, lies further away, shaded by weeping willows. With its famous Japanese Bridge, its wistarias, azaleas and its pond, it has once more become that casket of sky and water which inspired the pictorial universe of the water lilies."

You will have lunch at the lovely "Moulin de Fourges" restaurant, a 200-year-old mill. The architecture of this listed site, dating back to the 18th century, draws its inspiration from the hamlet of Marie-Antoinette at Versailles. It offers a unique setting with its rural grounds and its spacious terrace on the banks of the Epte.

In the afternoon, you will be driven to Versailles Palace, residence of the Sun King, Louis XIV. There, you will visit on your own Louis XIV's suite, the Hall of Mirrors... An audio guide (included) is available in eight languages (French, English, German, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Russian and Chinese-Mandarin). You will also have some remaining time to discover the famous "A la Francaise" gardens.

LARGEST yachts with library and marble Jacuzzi on sale for $53 MILLION

A SUPER YACHT boasting a library and a marble jacuzzi has gone on the market for a whopping $53 million (£43.3 million).
Athena is believed to be the fourth largest sailing yacht in the world - and currently the only one in this size range up for sale.

The three-storey, 295ft long vessel was built in 2004 at the Royal Huisman Shipyard in the Netherlands.

In 2011 it underwent a revamp and is now being sold by boat dealer Burgess.

It is ideal for yachting enthusiasts and can sleep up to 10 people in the five cabins, one of which is a master suite.

The master suite has its own study, walk-in-wardrobe and Jacuzzi.

The yacht can also house 21 members of staff.

Guests can enjoy sunbathing on the outdoor lounges and working out in the onboard gym.

Across this luxurious ship's three levels there are a variety of saloons.

The world's largest cruise ship, which is almost 165 feet longer than the Eiffel Tower, has set off on its first sea trial from France. Harmony of the Seas, which cost almost £800million to build and weighs 227,000 tonnes.These include a bridge deck, media room and a large main saloon that leads to a stunning dining room.

There is also another table on the vast deck so everyone can enjoy a spot of al fresco dining.

Plus there's another study area with floor to ceiling bookshelves and plenty of storage space.

This impressive yacht has been decked out in lavish mahogany wood and teak and finished with fine furnishings. Athena also boasts impressive technology with its Panamax masts rigged with 2,500 square metres of sail power. And the hydraulically hoisted crow’s nest, which sits at 190ft high, offers panoramic views.

Its twin 3156B Caterpillar engine means this boat can cruise at a range of 4,000 nautical miles at 10 knots. Although this vessel is currently sitting in the Caribbean sporting a Cayman Islands flay, it must be sold offshore and out of US waters. The story comes after a new capsule hotel could see visitors waking up on a desert island.

http://www.express.co.uk/travel/articles/776268/yacht-worlds-largest-for-sale

Feadship Superyacht FAITH Delivered 96m/318ft

One of the largest motor yachts ever built by the legendary shipyard, the 96m/318ft superyacht FAITH was delivered to her new owner from Feadship this month.Defined by graceful exterior lines styled by Redman Whiteley Dixon, and blessed with a naval architecture courtesy of De Voogt, FAITH is no doubt one of the most distinct superyachts on the water.

The third largest superyacht ever built by Feadship, FAITH comes just behind the 99m/325ft motor yacht ‘Madame Gu’ and the 102m/333ft luxury yacht SYMPHONY- the largest ever built by SYMPHONY.

Currently moored in Antibes next to the similarly enormous Madame Gu, FAITHfeatures a wealth of exciting features sure to make her one the most remarkable deliveries of the year.

From the helipad and garage located on the bow, to the gigantic beach club located at the stern, everything about superyacht FAITH can be reasonably be considered a standout quality.

Though there are few published images of the interior, it has been confirmed that Redman Whiteley Dixon are responsible for the design, with French house Chahan Design completing the decor.

It has also been confirmed that FAITH is capable of sleeping up to 18 guests across 9 cabins. Sure to be the one everyone is keenest to see is the master suite, whilst the 2 VIP suites are also sure to generate plenty of intrigue.

Supersized and stylish, Feadship superyacht FAITH is sure to become one of the most memorable deliveries from the Dutch shipyard

Whilst M/Y FAITH is not expected to become available for charter, feel free to take a look at all of the Feadship superyachts which are available for rent.

Photos by: Raphael Montigneaux.

http://blog.yachtcharterfleet.com/post/feadship-superyacht-faith-delivered-7384.htm

Superyacht ‘Project Thunder’ Launched By Lurssen 102m/333ft

Still shrouded in plenty of secrecy, the eye-catching 120m+ motor yacht 'Project Thunder' was launched this weekend at the Lurssen shipyard in Bremen.Whilst there are few official details confirmed, there was a series of images published over the weekend which appear to show Project Thunder hitting the water for the very first time.  following  24 months after her keel was laid back in 2015.

Designed by the legendary Espen Oeino, Lurssen have hinted that her interior is traditional and she will be cruising mostly in Asian waters following her delivery. This leads us to believe it may be built for a local owner.

With her project name derived from Leigong, a mythical God in Asian mythology, such attractive cruising grounds have been playfully hinted at by the shipyard.

Complete with a head-turning black finish, five decks, and a superbly styled superstructure, there’s no doubt that the German shipyard are in the midst of building another classic.

Though she isn’t expected to be delivered until sometime in 2018, there is still plenty to get excited about after taking a look at these early photographs.

Nicely reminiscent of the 102m/333ft luxury yacht SYMPHONY, the sleek curves at the stern of Project Thunder call to mind the styling of the iconic Feadship superyacht.

Indeed, just like SYMPHONY, there is a gentle sweep which extends to the swim platform on the aft, a section which seems to be sizeable enough for a beach club.

Setting her apart from other large superyachts, however, are the the masculine lines and strong angles which lend Project Thunder a totally unique profile.

What’s more, with a cutaway section hinting towards a possible atrium amidships at the starboard side, there’s plenty to be speculating about when it comes to her interior layout.

The largest Lurssen superyacht to be launched so far this year, Project Thunder is certain to inspire a wealth of intrigue
Following her delivery, it has been speculated that the superyacht will enter the top 20 largest superyachts ever built. Interestingly, our records indicate that Espen Oeino has designed the exterior of 11 of the top 100 superyachts, beaten only by Tim Heywood who has designed 12 of them.

Lurssen have also revealed that Project Thunder will undergo sea trials following the installation of her interior in the coming months.

As more details emerge regarding this new build, YachtCharterFleet.com will be sure to keep readers fully informed.

Whilst awaiting further information regarding M/Y Project Thunder, be sure to take a look at all of the Lurssen superyachts which are available for private yacht charter vacations.

http://blog.yachtcharterfleet.com/post/superyacht-lproject-thunderr-launched-by-lurssen-7356.htm

106m Superyacht AMADEA Delivered By Lurssen 106m/348ft

Leaving the German shipyard for Norway yesterday afternoon, the 106m/348ft motor yacht AMADEA has been delivered from Lurssen.Following the announcement that the 96m/315ft motor yacht VERTIGO was delivered from Feadship, the news that AMADEA has also been delivered marks a truly spectacular week in the superyacht world.

Cutting a distinctive figure in the water thanks to her Espen Oeino styled exterior, AMADEA has been shrouded in secrecy from the very beginning of her build, with very few details being made official.

What is known, however, is that her 2m elaborate bowsprit positions her in the leagues of the largest superyachts in the world. Specifically, she comes in at 33rd, meaning that Espen Oeino has styled 11 of the largest 100 superyachts whilst Lurssen have built 26 of them.

Images captured during her sea trials revealed that AMADEA includes a generously proportioned swimming pool on her aft deck as well as a full-size helipad on her bow.

Making it even easier for guests to access the water, a broad swim platform extends off the aft whilst the wrap around deck design allows guests to make their way around the exterior with similar ease.

As new information regarding AMADEA becomes available, YachtCharterFleetwill be sure to keep readers fully up to date.

Spanning five extensive decks and governed by remarkable design, Lurssen superyacht AMADEA is nothing short of iconic

Whilst AMADEA is not expected to be made available for charter, be sure to take a look at all of the Lurssen superyachts which are available for charter.

http://blog.yachtcharterfleet.com/post/106m-superyacht-amadea-delivered-by-lurssen-7318.htm

Florida Luxury Yacht Charter - Yacht Charters Florida Trawler Charters

Whatever option you decide on, rest assured that you will explore Florida to its fullest potential. Yacht charter has never been easier. With Yacht.travel you can check all of the available booking schedules for yachts in Florida in real time and choose the time-slot which is most convenient for you.Yacht charter made simple... Yachts.travel makes it easy to rent a yacht in Florida. We have a range of options for yacht charter, bareboat and crewed, ranging from affordable to luxurious.

Florida yacht charters provide access to an excellent year round climate. The best time of year for yacht charter in Florida is from November to April, although though the off-season also provides for a very pleasant experience. The southernmost part of the continental United States is a sportfisherman’s playground and an easy jumping-off point for charterers headed to the Bahamas.

Boasting mostly sub-tropical weather and the powerful Gulf Stream current flowing just off the east coast of the state, South Florida features the remarkable Florida Keys, a string of islands with the southernmost being the notable Key West. One can cruise the various Keys inside the reef in shoal-draft vessels off the eastern “ocean” side of the Keys, or make a straight shot from Miami to Key West running farther offshore.

The “back country” side of the Keys, off the western side, has calm waters, quiet natural scenes, and tremendous island sunsets. The west coast of Florida also features quiet, calm-sea cruising, and no shortage of fishing opportunities.

The west coast of Florida also features quiet, calm-sea cruising, and no shortage of fishing opportunities. Encompassing a great sailing infrastructure throughout most of the popular areas of sailing, Florida Keys and Fort Lauderdale, the sunshine state is likely to be a dream boating vacation for everyone aboard.

Proclaimed to be some of the finest sailing waters on the East Coast of the United States, the Florida Keys are home to the only coral reef in continental United States. Key West’s City Marina and Oceanside Marina are the two major hubs for yacht charters in the Keys.

The marinas can hold almost 400 slips in combined capacity and it is essential to book prior to arrival in the high sailing seasons between November and April. Experience the beautiful weather in the south of Florida and journey through the small islands of the Key including Marquesa, Garden Key and the Dry Tortugas.

Extended sailing holidays can also see you sailing to the Bahamas for a taste of the Caribbean life. Explore the land of the picturesque Boca Chita Key, relax upon the beaches and know the reasons why the Keys islands are often proclaimed to be paradise. Charter though the Hawk Channels and Largo Sound where bird lovers will delight in the large variety of marine bird life as well as Bald eagles and other large birds, as they pass through the narrow rivers of the mangroves.

The Florida Keys are full of endless wonders and also offer the keen sailors who visit the towns and cities of the islands great fresh seafood for dinners and lunches. You may even like to catch your own!

Fort Lauderdale is another great charter area known for being one of the few areas in the world where salt water and fresh water fishing are within 20 minutes distance. Sailing through the greater Fort Lauderdale region, those aboard are likely to catch and enjoy great fresh seafood dinners whilst relaxing on their boats under the Florida sun.

To the south of Fort Lauderdale, sailors will enjoy many sights, relax on beautiful beaches and discover the joys of snorkelling. Anchor in the beach at the North end of Bimini and delight in a beautiful picnic lunch. Snorkel around the 1940’s concrete hull sunken freighter off the coast of Sappona and see the beautiful marine life that have taken up residence.

The lighthouses and beaches along Gun Cay, Tuna alley and Cat Cay are also renown attractions for sailors in the area to enjoy a break from their sailing trip ashore. The marinas and basins in Fort Lauderdale provide swift easy access to other locations throughout Florida, including Miami right down to the Bahamas and even Key West.

Italy Yacht Charter Mediterranean Luxury Yacht Charter Boats

Whatever option you decide on, rest assured that you will explore Italy to its fullest potential. Yacht charter has never been easier. With Yacht.travelyou can check all of the available booking schedules for yachts in Italy in real time and choose the time-slot which is most convenient for you...Yacht charter made simple Yachts.travel makes it easy to rent a yacht in Italy. We have a range of options for yacht charter, bareboat and crewed, ranging from affordable to luxurious.

Italian coast boasts with many splendid tourist resorts which offer pleasure vacation, entertainment and various sport activities; all in constant tendency of improvement in order to match the demands of visitors still with the main objective to preserve nature and to prevent any damage to the marine ecosystem.

Some of the Italian archipelagos and small islands have turned into protected marine areas. However, there is a tendency to allow pleasure boaters to use the system of protected marine areas by installing buoys they can tie up to or by providing other services.

Still, there are numerous interesting places one can choose as his starting base to discover many natural resources of this country, splendid beaches, old towns along the coast, lavishly equipped marinas…Whatever place you choose, you will be amazed by its beauty and variety of choices; providing all the facilities to the visitors.

Yachting facilities in Italy are of a very high standard due to a large resident boating population and considerable boat-building industry.

THE MOST INTERESTING STARTING BASES IN ITALY:

Sicily and Aeolian islands
Sicily is well known for its unique natural beauty, Etna’s volcano, its splendid coast, islands and islets. One can start his journey in Palermo in the north of the island, a city with numerous monuments and dense orchards. The city has preserved some of Arabic and Norman atmosphere. Another base to start your journey could be Marsala, an astonishing town founded by the Cartaginians. It’s a pleasant picturesque place, famous for its wine. Sant’Agata di Militello is located somewhere in between Palermo and Messina. It’s an ideal starting point for cruising the Aeolian islands.

Sardinia
The landscape of Sardinia offers a lifetime vacation of its rich environment. Portisco is located between Porto Cervo and Porto Rotondo. The place is ideal for sailing tourism and it offers various services for tourists. Besides, it is only 10 minutes away from the airport. Carloforte is another starting base, as interesting as well. It is the only populated area on the island of San Pietro.

Tuscan islands
The west coast of Italy is well known for its splendid islands and bases which offer all the facilities to the visitors. Etrusca Marina in Scarlino is an excellent location in the south of Piombino. The island of Elba is another great location for your sailing vacation, offering numerous ports and anchorages. It is one of the most attractive and colorful islands in Italy with following starting bases: Portoferraio, Rio Marina and Marina Marciana.

Gulf of Naples
Naples is an astonishing city which offers numerous monuments and museums of historical interest. It is the great starting base to a journey towards the nearby islands. Agropoli is located between Capo Campanella (Sorrento) and Capo Palinuro. The ruins of its castle reminds us of its Byzantine origin, then some examples of the Greek architecture ( Porta Rosa ) etc. It is an ideal starting base towards the islands of the gulf ( Capri, Ischia and Procida ), along the coast of Cilento or even further to explore the Pontine islands.

Vibo Valentia Marina, which is only a few km away from the airport, could be a great choice for those who would like to visit the islands of Lipari.

Monte Argentario 
Among the most interesting spots in Tuscan Riviera with attractive tourist centers, beautiful nature and extraordinary sea depths for diving activities. There are three ports to start your journey from; Santo Stefano, Ercole and Marina di Cala Galera.

Castellamare di Stabia 
Located between Naples and Sorrento. Besides being an excellent starting base towards the nearby islands ( Ischia, Procida and Capri ), there are 28 mineral springs, so one can enjoy in a mineral-water cure both in the Antique thermae and the new one as well.

Formia
A picturesque town with mild climate which makes it a great base for those who intend to explore the beauty of the Pontine islands.

Genoa 
A city of contrasts, both in culture and architecture, a real modern metropolis. However, it is the only place with colorful and exotic atmosphere of the old port. From there, you can explore the coast towards the tourist center of Ventimiglia, or in another direction, towards Cinque Terre.

Marsala 
An excellent position which makes it an ideal starting base towards the Egadi islands (Favignana, Levanzo and Marettimo).

Nettuno
Another suggestion as a starting point. Just like Formia, it is ideal for sailing towards the Pontine islands.

Palau 
An important tourist center with magnificent panorama to the archipelago of Maddalena. It stands out with its granite cliff (Il Capo d’Orso) and provides a sailing route through the archipelago.

Procida 
A volcanic island with only 4 km of length, steep coast, green orchards and vineyards. A nice starting base to explore the Gulf of Naples and its surroundings.

Punta Ala 
Once a name of a rocky promontory, is now a synonym of a tourist center and luxury residence with a vivacious tourist port from where you can start your journey towards nearby islands.

Salerno
An antique town sloping down from the hill towards the sea. It’s an excellent choice for those who would like to stay around the Gulf of Naples or even for those who would like to set towards the Aeolian islands.

San Felice Circeo 
Another famous starting base with an extraordinary panorama of the Pontine islands. Along with Formia and Nettuno, it offers a great vacation cruising the islands.

San Remo 
An important tourist center. The first hotel in this town was called London, due to wealthy British tourists who were attracted by its mild climate and its romantic landscape. It was the beginning of its great development, construction of hotels, villas, parks and gardens. The city was transformed to the most important flower market in Italy.

Syracuse 
Once the most powerful city of Sicily. Today, it offers splendid landscape, crystal sea and Mediterranean vegetation. An excellent starting base indeed.

Trapani 
A great choice to start your cruising vacation towards the Egadi islands.

Viareggio 
Once a marine shelter. There are various small ports in the area, gardens of palms, oleander and tamarisk, sandy beach, elegant hotels, various cultural events etc.

Vieste
Located on the east side of the Gargano peninsula. It’s a picturesque place with its old part of a medieval atmosphere on a rocky promontory isolated between two long sandy beaches.

Italy Yacht Charter 2017 - Lavagna Yacht Charter

Lavagna is an interesting town built in the hills which offers lofty mansions, narrow, colour streets and several quaint cafes. It is a great mooring destination for anyone enjoying a yacht rental holiday along the Italian Riviera.Lavagna is a port located along the Italian Mediterranean coast line not far from Monaco and France and is home to a marina with superyachts and visiting luxury charter yachts, both motor yachts and sailing yachts. If your boat stops in on a Lavagna yacht charter there are good sea food restaurants, good beaches and a medieval, charming town centre. Discover Many Hidden Treasures Stopping in Lavagna means discovering a wealth of hidden treasures in the form of paintings and sculptures by Genoese school artists. The town centre is filled with workshops and studios that make beautiful traditional handicraft items. Lavagna also was the first to spread Slate as a form of art and is often referred to as black gold of Liguria. Most roofs of the colourful homes in Liguria are covered with this characteristic slate and had been discovered centuries ago. Picture Perfect Beautiful Views Lavagna is a beautiful seaside town with a fun filled range of activities. Its many discos, pubs and restaurants ensure that you will be able to enjoy a lively night. Located on the left of Entella torrent, this coastal town has a long sandy coastline with the breath-taking backdrop of hills covered with olive groves. Because of its laid back lifestyle, it offers a perfect relaxing spot for yacht charter vacationers. Originally Lavagna had been agriculture, maritime and slate production centred economy which has now changed to tourism centric economy as the popularity of the town has increased over the years. Lavagna also has a very rich culture and history dating back to pre-Roman origins. Over the years, the history of Lavagna has been intertwined with its counts that originated from the well-known Fieschi family. Even today, the residential areas of Lavagna have maintained a very medieval air because it still retains the original medieval settlement organized along two of the central axis. Via Dante, the older one runs parallel to the coast while the other one is Via Rome. What makes a Lavagna luxury yacht charter even more special is its rich gastronomy and its fine quality beaches which is what most people look for their yacht charter vacations. Lavagna is a feast for all the senses with its spectacular views, its rich history and culture, its many authentic restaurants and beautiful beaches. A yachting vacation to the Italian Riviera can definitely be made much more enjoyable and a lot of fun with a stop at Lavagna. Superyachts, both sailing and motor yachts, can berth in port Lavagne in Italy and it can be a stopping place on your Italian Riviera luxury yacht charter.

The 15-year-old who sailed round the world alone

In 2011, Dutch teenager Laura Dekker became the youngest person to sail alone round the world. Her account, of which this is an extract, bubbles with a youthful verve and passion.

In 2009, the English sailing community was galvanised by the arrival on the East Coast of a 14-year-old single-hander from Holland, writes Tom Cunliffe. This was Laura Dekker, skippering a small yacht she had bought with borrowed money.

She was placed in care and refused leave to return home in her boat until her father, party to the whole event, came over. He declared his confidence in his daughter and she completed her voyage alone.

Later that year, Laura announced her intention to sail round the world single-handed in a 38-footer she would finance though her own efforts. Now it was the Dutch authorities who tried to ban the project, but after a good deal of manoeuvring they too relented and she finally set out from Portugal in 2010.

One year and five months later, Laura became the youngest solo circumnavigator at the age of 16.

This extract from her book, One Girl One Dream, (Harper Collins, New Zealand) describes part of her 6,000-mile passage from Australia to South Africa. It bubbles with youth, and anybody feeling jaded with their life should read it right now.Better than that, go out and buy the book. I did. I couldn’t put it down.

Finally, some wind, but it’s so dark and grey outside that it looks as though the clouds will envelop Guppy at any moment. There’s a 4m swell and I’ve been having squall after squall breaking over me for the past two weeks. The wind isn’t constant for more than an hour at a time, which entails adjusting the sails and the course regularly.

I dive into a book so that I can forget everything around me, but every time I get up there are dark clouds, drizzle and little wind. During my crossing from the Galapagos to the Marquesas Islands, I’d covered 2,600 miles in the same time it’s taken to cover only 1,500 now. This ocean hasn’t done me any favours, and I’ll be glad to leave it behind me.

Guppy is running at three knots and bobbing along like a useless rubber duck on the high swell. At the top of the waves, I have an infinite view of endless grey sea that changes to drizzle on the horizon. I have to accept it because I can’t change it anyway, and things are bound to get better.

When day breaks, a few squalls pass by, causing the wind to come first from behind and then head-on, just to give me a hard time, before falling away altogether.

This isn’t much fun with the high swell and the cross-seas . . . Guppy is rolling very heavily and the sails are flapping in all directions, but once the squalls have disappeared on the horizon I feel it – WIND! Wonderful wind. Guppy flies forward and is making real speed for the first time since Darwin. It’s going well and she’s jumping over the waves at seven knots like a young foal, and looks as though she’s enjoying it as much as her skipper.

A glance at the solar panels shows me that there is work to do. I can start cleaning them all over again as it seems to have become a regular shithouse for all my feathered friends. Not good, and I’m pissed off about all the lost current that I need so much.

Seeing that I’ve hardly had any sun, Guppy’s batteries have not been charging optimally, which means that I can make only limited use of my radar and beloved SSB radio, which both need a lot of electricity. A pity because my SSB offers me something else to do other than staring over the grey sea and skies.

http://www.yachtingworld.com/voyages/crossing-the-indian-ocean-single-handed-dutch-solo-sailor-laura-dekker-in-her-own-words-109746