Column-Logbook for the Algemeen Dagblad
July ??, 2011
Translation for Zeilmeisje Laura Dekker on Facebook
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Each week in her column-logbook for the Algemeen Dagblad Laura Dekker will relate her journey around the world aboard her sailboat Guppy on her attempt to become the world's youngest circumnavigator.
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Fiji


I have sailed out of Tonga where I stayed for five days, and it was incredibly beautiful with its many small and green islands. I would have liked to spend more time there but I am also trying for a record, so... So I am now on my way to the Fiji Islands which are about four sailing days away. The crossing itself should go well since the weather forecast is good, calling for sunny days and enough winds. It is a pity my SSB radio broke down some days ago. I tried everything but I could not make it utter a sound anymore. With the SSB I could talk to other sailors which may be very useful in case of problems, but also it is was a nice way for me to keep a social life as I am sailing alone. Chatting with other yacht crew had become part of my morning routine. Now I have to be satisfied with the sounds of the wind and the waves. It is not much likely that other boats will come into my VHF radio range as I go on my journey. But then an American company spontaneously offered to send me a brand new SSB radio to Fiji which in itself would be a good enough reason to sail a little bit faster, although I am also curious about Fiji itself. I have been here before for a month with my parents when I was one year old and I still have some photos. On one of the photos I am standing on the deck of the 'Diario', my parents boat, wearing a thick diaper and turning the winch's crank. In another photo I am sitting in a baby carrier on my father's back as we went by horse across the mountains for several days. On another one I am bobbing up and down in a dinghy. According to my parents I could swim before I could walk if you can call paddling like a dog swimming. Actually I don't remember anything from that time but still being back here is something special to me. Maybe some déjà vu feelings will come up, who knows?

Until next week,
Laura