Column-Logbook for the Algemeen Dagblad
July 28, 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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Submarine Guppy


I have been back at sea for two days heading for Vanuatu, a group of islands that is part of France. I still have 300 nm to go, and I hope to be there on Saturday. It has been a while since I have had such strong winds and so I am going very fast. With a little bit of luck I should arrive in the daytime which I would appreciate after my nighttime arrivals in Tonga and Fiji. Not that I would have to sail between many reefs again but it would be nice to be able to see something and clear customs to step ashore right upon arrival. In all I stayed one week in Fiji and it was funny to be back where I spent my very early childhood. I also was aboard the three masted schooner 'Alvei' for three days. It was a scuba diving trip off a small island but once there as I went under water I found that diving was giving me earaches. So I went snorkelling instead. From this island I was to go back Fiji's main island on a small local boat as the 'Alvei' sailed further away with the tourists. But the boat I expected to board was not sailing on that day, so I was stranded. But as I spent half a day walking around and sightseeing – why not take that time for a little excursion - I spotted a fishing boat that was to cast off soon. I ran over to it as fast as I could, and, yes, they would take me with them. I felt very happy to be back aboard Guppy later on that same evening. I sailed out on the following day and now for the first time since my departure I am sitting outside in the cockpit enjoying the rising sun. Right now the strong winds make for high waves, and Guppy looks more like a submarine than a sailboat as she is rocking heavily up and down so reading outside is not possible, but then just watching the rough seas is always nice.

Regards,
Laura