Halfway Point!

Just got a text message from Erik a few minutes ago reporting that all is well and that they have weathered the storm. The crew would like us to join them in a toast as they have successfully reached the halfway point at: 47.36N & 30.00 W. That really is cause for celebration!

July 25: 47.22N, 31.03W

We awoke to a text message from the crew this morning. The message read "ALL IS WELL, WE ARE STILL IN LOW PRESSURE AND RAIN, BUT THE WAVES ARE DOWN FROM 30' TO 20', WE LOOK TO BE ABOUT HALF WAY". They also inquired about any further storm systems, so we sent an updated weather report. It appears that they are back on course. Hopefully this will be the end of the tough weather.
Relieved!
Mary

Stormy Weather: 46.45N, 33.41W

The Mokum crew has had a busy night battling the weather of the Atlantic. They have been in touch with the Coast Guard to register their position, and considered altering their course to avoid further storms. At this point, they are staying south, and battling the high seas resulting from the storm which appears to be moving north (away from them). After a tough night, they are more encouraged this morning as a high pressure system seems to be moving in. We'll continue to keep you posted.
Mary Shelley

July 23 Lat 46.39N Long 35.16W

I have just had my first call from Martin and it was great to hear his voice. They have had the most challenging day so far - 40mph gale force winds for over an hour this morning! Pieter had them change to the smallest storm sail and they successfully navigated through the weather. They had been in touch with a passing ship who advised them of a weather system heading south from Greenland toward the Azores, and encouraged them to bide their time until the system passed. As we spoke, they were looking forward to their first fog-free night. They have eaten most of their "fresh food" and are now into the cans of non perishables. They are safe and well - skirting the storm may have put them a day or so behind schedule but we are relieved that they made the right decision (after all, they were ahead of schedule to date!)

Check out the new link on the right hand side of this page to follow Mokum's progress to date (yes, it is in Dutch, but the map itself is universal!). Thanks to Yolanda for putting this together. We hope you don't mind us posting the link directly to the blog for all to enjoy!
Mary Shelley

Sunday, July 22

Julie has just had a call from Erik. They've had great sailing and are making good progress. Latitude 46.33 N, Longitude 38.59 W. Martin will be calling tomorrow to get an updated weather forecast.

Saturday July 21

Jan Pieter just called on the sat phone. Erik was cooking. The motor was running to recharge the battery. Fog was rolling in. The water temperature in the Gulf stream was 22.5 degrees (- no wonder there is fog - ) They said the weather and sailing were good and everybody misses everybody!!!!
Their position is 45.40 N and 42.17 W
They have travelled 550 nautical miles which is about a quarter of the way across! So they are making great time.
It was great to hear Jan Pieter's voice :) but, of course, we couldn't chat for long.
Until next time
Lesley

Position LAT 44.56 N LONG 46.31 W

A short while ago Julie called me, having received this message. ALL IS WELL. FOG AND DOLPHINS...IN THE GULF STREAM LAT 44 56 N LONG 46 31 W.
Jan Pieter's message to me was that he does not feel that he can relax yet on this 2nd part of the journey.
The pictures Rainer has posted are amazing and they reflect what a wonderful trip this has been so far.