On our way across the Atlantic

Wladislav Wagner, a 19-year old adventurer without money or sailing experience, was the first Pole to sail around the world. He began his journey in 1932 in Gdynia, Poland, and completed the circumnavigation in 1939 in Southampton, England.

On May 29, 2010, the Ulysses started on its way to follow the route of Wladislav Wagner. Since the Canary Islands, the project “Reijs Wagnera” is cooperating with the current Tigersnail film production “Into the Blue”.

A milestone of both projects is the stretch across the Atlantic. Approximately 3500 km separate the Cape Verdian island of Sao Vicente, where we are currently lying, from the Caribbean. Depending on conditions, our sailboat, the Ulysses, will need 12-20 days for the crossing. In preparation for this long trip, Captain Miroslav Lewinski welcomed three new crew members on board.

Mindelo, the last harbour before the Caribbean.

The ship also needed to be prepared for the crossing. The additional crew members brought long-awaited spare parts with them. As a result, things were very busy and industrious on board. The so-called gooseneck, the swivel connection between the mast and boom, was loose and was riveted together again. In addition, we installed a reinforced bracket for the boom vang and exchanged a leaky diesel pump. In a calm bay with clear water, we removed mussels, barnacles and other growth from the keel and ship’s propeller. Sanding and paintwork were carried out in the marina of Mindelo. We also performed a last check of the mast there. Finally, the tanks were filled and provisions stocked up.

The mast underwent a last check in Mindelo.

Uninvited guests have to stay behind - mussels and barnacles are removed.

Everything is ready for the first ocean crossing of the Ulysses. A final check of the weather forecast will decide whether we can safely set sail.