Cisne Branco ~ Sailing trials
These pictures where made in decembre on the Northsea, outside of IJmuiden.
An icy wind was blowing. It was cold aloft, really cold.
The second part are pictures made in Portugal, where the sailing trials where continued.
The wheather there was nice, really nice.
Here on the Northsea I only sailed the last day of the trials. The force of the wind was 5 Bf.
Not much sail was set though and not many manoeuvres were practised.
The fore- and maincourse balloon in the wind. The outerbuntlines are not far
enough at the end of the yard, or an extra pair must be added.
The Cisne Branco still under Dutch flag. This day we set only the topsails of fore- and mainmast
the maintopmast - and the foretopmast staysail. With those 6 sails she ran free, doing 10 knots.
Beginning january 2000. The Cisne Branco was sailed to Portugal, where she is handed
over to the Brazilians
(friday, februari 4th), but first the trials had to be ended.
Till that time,
the complete wardrobe had not been set yet.
The weather was fine, there was just a little wind. Ideal for setting all sails. The left picture is the mainmast fully dressed. At this stage we about to tack the ship. The right picture shows the mizzenmast with the spanker brailed up. At this stage we were preparing to set the stunsails...
Well, how does this look! They can use some adjustment, I agree, but it was the first time the
stunsails were actually set during sailing. You are looking at the foremast. Here you can also see clearly
the reefseizings in forecourse and upper topsail.
The higher you climb, the deeper you can fall.
I have to admit, it not easy to take proper pictures on a large vessel.
It just won' t fit.
