AKKA Sailing

Thursday, February 29th 2024.
Day 20
Captain Appie wrote:

- Another beautiful Atlantic crossing with Akka has come to an end. Tenerife to Saint Marteen .
A wonderful trip! This time with two of my kids Nathan and Amanda, teaching them a little bit of the ocean, cause blue water sailing is a different game as coastal sailing. Respecting and being thankful for the sea to let us pass, this trip at the same time teaches us that time on this globe 🌎 is precious and we always want more of that. 😔
On these trips you sail in a large variety of conditions, you have zero wind days where you stare at the sea and do some maintenance on the boat, than you have storm winds and rain where you have to reef the sails to let Akka feel comfortable and safe to ride the huge waves, than you have the night sailing ,some with a thousand stars in the sky, some nights are cold, and some nights you just want it to pass quickly because storms at night are scary and they come with little warning. These are all little tests of life on a sailing boat.
Reaching the other side of the pond gives a sense of accomplishment for most, and for some a sense of relief. There are also those who can’t get enough and like to turn around and head back to sea again.
After 2 weeks on the ocean we received the bad news that Peter’s health was suddenly and quickly deteriorating and shortly after we got the message, he passed away. Words can not express the loss we just have witnessed and being on the boat you feel kind of trapped and helpless and on the wrong spot for that moment in time. Yet nothing can change where you are, you need to stay collected and finish the journey first.
Peter, we thank you for teaching us, and guiding us in our lives. It was a privilege to be your son, your grandchild, and your daughter in law! Although the days feel empty without your presence, the memories are endless and wonderful.
A new chapter will start for us, one where I will think of you daily, and cherish all the moments we had together.🙏❤️
As we sail of into the sunset for one last time😔🥰

Wednesday ,February 28th 2024.
Day 19
One more Day … ending soon
It was a beautiful day at the sea, and we couldn't help but feel grateful for everything around us. The thrill of catching a fish and the excitement of encountering a majestic whale added to the already unforgettable experience. As we neared the end of our journey, we couldn't help but reflect on the challenges we faced and the moments of sadness we still experience, but also the incredible family bonding experiences we shared. We were reminded of the one who made it all possible - Peter Westera, whose love for the sea and adventure brought us here. We were living life to the fullest, creating memories and carrying on the legacy of the Westera family. Crossing the Atlantic is a dream come true, and we were determined to honor Peter's memory by cherishing this passage and never forgetting how wonderful life can be when we dare to dream.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Peter. As per his last wishes, he will be cremated in a small family circle. We kindly ask that no visits be made to the family's home during this time. For any contact or condolences, please reach out to the family at Sabana Liber 76, Aruba, or via email at [email protected]. Peter's family would also like to inform everyone that there will be no formal condolences ceremony. However, a condolence book will be available starting from March 01st at Aruba Watersports Center and Club di Movimiento, two places that Peter loved to spend his time and where you can find family members. We are grateful for all of the kind messages and support that we have received during this difficult time. Peter will forever be remembered and deeply missed by his family and loved ones.

Tuesday, February 27th 2024.
Day 18

Today, we traveled a distance of 140 nautical miles, making it about 2 and a half days until we reach our destination of Saint Maarten. The low wind conditions forced us to change our course direction, but we are still on track to arrive at our planned time. The calmness of the sea allowed for a smooth journey, giving us the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful views of the ocean. As we continue to make progress, we eagerly anticipate our arrival in Saint Maarten .

Saturday, February 24th , 2024.
Day 15

Today, the Westera family is mourning the loss of a beloved member. Our father, grandfather, Opa, and best friend, Peter Westera, has embarked on a new journey that we cannot yet be a part of. It is a sad day for all of us as we say goodbye to a man who has been a constant source of love, support, and guidance in our lives. As we remember him, we are reminded of the many memories we shared together, particularly out at sea where he taught us the art of sailing. We are grateful for the time we had with him and for the lessons he imparted on us through his passion for sailing. Though he may no longer be with us physically, his spirit will live on in every wave and every sail as we continue to sail in his honor.
Bon voyage Opa!

Friday , February 23rd,2024
Day 14

Today was a busy day on board rigging as we adapted to the ever-changing weather, ocean, and wind conditions. With 900 nautical miles left to reach our destination, we could only hope for the wind to remain stable and guide us towards it. The ocean was rough, with waves and big swells, making it challenging to navigate our way through. However, our team worked together seamlessly, adjusting the rigging and sails to ensure a smooth journey. As we continue on our voyage, we can only hope that the wind and ocean conditions remain favorable, allowing us to reach our destination safely and on time.

Thursday February 22nd, 2024.
Day 13

Despite our best efforts, the Akka crew had a rough night at sea. The waves were extremely choppy and caused us to slow down the boat. Even at a slower speed, it was still a challenging journey. Thankfully, we were able to alter our course to the south, providing some much-needed relief. However, the weather has not been in our favor today. We've had showers and typical Dutch weather, without any sign of the sun. Despite these challenges, the wind is strong and we are still making good progress. We will continue to navigate through whatever Mother Nature throws our way and remain determined to reach our destination.

Wednesday, February 21st 2024
Day 12

The night was perfect for sailing, with strong winds and a clear sky. We were able to pick up speed as we put a reef in the main sail and turned on the afterburners. It almost felt like we were flying in a jet plane, with an average speed of 10 knots throughout the night. Nathan couldn't contain his excitement as he compared the experience to a thrilling ride. We can only hope that the wind stays this way, maybe even shifting a bit more towards the north so we can adjust our course without sacrificing our speed. Despite the lack of sleep, the exhilaration of sailing in these conditions made it all worth it.

Tuesday, February 20th 2024
Day 11

Another perfect productive day on the water with the wind between 9 and 14 knots, creating the perfect conditions for surfing with the waves. We were able to catch 2 fishes again, adding to our great achievement and providing entertainment on board. Last night was the first night that we didn't feel cold, and the warm Caribbean weather is starting to feel like home. The time difference is now only 2 hours ahead compared to Aruba, and we are steadily approaching our target goal of 200 nautical miles per day. We had to make an adjustment to our course today due to information about a lack of wind near the Saint Marteen area. With this new direction and adjustment, we are better positioned and hopefully will reach our destination faster. Overall, it was another successful day at sea, filled with adventure and progress towards our ultimate goal.

Monday, February 19th 2024.
Day 10

With the perfect wind conditions yesterday, we were able to cover an impressive 198 nautical miles on this Monday morning. The smooth sailing and the thrill of surfing with the waves made for an exhilarating experience. The wind speed ranged from 7 to 14 knots, providing just the right amount of power to propel us forward. And with the added bonus of beautiful weather, our sailing adventure was nothing short of perfect. The clear blue skies , amazing sunrise and sunset and gentle breeze created the ideal setting for a day out on the water.