Month of October , 2006

The ‘Kick-off’ and ‘after party’ celebrations now behind us, we looked forward to a day of gently motoring the Morgan back to Dinteloord, and doing last minute preparations for Ernie’s departure. On a high we started the day with a cup of coffee and a live radio interview on the Netherlands’ Omroep Max, Radio 5. It was our first and to date only live radio interview, and was fun to do.

The 25th of October was a day like no other. We had worked towards it for so long, and when it finally arrived, it passed by in a whirl and a flash. Blink and it was gone. We had worked hard for two years, testing out our ideas, getting Morganonline and the Ocean Care Foundation up and running, and getting the Morgan ready for a global circumnavigation.

After weeks of exceptionally warm and dry autumn weather in the Netherlands, just today it was raining, cold and windy. Just today, when we had to bring the Morgan from her home harbour in Dinteloord to the centre of Rotterdam, to the pontoon at Rotterdam Zoo where our ‘Kick-off’ event would be held.

Now that the Morgan is just about ready for a major trip southwards to Cape Verde, across to Brazil and then northwards to the Netherlands Antilles for the first year of our circumnavigation, it was time to check if we ourselves were fully prepared. Anticipating every eventuality is not possible, and neither is there space on a yacht for every item of clothing or equipment that you would like. You have to make choices and the choice always falls on safety and essential items.

Mares, sponsor van Morganonline, heeft ons geholpen met het uitzoeken van alles wat we nodig hebben om overal ter wereld in tropische en subtropische zeeën te duiken. Onze complete uitrusting bestaat uit een volledig 7 mm dik pak met losse capuchon en een 5 mm bijpassende short met hoed voor extra warmte voor koudere wateren; en een 3 mm volledig pak voor warmere wateren.

Diving is often seen as a dangerous sport though, as with many sports, diving within your limits, behaving responsibly towards your diving partner, and being aware of your body are important aspects of preventing accidents. In this regard, we both had a medical check up geared specially for diving. In a very thorough check the doctor checked our sinuses, ears, breathing, heart, reflexes, balance, general health and mental stability.