Our last full day together on Sea Cloud was spent cruising the serene blue waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. We had brief visits from some charismatic breaching dolphins. While the sun was blazing and the air was humid, our expedition leader and captain decided this weather begged for a cool down. Captain Svendsen and Bay Watch patrol Simon Kwinta guided guests off the gangway ladder into the refreshing saltwater pool created for them just off the portside of Sea Cloud. It was a perfect day of relaxation in between packing and prepping for the day of travel to follow. Our time together on board closed with a hazy pastel sunset on the Amalfi coastline while we navigated our way back to Naples.
5/18/2024
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Sea Cloud
At Sea, Lipari to Naples
The sea was glass-calm this morning. The sailors went aloft, and we were at full sail by 10AM. Just after the justifiably famous Sea Cloud pasta wheel lunch, a strong squally developed on the starboard side with strong winds and heavy intermittent rain blowing perfectly from the east. We all rushed out to the spanker deck as our sails were billowing, filled with wind. We went from 2 knots per hour in minutes to 7.2 knots. It was exhilarating and we all reveled in the fact that we were at sea in a ship designed for such weather. We cut through the white caps with such ease and there was barely a movement on deck. We were at sea, transported back in time on a ship designed to mimic the great clipper ships of the mid-19th century. It was exhilarating and it was apparent as we looked up at the gleaming, billowing sails. Tonight, our captain introduced his officers and then our expedition leader John Frick spoke about the wonders of our journey. Lastly, we enjoyed the captain’s farewell dinner.
