End of the Voyage

Steaming hot weather, Storm, Salt, Sahara-Sand and beautiful weather couldn't stop us from arriving at Rotterdam Pilot station exactly in time (as expected). After 33 days at sea and roughly 5.000 nautical miles covered, we arrived in Rotterdam to anchor out the Hermod. The pilot for the Hermod arrived by helicopter, while the Retriever pilot took the tender. Four harbour tugs were connected as well in order to guarantee a smooth passage to the Offshore Harbour. After the President Hubert and Retriever disconnected their tow wires from the Hermod, both tugs switched from the towing mode over to the anchor handling mode. On the picture you can see the portside crane of the Hermod lowering the portside 6 anchor to the deck of the Retriever. You may have difficulties recognizing an anchor in this creature, but this is a Flipper Delta anchor of 22 tons. Well known for their multi-purpose use in the offshore and good holding power. And of course a Dutch design. After eight anchors both the Retriever and President Hubert proceeded to the Waalhaven for crewchange and a short repair period. I will sign off tomorrow, so for me it is the end of this voyage. Next pictures will be from my hometown, the Island of Terschelling. Next trip for me however is scheduled within six weeks, a North Sea trip this time.