Captains Logbook - Icebergs without penguin poo for a change

Lucas Lanusse is captain of the Malizia Explorer on this scientific expedition together with the Alfred Wegener Institute to Kangertittivaq in Greendland, the largest fjord system in the world. The Argentinian is a well seasoned sailor, having sailed to Antarctica numerous times, twice aboard the Malizia Explorer. This journey is the first time he is going to the Arctic - and he looks forward to seeing icebergs without smelling penguin poo! (Following words are from Lucas Lanusse)

Things onboard are going well. We are finally closer to Greenland than to Norway. The first time we set off, we had technical problems and we had to return back to Bodø after already being 130 miles offshore. out.

(© Flore Hartout / Team Malizia)

So we spent 2 more days back in Bodø (the first two sunny days in Norway🫶🏻)  not knowing if we would be able to start again or we would need to cancel the mission. The team reacted very well to the frustrating and uncertain plans, even though the vibes were a bit down. The crew worked hard together, mentally and physically to solve the problem and we headed back to the sea.

This last time the sailing was much nicer than before, where we had strong head winds, but now we've got to clear nights with full moons and northern lights.

Everyone seems more or less to be coping with sea sickness, while we sneak in between the huge low pressure systems

Enjoying the low clouds, rainy squalls, rainbows and the flights of the northern Fulmars.

And I'm really excited and looking forward to seeing the wild and impressive Greenland landscapes as well as its wildlife. Fingers crossed to have some good luck with the  shy Arctic wildlife!

For sure it's going to feel strange being surrounded by an iceberg but see or smell no penguins.

The crew is expected to arrive in Greenland in the early hours of the 2nd of September.