A miracle of technology

After getting out of the economic sitting position I had to stay in for almost two days during the flight to Europe, the acclimatization phase begins. What can I say? It goes on. Despite the hottest April on record in Germany. Despite climate change, it's freezing cold in Germany. People have been telling me for days: "It's going to get warmer in the next few days." But plus 3°C to 12°C doesn't make a difference. In short, I'm freezing. The temperatures are comfortable for those around me, which makes me realize that we humans are perfectly capable of adapting to climatic conditions; it just takes a little time. That's why we can take the climate crisis in our stride and not let the scaremongers drive us crazy. At least I long for the 29°C that are the norm in Papeete.

Acclimatization phase

While I'm trying to readjust to German conditions, my first priority is to buy spare parts and accessories and socialize with friends and acquaintances. But contacts with French Polynesia also need to be maintained so that boredom doesn't set in. One of the most difficult challenges during our crossing from Panama to the Gambiers was the unsatisfactory communication options. Although Iridium offers, among other things, telephony via satellite, this can be described as lousy due to the slow transmission rate. At best, you can only give a sign of life and receive a pat on the back from the other side. Still, things have improved in the meantime. Star-Link antennas on sailing yachts are becoming increasingly common. We had the opportunity to acquire this technology in Colombia, but didn't take the chance at the time because, according to the official website, the roll-out process in the Pacific wasn't due to take place until 2024. What we didn't know was that Star-Link already works in large areas of the Pacific.

Internet via satellite

Be that as it may, we have now also purchased such an antenna, including router and access, of course. I tested the connection this week. A miracle of technology. It's not just the simple registration process or the automatic connection setup that are impressive, the download and upload rates are also amazing. Of course, we still have to test the whole thing on our Katinka to be able to give a final assessment, but the statements from other sailors give us confidence. The upload rate is significantly better than in the normal network in Germany - I have not yet been able to test fiber optics due to a lack of availability. This means that phone calls via WhatsApp and movies can be made or watched smoothly near the coast. The only restriction at sea is the data consumption limit. One thing is clear: this technology comes at a price. But if you compare it with Iridium, Star-Link is worth the money. The disadvantage compared to Iridium is the high power consumption. You need a 220-volt connection and therefore an inverter on board. For this reason, Star-Link cannot be taken into the life raft, which makes an alternative necessary. But we still have our tracker, which we have deactivated for the time being because, despite its worldwide coverage, it does not provide worldwide coverage. So always read the small print in the contracts. West of Papeete, the tracker should work again, which makes reactivation worth considering.

Lots of exercise to lose weight

A new challenge emerges that affects me at least. Gaby doesn't seem to mind, but my body measurements are rapidly changing towards XL. The shirt stretches and the trouser button below the navel has to work hard. The culprit is quickly identified. Swabian roast beef in trolling sauce and handmade spaetzle are generally not dangerous if you eat them in moderation. However, as I have been denied access to them for the last four years, I have some catching up to do, with the corresponding consequences. I don't even like to think about the good food in Austria. Pastries, roast pork and all the delicious things that are available there will put a lot of pressure on the trouser button. It doesn't help that we want to get to our appointments, preferably by public transport and on foot. The next time I have to go up the mast, I'll regret it. But then again, I'm hoping for a miracle of technology to pull me up. With this in mind, fair winds and keep a stiff upper lip.