Year 3 -14 January 2026 – Passage to Galle in Sri Lanka- Approaching Sri Lanka.
Rhys and I had the 11.00pm to 2.00am watch and although the wind had reduced we were still able to sail in 8-10kts of wind. The forecast was for the wind to reduce about 3.00am but the reduction had come early. I was concerned that in the night if it reduced further we would all have to get up to get the Blue Baron down. It was a quiet watch with no traffic that we could see although there were some cargo ships and tankers in the shipping lane some 20-25nm South.
We handed over to Mark and Keith and went to bed. I got up about 7.30am and we were still sailing with the Blue Baron. The wind was not that strong and we needed to come closer to the wind so I decided at 8.00am when we took over that we would all get it down.
However before this I made another smoothie which set us up for the day. We then got the Blue Baron down without much difficulty and tied it to the deck. We sailed continuously with Blue Baron for about 555 nm over the last few days and it has made a massive contribution to this passage. We then got out the genoa and set a course for the Southeast part of Sri Lanka. The wind initially was quite light and so as we were on a close reach to beam reach got out the staysail as well. We were soon whizzing along on the two headsails and making good progress which was helped further when the wind increased. Keith made another bacon and egg sandwich which we also enjoyed.
The motion on this course with different sails and the swell was noticeable. We were healed slightly and the swell would roll us a little. This was different from the wind behind and flattening the swell. It was very different.
I contacted the agent and let them know that we were likely to arrive early on the 16th January. However, as the morning wore on our speed was such that if we could continue 7-8 kts that we may be able to arrive in the afternoon of the 15th. We shall see.
I had spoken to Transworld Yachts yesterday evening about the furler in the main. I explained the issue and he asked me to send him a picture and measurement of the ball bearings I had found and to look at the base of the mast for a serial number from which they will know what mast and system inside it I have. I therefore went up with a torch in the dark and found it and photographed it. I sent him the information requested and will wait to hear from him.
Rhys and I were on watch 8am -12.00noon and we made further good progress. Mark made some bread which we tasted when it cooled and it was excellent. We handed over to Mark and Keith and as we did so we put the clocks back half an hour so we were then in Sri Lankan time -some 5.5 hours ahead of the UK.
We had some lunch and then read, rested and chatted. The wind stayed at a good level and we were making 7-9 kts. Then Keith said look a whale and there some 30 yards away on our port side was a large black coloured whale with some ridges on its back and a flat tail and he must have noticed us and dived. We hope to see more whales and I am not sure what type it was.
We pushed on and Mark and Keith handed over to Paul and Peter who continued on our course. We saw a sea bird of some sort and thought we are coming closer to land and there is always some excitement in that.
As we were getting closer we saw more cargo ships on the plotter including a car carrier which came up behind us.
Rhys and I cooked supper of sausages, broccoli and couscous with a salsa which was good.
We were now getting closer to the coast and the fishing boats started to appear and initially Paul and Peter had to contend to them and then Rhys and I when we took over at 8.00pm. It was not only the fishing boats but also tankers. The swell was still evident and the wind was firm at 14-19kts. We still had the staysail up with the genoa and we were managing 9-10 kts and so it was a bit of a slight bucking bronco ride.
At this rate we should easily make Galle tomorrow unless the wind dies overnight. We all look forward to getting to port.
The picture of the day is me relaxing in the cockpit whilst on watch.
Need/Opportunity Year Three
In year three I will be going from Thailand to Sri Lanka, India, Maldives and then on to Mauritius, Reunion, Cape Town, St Helena, Azores and back to the UK.
I am looking for crew from Mauritius/ Reunion Island to Cape Town and from Cape Town to the UK. If of any interest do email me.
The blog will continue as we continue the journey. If you have any comments or suggestions about the blog then do email me on hine.nick9@gmail.com