Year 3 -23 May 2026 – Port Louis- Mauritius
We did not have to wake early so we gradually got up. It was another nice day. I set out fresh papaya and mango for breakfast which was nice and did the blog.
Jerome did not arrive until 9.30am – his usual 30 minutes late.
He had a new piece of pipe for the heads and fitted it quite quickly and it worked well. Thank goodness for that as it had become blocked a few times in recent months and we now know why. He brought back the oar and the steps repaired but without the metal supports which are being straightened and can be fitted next week. We then rigged up a block system to take him up the mast. He was fitting the new Windex. This he did and so Stormbird now has a new wind arrow with reflectors at the top of the mast which is good. He had forgotten the handle for the front hatch and said he would come back on Monday to do that and the sealing of some other hatches/windows. Bit by bit we are getting there.
I had to go and pay for the additional mooring in the office which I was able to resolve and have some rapport with the manager so if I need to stay longer I can.
The ladies had taken themselves off for another massage and so I did a few jobs in the peace and quiet. They returned about 12.10pm and we all got changed and went to the local hotel the Labourdonnaire where we met Jeremy and Anne Clarke, who now live here. Keith Winstanley had met them on a cruise when Keith was lecturing and they agreed to meet with us even though Keith could not be there. However, he will be returning on 8th June. We had a nice lunch and picked their brains about Mauritius. They had in fact lived in South Africa for over 20 years and decided not to retire there but to retire in Mauritius.
After lunch I went for a massage to the same place the ladies went to which was relaxing. I then met Carolyn and Joyce for an ice cream which was fun. As we had had a big lunch we had a light supper of leftovers and Carolyn cooked a chip Spanish type omelette. It had been a good relaxing day getting some jobs done and doing some nice things.
I am due to have my cataract operation in the morning so signing off for an early night.
The picture of the day is Jerome up the top of the mast fixing the Windex. He looks like an ant.
Need/Opportunity Year Three
I am now in Mauritius and will be going to Reunion, Cape Town, St Helena, Azores and back to the UK.
I have now found additional crew for Mauritius to Durban. There may be space from Durban to Cape Town from about the beginning of July and we should arrive in Cape Town on about 25-30 July 2026. If at all interested contact me on my email below or WhatsApp +44 7931360372.
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