Year 3 -25 August 2026 -Day 7 Cape Town-St Helena

Julian and I had the 11.00am to 2.00am and we were sailing well under 2 reefs in the genoa and one in the main. The wind continued to be quite strong 19-24 with occasional gusts up to 27. There was still some swell but it was manageable and did not stop sleep. The wind did decline a little and before we handed over to Mark and Dave we shook out the reefs in the sails. Mark’s chocolate brownies were still going down well and keeps you going on the cool nights watches together with teas and coffees. We handed over and went to bed. Mark and Dave put some reefs back in as they were still there when Julian and I took over again at 8.00am. 

I decided to make some smoothies which were much enjoyed. There was some initial scepticism from those who have not had them before but not after they tasted them. I cut up the papaya and some had some granola and yoghurt as well. Mark then decided to make some crepes so we had a breakfast fest and it was all delicious. I had pondered about getting the Blue Baron up but the wind strength was a bit on the edge so I decided to wait until 12.00noon when we handed over. Julian and I set about the daily checks which we always do as part of the early watch and all seemed well. We had been calculating mileage and the 24-hour run at 8.00am was 193nm. In the end the 12.00noon 24-hour run was 190 which was pretty good.

We all gathered together and talked through raising the Blue Baron again as we do each time and set about the tasks to raise it. Paul stays on the helm, Mark and Dave on the snuffer line and ensuring the sheets are right for launch. Julian and John to untie the sail and to hold on to it as we raise it before launch. I prepare the sheets in the cockpit and then winch the sail up at the mast and then help hold the snuffer’s hat and help launch it. This time it went up very well and once the wind catches it, it flies out as the snuffer is raised. We then sheet in and adjust accordingly. It is a thing of beauty once raised as it flies well in the wind and pushes Stormbird along nicely.

This whole process takes about 20-30 minutes but is very satisfying once done. John and Paul set about lunch which was salad with a frittata (Frittata is an egg-based Italian dish, similar to an omelette, crustless quiche or scrambled eggs, enriched with additional ingredients such as meats, cheeses etc.) It was great and a reward for our efforts.

After lunch Julian worked, I washed up and then went for a rest and Mark and Dave did fridge check and fruit and veg turning.

The wind was blowing nicely for the Blue Baron but every now and then the wind dropped to 9kts and it feels as if the Baron has run out of fuel and it struggles a bit to fly. However, luckily it came back to 15-19 kts which is ideal and we were soon back to 8.5-9.5 kts. It is a pleasure to sail in this.

We entered the Tropics – Tropic of Capricorn at 23.5 degrees of Latitude. The Tropic of Capricorn is the circle of latitude that contains the subsolar point at December solstice. It is thus the southernmost latitude where the Sun can be seen directly overhead. It is the southern of the two tropics. The Tropic of Capricorn is the dividing line between the Southern Temperate Zone to the south and the Tropics to the north. The Northern Hemisphere equivalent of the Tropic of Capricorn is the Tropic of Cancer. The Tropic of Capricorn's position is not fixed, but constantly changes because of a slight wobble in the Earth's longitudinal alignment relative to its orbit around the Sun. This wobble means that the Tropic of Capricorn is currently drifting northward at a rate of almost half an arcsecond (0.468″) of latitude, or 15 metres, per year (it was at exactly 23°27′S in 1917 and will be at 23°26'S in 2045). Therefore, the distance between Arctic Circle and the Tropic of Capricorn is essentially constant moving in tandem.

We did notice a feeling of a rise in temperature as we had been commenting that despite nearing the tropics we had not noticed any increase in temperature really. We shall see what is like tonight in the dark but we hope that we may be back to tee-shirts and shorts again soon.

The afternoon went on and mile after mile passed under the hull with a swishing sound as the water passed us by. We are making good progress after the first few days being a bit average.  

I checked the weather and we decided to try and fly the Blue Baron overnight as we were expecting 12-14 kt winds although they could go as low as 10 kts at which it will barely fly. This would mean our progress would be good and in the right direction.

Dave cooked the Hairy Bikers Sausage Hotpot which was delicious, hearty and warming and the smells wafting up during the cooking had made everyone feel hungry.

Julian and I had the 8.00pm-11.00pm watch and we got used to the Baron up. However, there were various wind shifts going on and we had to adjust the sail accordingly which is not easy.

We hope all will go well overnight and that we continue to make good progress. It is completely cloudy so no stars or moon at present.

The picture of the day is of Paul and John -watch mates enjoying their shift. This is Paul’s second time on board this year as he was on board Thailand to India.

 Need/Opportunity Year Three

I am now on the way to St Helena, Cape Verde, Azores and back to the UK. 

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