Year 3 -25 July 2026 -Cape Town -South Africa

It was another beautiful warm blue-sky day when I woke. It was warming up by about 9.00am and the sun clearing the heavy dew over the deck. I put on some washing and then put it out on the rails to dry.

I had eggs on toast for a change which was nice and it felt good to be alive. I have a day to prepare for Alex coming and for Stormbird to move to the East Quay at about Sunday midday due to the tides.

I realised that there were no winches on the mast as they were being serviced. However, the riggers will need to get up the mast to fix the strop for the crane. I therefore messaged Eric at Cape Town Yacht Services who got hold of the winch people and they said they would fit one winch before the end of the day which they did.

During the cleaning there were a small number of gel coat repairs required and so they came in the morning to prepare and repair the gel coat so it was good to get that done.

I was not happy with my hair and I think the cut in Durban was not the best so I went to the old-fashioned Barbers in the V&A which was decorated in an old fashion manner inside and had a load of old shaving foam brushes and razors – a real old mans barber shop (not that I feel old!!). I had a good cut I think although it is a little short but manageable. It was certainly and improvement. They have had some famous people over the years come in -including the Formula One – driver Mike Hakannon.

When I came out the sun was really warm so I had lunch (avocado, tomato and feta on sour dough) in a café overlooking a different part of the harbour and it was so warm I had to change positions to have the sun on my back.

I returned to Stormbird and packed a few things. I also read the pilot book on Atlantic Islands which includes St Helena, Ascension, Cape Verde and the Azores. I did this sitting on the sundowner seats on the rear deck. It was lovely and good to read all about these islands some of which I have been to but others not. I look forward to exploring them.

I got ready and about 4.00pm caught an Uber to the Royal Cape Yacht Club where they were holding a wine and cheese tasting. I thought this would be good to go to and I may meet some club members. The club is in the customs area and difficult to get to unless by car. When I arrived there was a crowd waiting to get in. There was an 80’s party going on well. I got in and went to the wine tasting.

Well to my surprise this was not what we may think of a wine tasting but a wine fair. There were wines from Van Loveren, Glen Carlqu (the owner is a member of the club and we had had the Cabernet Sauvignon when new came for lunch with Keith, Mark and Jenny), Zanvliet, Leopards Leap, La Motte (which we had in Karibu), Neil Ellis -Stellenbosch, Survivor Wines, Ayama -Voor Paadeberg and Morganhof.  Essentially 9 different wineries. You paid 40 Rand -£1.78 for a glass and then you could try what your liked. Well it was quite a choice with each winery serving 6-10 wines. You can do the maths if you went mad, but at least they served cheese and biscuits and roasted potatoes to soak it up. I tasted a number of wines most of which were delicious whilst I mingled. I met a number of people were not members of the club at all but lived locally. I did, however, meet the owner of Gran Carlqu who was a member and he told me that the Chairman of the group has now bought some vineyards in Kent. I also met the former Commodore of the Club who had been the Commodore when Princess Anne had visited in February 2025 and he told me all about it. I met some other members as well and they were all very friendly.

The wine fair was going on until 8.00pm and so there is only so much you can taste (they gave you some in the glass and there were few spittoons so you end up drinking each wine) before you get three sheets to the wind and I did not want to do that. I therefore retired to the Tavern of the Seas, their restaurant, at a sensible point. I did buy half a case of the Morgenhof- Cabernet Sauvignon which was delicious.

For over three centuries, Morgenhof has stood at the heart of the Stellenbosch winelands. Founded in 1692, the estate reflects a legacy shaped by the land, the vine, and generations of thoughtful stewardship. Today, Morgenhof continues to evolve with renewed intention, honouring its Cape Dutch heritage while embracing a fresh vision for wine, hospitality, and life on the estate.

The Cabernet Sauvignon has a DOUBLE GOLD GILBERT & GAILLARD (AS MANY OF THEIR WINES ARE)

Described as -Rich cassis, black cherry, mulberries, and subtle cigar box, with firm structure and a fresh, polished finish.

A Double Gold medal from the Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge means a wine, spirit, or related product has scored exceptionally high, typically receiving a rating of 90 points or higher out of 100. It is a high-level award given to top-tier entries that show true excellence in their style and variety.

I had some supper at the club and headed back to Stormbird having enjoyed the experience and having a souvenir to show for it which we will enjoy in due course.

The picture of the day is of Stormbird in the sun- gleaming after her clean and polish.

 Need/Opportunity Year Three

I am now on the way to Durban and will then head for Cape Town and then on to St Helena, 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