Year 3 -6 February 2026 –Galle -Sri Lanka- Back on Stormbird
It was a pleasant morning when we woke. Paul and Judith were in a local hotel so Rhys, Mark, Peter and I returned to our usual breakfasts of fruit (mango) and yoghurt with muesli. There was no going up for 2nds and 3rd courses anymore which we have had for about the last few weeks.
Our key objective today is to look at the mainsail issue and liaise with the rigger and work out the cost and when he can come. We need to sort this out.
The first thing we needed to do was to send Paul up the mast to see if he could see anything further regarding the top swivel and the second thing was to see if we could see the state of the halyard swivel. The third thing was to see why when we have taken the mainsail down in the past why the halyard swivel will not come down further than it does and will the ring at the end of the halyard go over the sheeve (wheel) at the top and allow us to bring it down further.
Paul was with us about 8.30am and we prepared. He went up the mast twice and took pictures at the top etc. He thought the top swivel looked fine and he could not really see much of the halyard swivel but it seemed ok. He looked at the sheeve and with some help the ring should come through so we should be able to get it through and lower the halyard swivel.
We then took further photos of the bits of the mast relevant and also a number of photos and included Paul’s photos and videos to the rigger.
Paul went back to Mrs J and I stayed on the boat and sorted further things out. Peter and I later went off to a tool shop and got two new bolt fittings to make it easier to take off the plate on the mast. We had a bite to eat on the way back.
Paul came back and we spoke to the rigger. We explained what we had seen and he had looked at the photos and videos. He thinks it should all be doable and will speak to some other colleagues about the removal of various items from the mast who have done it before. We discussed dates and he was looking at the end of February. This was not great for me and he did have an earlier slot -coming out about the 11th of February for a few days. This would be good as I will have everyone here and we can all help. We agreed to speak later today and to try and confirm things.
Paul went off to look after Judith. Mark and Rhys went off to Galle Fort. I stayed on board and sorted a number of things out. It rained quite heavily in the afternoon but then stopped. I had a shower and a shave.
We agreed to meet as a group at 7.00pm in the Shack. We then had a very nice supper together and it was Judith’s last night. We wish her a safe journey home.
Peter and I returned to Stormbird and settled down. I heard from the rigger and he can come on the 11th which is good. We will now plan for that and leave on Sunday for Kochi in India. I hope things are coming together quite nicely.
We need to provision etc tomorrow.
The picture of the day is of a lovely sunset of the harbour.
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 (mid June to end of July) and from Cape Town to the Azores and then to the UK (mid August onwards). 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