Year 3 -7th September 2026 -St Helena- Cape Verde -Day 5

Julian and I were on at 11.00am until 2.00am and we were a little off course but we were doing well. Unforecast the wind came more round to the ESE preventing us easily maintaining our course. However, it was good that we were making a reasonable speed and able to sail at 7-8kts. We were now getting to a part of the world as we approached the Equator where there is not a lot of wind. Our watch was quite quiet and there was no traffic and it seems we are out here on our own. What I did notice was that the stars were clear and bright and with little light pollution we were able to see the Milky Way.

The Milky Way or Milky Way Galaxy, or simply the Galaxy, is the galaxy that includes the Solar System, with the name describing the galaxy's appearance from Earth: a hazy band of light seen in the night sky formed from stars in other arms of the galaxy, which are so far away that they cannot be individually distinguished by the naked eye. It is estimated to contain 100–400 billion stars and at least that number of planets. To me it looks like small stars in a sort of white haze.

The other thing I really noticed was the phosphorescence. Phosphorescence in the sea—more accurately known as bioluminescence—is a natural light show produced by tiny marine organisms when the water is disturbed. When waves break, the water moves, or something passes through the shallows, these microorganisms react. This movement triggers a chemical reaction inside the cell. An enzyme called luciferase acts on a light-emitting molecule called luciferin in the presence of oxygen, creating a flash of cold blue light.

As Stormbird moved through the water the water sparkled and there were clumps of this phosphorescence which looks beautiful.

We came off watch leaving Mark and Dave to take over. When I looked at the weather it seems we may get 22kt + gusts in the morning so I prepared everyone to think of taking down the Baron at about 8.15am. We went to bed.

Julian and I were on at 8.00am and the guys had had a reasonable night. I immediately checked the weather and the wind had dropped a notch or two on the gusts and the maximum would be about 20kts so we could probably cope with that.

It was a pleasant day and warm. However, initially there was quite a lot of cloud cover. The wind was quite strong 16-20 kts and we were whizzing along at 8-9kts. The sea state built a bit as forecast to about 2m + but with the Baron you hardly noticed it. Paul cooked bacon and eggs which was good and a great start to the day.

We did our daily checks and got on with the watch. The sail was set and it was a question of looking out and adjusting our course from time to time due to the change in wind direction sometimes by up to 40 degrees.

The others got up, sunned themselves, read or rested.

Mark and Dave took over at 12.00noon and I put out lunch of pate, cheese, coleslaw and meats. There had been talk of Burgers tonight for supper so I set about making some white bread rolls which turned out quite well I think. Our 24-hr run to 12,00noon was 182nm which was not bad. We have some 1600 odd nm to go.  

I had a rest and then was able to read and chill. The sun came out with blue skies and the odd white fluffy cloud and we were making the miles so we were lucky. We had now well passed Ascension and all we saw today was the odd Gannet we think and the odd Albatross and of course Flying Fish which seem everywhere.

Paul and John took over at 4.00pm and we are now about 400nm from the Equator. It was a lovely afternoon as we glided along and we could sit out and enjoy the weather. We seem to be an earth away from cold Cape Town when there is no sun.

Julian cooked our Burgers using the bun which we had with cheese, lettuce, mushrooms and onions and my spiced red cabbage which we got out of the freezer. This kept everyone’s spirits up.   

It has been interesting to check the weather and the route which the models suggest you go as you cross the Equator and approach the ICTZ- the Doldrums. We have been following ECMWF and it has been suggesting we should head toward the Western African coast but not too close. Other models have been suggesting the opposite. However, it seems today they agree with ECMWF. You can really only look properly with some accuracy 48 hours ahead as things change quickly.

Julian and I had the 8.00pm to 11.00pm watch and we will be on again at 5.00am. We settled down for another night and flying the Blue Baron. It is very dark as the moon will not appear subject to cloud cover until about 1.30am.

We are eating up the miles and making best use of the wind and long may it continue as it is looking more likely we may have to motor for a number of days through the ICTZ.    

 The picture of the day is of Julian, John and Dave relaxing in the cockpit.

 Need/Opportunity Year Three

I am now on the way to 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