Year 3 -9 August 2026 -Cape Town-South Africa

It rained in the night and there was quite strong winds which moved the boat a little. There was no rush to get up so I had a rare lie in. It was rather grey as I prepared a good Sunday breakfast of smashed avocado on sour dough toast with two poached eggs on top-fab and sets you up for the day.

After writing the blog I tidied up and then went to check on the engine room and clean anything that needed cleaning. I then made my spiced red cabbage dish which I then prepared for freezing so we have two lots for meals for when we get going. The cabbage had been in the fridge for a bit and needed using.

I then went out for a walk and a tour of the V&A and to check the mast. It was there and a number of the rods had been fitted. I hope they are working on everything else with a view to completing the works at the end of this week with the mast being stepped again early next week. Let’s hope.

My tour included going back to the Oranjezicht City Market again which was in full swing and looked as good. I was only tempted by a custard tart! I did not really need any lunch after a big breakfast. Paul messaged me that they were wine tasting and could I book a table for 6.30pm which I did at La Pareda.   

 I returned to Stormbird and went on to the plotter and set out the route to the Azores noting waypoints, distances and likely dates subject to when we leave. This is my last clear day before everyone begins to arrive properly. Paul will join tomorrow once his wife Judith leaves. Mark Malitskie (was on board from Julyn 2023 until September 2024) Julian Ghinn and John Priddle fly in and David Smith is already here and will join on Tuesday. We will then have a full house of 6 -being the crew to take us some 5,300nm to the Azores – almost 2 ocean crossings.

Paul and Judith came to Stormbird at about 5.30pm and we had a glass of wine and I heard about their day which had been a good one and they had been to Gran Constantia to do a chocolate and wine tasting which they had enjoyed. They stopped off at Camps Bay on the way back. We then went off to supper at La Pareda and had a good filet steak. They have to be up early to go to Robben Island.

 I meant to take a picture of the three of us at dinner but I forgot so the picture of the day is of my breakfast!!

 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