Year 2 – 9 January 2024 -New Zealand to Sydney- Day 3

Kevin and I had the 5.00am to 8.00am watch which was quite pleasant and we saw the sun come up – see picture of the day with the new Red Ensign. Jules bought this for me when I bought Stormbird and I kept it whilst the old ensign was used. It had been caught in a number of fishing hooks and whilst repaired she was wearing and looking tired after many thousands of miles. The new one I think you will agree looks great and makes one feel proud to be British!

We went to bed after the watch as we were tired and got up later in the morning. The weather was nice and sunny and we had a reasonable breeze of some 12-17 kts and were able to make some good progress on a beam reach (wind on the side). However, the wind had been patchy in the night and so the 12.00 noon 24-hour run was down to 170 but reasonably respectable. The issue we have is that on the 16 January a front moves though with 30 plus kt winds which will be quite unpleasant so we are trying to get there before it arrives.

We sailed on during the day and all was good. We saw two Albatrosses fly by which was beautiful and there were quite a few sea birds. Mark and Kevin decided to fish and out went my new bungy type line which snapped I assume by some massive fish. Kevin therefore re-rigged the fishing rod but unfortunately we did not catch anything.

I went through some of the daily checks with Trevor and I checked the rudder quadrant. I have noticed at the rear end of the boat a small vibration which I have not heard before. I am not sure where it is coming from. The rudder quadrant was working but I had noticed the day before a small weep again from the top which I had before the rudder damage. It was not worse today which was good but it should not be weeping and I will have to sort this out. The Tricolour (navigation light at the top of the mast) was not working so someone has to go up the mast if the problem is the bulb.

We had a cheese lunch and continued to sail in pleasant weather. Mark made a bread loaf using the Stormbird recipe which turned out well and we look forward to having it. We passed the 400 nm figure late afternoon which was good and Tom (assisted by Grant) made a delicious leak, mushroom and chicken risotto for supper. I also put on the watermaker and that worked well too and we filled up the empty tank.

The crew were beginning to get into the routine and are  getting more used to the boat but we are getting more tired as the toll of the shifts cut in.  We have not seen any more dolphins or whales which is a shame.

Kevin and I had the 4-8.00pm watch and the wind was declining so we discussed the potential to motor to maintain speed and distance. As Trevor and Tom took over from us we decided to motor for a while.

We hope the wind will increase and tomorrow will be another good sailing day.

Crew Profile  

Trevor Greening lives in Sevenoaks and used to run a Hairdressing Business before he got into sailing. He qualified and then commercially sailed providing corporate sailing adventures for many years. He has Skippered a boat across the Atlantic and also delivered a number of yachts.

Mark Godwin made a career in Construction and had his own company. He got into sailing later in life and has sailed the Atlantic and made a number of yacht deliveries. He co owns a Bavaria Yacht which he keeps in Port Solent.

Thomas (Tom) Watson is the son of Keith Watson who has been on Stormbird a number of times. He lives in Boston and is a consultant specialising in the pharmaceutical industry. He has sailed with his father and is taking a sabbatical and wanted to do this leg.

Grant Harrington is the fiancée to Keith Watson’s daughter and was a professional chef working for Gordon Ramsay. He now runs his own butter company supplying the top restaurants with butter. He has sailed with Keith Watson and was keen to do this leg.

Kevin Deamer is a good friend and has been my financial adviser for many years. He has helped organise my financial affairs so that I could do this trip for which I am very grateful. He runs his own expanding wealth management firm. He has been on Stormbird in the UK and likes an adventure so when I suggested he come he took this opportunity which is great.

They are a good enthusiastic crew and are coming together well.

Need/Opportunity Year Two

I am in need of more crew from April to September so if of interest do email me at  hine.nick9@gmail.com  

In year two I will be going from New Zealand to Sydney and hen up the Eastern Australian Coast, Indonesia and then through Bali, Singapore and on to Thailand to end year two about the end of November 2025.

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