After what felt like a slow start , with multiple gybes, we gradually got back into the groove of being at sea. 

In the beginning the wind was shifty and light. Which meant we would have to gybe frequently to get the best angle and VMG towards Fernando. After four days, the wind settled and we could sail comfortably on one tack. With the jib poled out it was very comfortable as the hydrovane did most of the work.

Fishing this passage was not successful. Unfortunately, we lost four lures to nibbles that we couldn’t land. So instead we put our efforts into baking. We made bread, ginger biscuits and shortbread. All a rewarding and special treat when out at sea.

Compared to our passage to Saint Helena, the clouds had disappeared and the skies were clearer. This allowed for beautiful sun rises and sets. We also had a full moon which would light up the night’s sky and guide the way. 

On arrival to Fernando, we had a wonderful pod of dolphins guiding us in. The landscape itself was interesting, a lush green island with slender peaks dotted around. It wasn’t until 15miles that we were able to spot land. 

We anchored just as the sun had set. It gets dark very quickly as we are close to the equator so around 6pm we had lost all light. As a result, we had to finish tidying the boat away in the dark. Both feeling tired we decided to stay onboard for the night and enjoyed a beer to celebrate our arrival. Tomorrow we will launch the dinghy and go explore. 

St Helena to Fernando de Noronha

Crew: 1

Crew Logs

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