Pictures of our tour of the island.
After 13 days at sea, we arrived in St. Helena. A beautiful small island in the middle of the Atlantic with the friendliest and most hospitable of people! Being back on land took a bit of getting used to after the constant motion on board Nomadic Rose.
The sheer expanse of the Atlantic Ocean is simply incredible. The vastness of the sea in all its splendour is breathtaking — we went days without seeing another vessel, traversing some 2000 nautical miles from Cape Town to St. Helena. We caught dorado, tuna and a big mahi mahi so seafood dining on board was at its best. Fresh fish tastes so much better than, well, frozen or not so fresh.
No, I did not get seasick but there were a few queasy moments. My sea legs are now well entrenched though life on board in a wheelchair is a constant struggle to not get flung across the boat rocking through the waves. The grab bars we installed throughout the vessel have proven indispensable in allowing me to get around without careening around uncontrollably.
Under the guidance and tutelage of our awesome Skipper John Young, we the crew are learning daily about every aspect of sailing and boat management at sea. His patience with us as beginner sailors is admirable given our simple mistakes due to our inexperience. At sea, you constantly check all your equipment — electronics, batteries, engines, generator pumps, sails, rigging — your life depends on it. Winds were generally better once we got into the tradewinds running around 10 to 15 knots enabling us to sail gull wing for the last five or more days. Winds died out here and there but we could generally manage six knots or better most of the way. Nomadic Rose performed admirably and sails well in varied wind conditions cutting through the waves with vigour and steadfast fortitude.
We run three-hour watches with six hours off and every fourth day is a break where you cook the evening meal for the crew. A great schedule for a crew of four.
We will stay in St. Helena about four days and then continue our journey across via Ascension Island, some 700 nautical miles north west of us.
Thanks for all the well wishes from those following our journey.
— Captain Axel
May 10 — I like to swim jumping off the back of the boat. Truly refreshing!
It’s so peaceful out here in the harbour at night, except when the generator comes on. Then I get up and go out to lie on the trampoline at the front and gaze at the stars.
May 9 — Cracker and I conquered Jacob’s Ladder today — 699 steps in all! He beat me to the top by five minutes but he never stopped complaining of how sore he was all day. Poor Cracker!
