Back To Stormbird -San Cristobal - Galapagos –29 April 2024.

I woke and we had breakfast with Stormbird so close and I decided not to go to the Interpretation Centre which was this morning’s tour before people were taken to the airport. I therefore said my goodbye’s to all, especially Corinne, Ruth and Keith. I was therefore dropped off with all my and Mark’s luggage on Stormbird.

We had had a fantastic 8 days on the Grand Majestic and had been very well looked after and fed extremely well. We had seen the most amazing wildlife both above and below the water. It had been busy and full on but I had no responsibility and did not really have to worry about the boat. However this was all about to change.

Stormbird seemed in good shape and Joyce had woken up so it was good to see her again. I sorted myself out and prepared all that needed to be washed. The agent wanted a crew list which I prepared and sent him as we have to check out of Ecuador and the Galapagos and we need all the paperwork prepared otherwise we will have a problem when we arrive in the Marquesas – French Polynesia. Keith Watson rang me from Guayaquil as he was flying out today to  San Cristobal and the authorities would not let him board without a return ticket despite my letter explaining this as the Skipper. He even contacted the agent and showed them my documentation. However they would not accept this and he decided to buy a return ticket so he could get on the plane.

After a while Joyce and I went ashore and we took all the washing to the laundry. We then went to our usual ice cream place but then received a WhatsApp that Mark, Corinne, Ruth and Keith were nearby so we went to join them again. We had a drink with them and then said goodbye’s again. Joyce and I therefore returned to our ice cream shop for an ice cream. Mark got back from dropping the others from the airport and decided to buy some fish for  tonight’s supper. He joined us for an ice cream and then we went to see Roger who was helping us with fruit and vegetable provisioning and he already had a few crates for us. Mark and I therefore took this all back to Stormbird and we had an Empanada for lunch.

Mark then cleaned the fridge and noted all the contents to help regarding provisioning and I started to plan our navigation to the Marquesas. We then stored all the new provisions. This is the start and there is a lot to go. We returned ashore and met Keith Watson who had now arrived and we all caught up.  He had recently been to Jordan and he and his brother Ian will join the boat tomorrow.

It was good to back on board and the time having been waited on hand and foot was now over. We returned to Stormbird to find a sea lion on the rear deck. Luckily he had not made a mess and we sat at the rear watching the sun go down (see the picture) and Grand Majestic was nearby and now looking after new guests. Mark cooked a delicious prawn and calamari supper with squash. It felt like we are back on board and operating again.

Opportunity for any Readers/Sailors.

In late May 2024 we shall be in the Marquesas in French Polynesia, and we will then move through to the Tuamotu’s before getting to Tahiti about the end of July 2024. There may be some space on Stormbird during this period should any sailor/reader be interested in joining for this period or part of it in what must be one of the most distant and beautiful places in the world.

In addition, in year two I will be going up the Eastern Australian Coast, Indonesia and probably across the Indian Ocean to Cape Town and I will need some more crew.

If there is any interest do email me at  hine.nick9@gmail.com  

The blog will continue as we head off to the Galapagos and beyond.

If you have any comments or suggestions about the blog do email me on hine.nick9@gmail.com  I can only upload one picture a day and visit our website www.stormbirdgoesglobal.co.uk