Posts

Posted on

Efficient Meals for 180 Days

My plan for the next two years is to spend about 6 months each summer (May-October) onshore in San Carlos (during the heat of the summer and during hurricane season) and then 6 months sailing the Sea of Cortez (November-April). During sailing season, I want to generally “stay off the grid”, away from marinas and civilization. My new boat has limited electrical power capabilities and hence limited ability to store perishable goods. My experiences last year taught me what seems to work best in terms of food. Nonperishables like dries beans and rice work very well, especially when combined with a pressure cooker. I did not like carrying so many cans. They were difficult to organize and rummage through. I ended up prepackaging meals in gallon-sized plastic bags. These one-pot meals could be dropped in the pressure cooker and with a minimum amount of fuel a meal could be had in 20-30 minutes. Usually, these meals would last 2-4 days. I liked using a pressure cooker, particularly while underway, because there was no chance of spillage in rough seas. However, storage of these bulky gallon-sized plastic bags of nonperishables was problematic. 

I met a family at Christmas Island who used bulk freeze-dried foods, packaged into individual meal-sized proportions. They gave me some and I must say they were very tasty and extremely easy to prepare. I note the portions were vacuum sealed in mylar (aluminized) bags, which do a much better job keeping the contents fresh, especially at sea. I found conventional plastic bags simply did not keep the moisture out over long periods of time. Accordingly, I plan to prepare perhaps 180 of these meals for my time at sea beginning this fall.

When I wake up I have tea and a biscuit. A little later I have a portion of my homemade oatmeal in the morning. If available, later in the morning, I will have a piece of fruit. I eat my main meal in the early afternoon. It usually is substantial. Around dusk I will have a snack, nuts or dried fruit, and a glass of wine if I am not sailing.

This post is about the main meal.

Goal:

  • 180 vacuum-sealed meal packs
  • Each pack = 1.5 portions (roughly one large meal)
  • One-pot preparation
  • Shelf-stable / long-voyage compatible
  • Designed around bulk ingredients and freeze-dried components
  • Minimize ingredient count while maximizing variety
  • Minimize fuel to prepare

I worked this out using “first principles.” A large offshore meal might realistically be:

  • 700–1000 calories
  • roughly 120–180 g dry weight per meal (depending on fat content)

A realistic vacuum bag might contain:

  • Carb base, 80–120 g
  • Protein, 20–40 g
  • Vegetables, 15–30 g
  • Fat powder/dairy, 10–20 g

For 180 meals: 180 × 150 g ≈ 27 kg. That is ~60 pounds total dry food.

I used ChatGPT to propose 30 meals with the above criteria, then went about a half dozen iterations refining to my own tastes and availability of ingredients. I decided on these sources of protein: 50% chicken, 25% beef, 15% tuna, and 10% Spam. The tuna and Spam were thrown in for variety. I discovered that Span takes on an almost bacon-like taste when fried. Many of the early recipes proposed by ChatGPT were bland, so I expanded the spices/herbs.

I should point out that I expect to supplement my diet with seafood, either caught or bartered for. I also expect to visit some ports on occasion, perhaps once a month, allowing me to stock up mainly on fresh fruit.

Shopping List for 180 Meals

The shopping list was surprisingly sparse (taking advantage of buying in bulk) and the total cost of six months of food for one person was under $800. I expected it to be more, given the cost of freeze-dried foods. Indeed, the most expensive item was $230 for freeze-dried chicken.

Carbohydrates

•    Couscous: 1.92 kg (RiceSelect Couscous, 27 oz x 3), $26

•    Instant beans: 420 g (Mother Earth Products Dehydated Fast Cooking Black Beans, 16oz), $17

•    Instant potatoes: 2.82 kg (Chef’s Quality: Mashed Potatoes Complete Instant 5.43 Lb), $28

•    Instant rice: 4.56 kg

(Minute Instant White Rice, 72-Ounce Box x 1), $8

(Minute Instant Brown Rice, 28-Ounce Box x 2), $9

(Minute Instant White Rice, 12-Ounce Box x 5), $13

•    Quick oats: 420 g (Amazon Grocery, Steel Cut Quick Oats, 25 Oz), $4

•    Ramen noodles: 2.10 kg (Nissin Top Ramen Noodle Soup, Chicken, 3 Ounce (Pack of 24)), $7

•    Red lentils: 720 g (Iberia Red Lentil Beans, 12 Ounce x 2), $8

•    Rice noodles: 420 g (Thai Kitchen Stir Fry Rice Noodles 14 oz), $5

Proteins

•    Freeze-dried chicken: 1.61 kg (Mountain House Diced Chicken #10 x 3), $234

•    Freeze-dried ground beef: 912 g (Mountain House Ground Beef #10), $95

•    Spam: 1.08 kg (SPAM Lite Single Pouch, 2.5 Ounce (12 Pack)), $14

•    Tuna pouch: 1.68 kg (StarKist Low Sodium Albacore White Tuna, 2.6 oz Pouch (24 Pack)), $48

Vegetables

•    Broccoli: 240 g (Birch & Meadow 1 lb of Dried Broccoli Florets), $36

•    Corn: 510 g (Augason Farms Freeze-Dried Sweet Corn, 16 oz), $22

•    Red pepper: 342 g (Augason Farms Dehydrated Diced Bell Peppers #10), $18

•    Vegetable medley: 1.37 kg (Augason Farms Vegetable medley #10), $23

Dairy / Fat

•    Butter powder: 216 g (Hoosier Hill Farm Real Butter Powder, 1LB), $20

•    Coconut powder: 342 g (FreshDrinkUS, Premium Coconut Milk Powder 16oz), $21

•    Milk powder: 702 g (Hoosier Hill Farm Whole Milk Powder, 2LB), $23

Seasonings 

•    Black pepper: 7.2 g (Amazon Grocery, Ground Black Pepper, 3 Oz), $3

•    Chicken Bouillon: 24 g (Maggi Granulated Chicken Flavor Bouillon, 3.5 oz), $11

•    Chili powder: 30 g (Simply Organic Chili Powder, 2.9 oz), $6

•    Curry powder: 90 g (Simply Organic Curry Powder, 3 Oz), $7

•    Dill: 6 g (Amazon Grocery, Dill Weed, 1.1 Oz), $4

•    Granulated garlic: 12 g (365 by Whole Foods Market, Garlic Granules, 2.43 Ounce), $3

•    Italian seasoning: 72 g (McCormick Culinary Italian Seasoning, 6.25 oz), $13

•    Mushroom powder: 48 g (Umami Powder – Shiitake Mushroom Seasoning, 2.8 oz), $10

•    Onion powder: 48 g (Amazon Grocery, Onion Powder, 2.85 Oz), $1

•    Oregano: 12 g (Amazon Grocery, Oregano Leaves, 0.65 Oz), $1

•    Parsley: 21 g (McCormick Parsley Flakes, 0.87 oz), $5

•    Smoked paprika: 36 g (McCormick Smoked Paprika, 1.75 oz), $2

•    Soy powder: 48 g (NatureVit Soya Milk Powder, 300g), $15

•    Thyme: 12 g (Amazon Grocery, Ground Thyme, 2 Oz), $4

•    Tomato powder: 546 g (Spicy World Pure Dried Tomato Powder 20oz (1.25LB)), $15

TOTAL = $779

30 Base Recipes

Note, these freeze-dried meals will be sealed in mylar (aluminumized) plastic bags. I learned last year that regular plastic bags to not keep moisture out. Each make will have a label affixed to it, e.g.,

MEAL #19

Beef Curry Rice

Add: 400 ml water + 5 ml oil

Wait: 8 min

Meal #1: Chicken Curry Rice

Ingredients:

•    Instant rice 80g

•    Freeze-dried chicken 20g

•    Vegetable medley 20g

•    Red pepper 4g

•    Coconut powder 12g

•    Butter powder 8g

•    Curry powder 4g

•    Onion powder 1g

•    Granulated garlic 1g

•    Black pepper 0.3g

Add: 425 ml water + 5 ml oil

Meal #2: Mexican Chicken Rice

Ingredients:

•    Instant rice 80g

•    Freeze-dried chicken 20g

•    Corn 15g

•    Red pepper 5g

•    Tomato powder 12g

•    Chili powder 2g

•    Smoked paprika 1g

•    Onion powder 1g

Add: 400 ml water + 5 ml oil

Meal #3: Broccoli Butter Chicken Rice

Ingredients:

•    Instant rice 80g

•    Freeze-dried chicken 18g

•    Broccoli 15g

•    Milk powder 12g

•    Butter powder 10g

•    Parsley 0.5g

•    Black pepper 0.3g

Add: 400 ml water

Meal #4: Chicken Coconut Curry Rice

Ingredients:

•    Instant rice 80g

•    Freeze-dried chicken 20g

•    Vegetable medley 20g

•    Red pepper 4g

•    Coconut powder 18g

•    Curry powder 4g

•    Onion powder 1g

Add: 425 ml water + 5 ml oil

Meal #5: Creamy Chicken Ramen Bowl

Ingredients:

•    Ramen noodles 70g

•    Freeze-dried chicken 18g

•    Vegetable medley 18g

•    Milk powder 12g

•    Butter powder 8g

•    Parsley 0.5g

•    Onion powder 1g

Add: 400 ml water + 5 ml oil

Meal #6: Italian Chicken Ramen Bowl

Ingredients:

•    Ramen noodles 70g

•    Freeze-dried chicken 18g

•    Vegetable medley 15g

•    Red pepper 5g

•    Tomato powder 12g

•    Italian seasoning 4g

•    Oregano 0.5g

Add: 400 ml water + 5 ml oil

Meal #7: Chicken Corn Chowder

Ingredients:

•    Instant potatoes 80g

•    Freeze-dried chicken 15g

•    Corn 20g

•    Milk powder 15g

•    Thyme 0.5g

•    Parsley 0.5g

•    Onion powder 1g

Add: 350 ml water

Meal #8: Chicken Curry Potato Bowl

Ingredients:

•    Instant potatoes 80g

•    Freeze-dried chicken 18g

•    Vegetable medley 15g

•    Red pepper 3g

•    Coconut powder 15g

•    Curry powder 4g

•    Onion powder 1g

Add: 350 ml water + 5 ml oil

Meal #9: Chicken Broccoli Potato Bowl

Ingredients:

•    Instant potatoes 80g

•    Freeze-dried chicken 18g

•    Broccoli 15g

•    Milk powder 15g

•    Parsley 0.5g

Add: 350 ml water

Meal #10: Chicken Vegetable Lentil Bowl

Ingredients:

•    Red lentils 60g

•    Freeze-dried chicken 15g

•    Vegetable medley 20g

•    Bouillon 2g

•    Thyme 0.5g

Add: 450 ml water

Meal #11: Couscous Chicken Bowl

Ingredients:

•    Couscous 80g

•    Freeze-dried chicken 18g

•    Vegetable medley 15g

•    Red pepper 4g

•    Parsley 0.5g

Add: 350 ml water + 5 ml oil

Meal #12: Creamy Chicken Grain Bowl

Ingredients:

•    Quick oats 70g

•    Freeze-dried chicken 15g

•    Milk powder 15g

•    Vegetable medley 15g

•    Parsley 0.5g

Add: 350 ml water

Meal #13: Chicken Garlic Rice

Ingredients:

•    Instant rice 80g

•    Freeze-dried chicken 20g

•    Granulated garlic 1g

•    Butter powder 10g

•    Black pepper 0.3g

Add: 400 ml water

Meal #14: Chicken Tomato Couscous

Ingredients:

•    Couscous 80g

•    Freeze-dried chicken 18g

•    Tomato powder 12g

•    Red pepper 4g

•    Oregano 0.5g

Add: 350 ml water

Meal #15: Chicken Rice Soup

Ingredients:

•    Instant rice 60g

•    Freeze-dried chicken 18g

•    Vegetable medley 15g

•    Bouillon 2g

•    Parsley 0.5g

Add: 400 ml water

Meal #16: Beef Mediterranean Rice

Ingredients:

•    Instant rice 80g

•    Freeze-dried ground beef 20g

•    Vegetable medley 15g

•    Red pepper 5g

•    Italian seasoning 4g

•    Oregano 0.5g

Add: 400 ml water + 5 ml oil

Meal #17: Beef Chili Ramen

Ingredients:

•    Ramen noodles 70g

•    Freeze-dried ground beef 20g

•    Tomato powder 15g

•    Red pepper 3g

•    Chili powder 2g

•    Smoked paprika 1g

Add: 400 ml water + 5 ml oil

Meal #18: Beef Potato Bowl

Ingredients:

•    Instant potatoes 80g

•    Freeze-dried ground beef 20g

•    Corn 10g

•    Mushroom powder 2g

•    Smoked paprika 1g

Add: 350 ml water

Meal #19: Beef Curry Rice

Ingredients:

•    Instant rice 80g

•    Freeze-dried ground beef 20g

•    Red pepper 4g

•    Coconut powder 12g

•    Curry powder 3g

•    Onion powder 1g

Add: 400 ml water + 5 ml oil

Meal #20: Beef Bean Rice

Ingredients:

•    Instant beans 30g

•    Instant rice 60g

•    Freeze-dried ground beef 18g

•    Mushroom powder 2g

Add: 450 ml water

Meal #21: Beef Couscous Bowl

Ingredients:

•    Couscous 80g

•    Freeze-dried ground beef 18g

•    Vegetable medley 15g

•    Red pepper 4g

•    Smoked paprika 1g

Add: 350 ml water

Meal #22: Beef Tomato Lentils

Ingredients:

•    Red lentils 60g

•    Freeze-dried ground beef 18g

•    Tomato powder 15g

•    Mushroom powder 2g

Add: 450 ml water

Meal #23: Creamy Beef Noodles

Ingredients:

•    Ramen noodles 70g

•    Freeze-dried ground beef 18g

•    Milk powder 12g

•    Mushroom powder 2g

•    Black pepper 0.3g

Add: 400 ml water

Meal #24: Tuna Mediterranean Rice

Ingredients:

•    Instant rice 80g

•    Vegetable medley 15g

•    Red pepper 5g

•    Tomato powder 10g

•    Italian seasoning 4g

•    Tuna pouch 70g

•    Oregano 0.5g

Add: 400 ml water + tuna pouch

Meal #25: Tuna Cream Ramen Bowl

Ingredients:

•    Ramen noodles 70g

•    Milk powder 12g

•    Broccoli 10g

•    Tuna pouch 70g

•    Dill 0.5g

Add: 400 ml water + tuna pouch

Meal #26: Tuna Chili Bowl

Ingredients:

•    Instant beans 40g

•    Corn 10g

•    Tomato powder 15g

•    Red pepper 3g

•    Chili powder 1g

•    Tuna pouch 70g

•    Smoked paprika 1g

Add: 450 ml water + tuna pouch

Meal #27: Tuna Potato Chowder

Ingredients:

•    Instant potatoes 75g

•    Corn 15g

•    Milk powder 12g

•    Tuna pouch 70g

•    Dill 0.5g

•    Thyme 0.5g

Add: 400 ml water + tuna pouch

Meal #28: Spam Soy Noodle Bowl

Ingredients:

•    Rice noodles 70g

•    Vegetable medley 15g

•    Soy powder 4g

•    Spam 60g

•    Onion powder 1g

Add: 400 ml water + Spam

Meal #29: Spam Chowder

Ingredients:

•    Instant potatoes 75g

•    Corn 15g

•    Milk powder 12g

•    Spam 60g

•    Thyme 0.5g

Add: 400 ml water + Spam

Meal #30: Spam Soy Couscous

Ingredients:

•    Couscous 80g

•    Vegetable medley 15g

•    Red pepper 4g

•    Soy powder 4g

•    Spam 60g

•    Smoked paprika 1g

Add: 350 ml water + Spam

Posted on

A Portable Marine Single Side-Band Radio

On S/V Aegir-Ran I had a 1990s era ICOM M-710 SSB radio. I had trouble getting it to work properly. The problem seemed to be intermittent. I acquired a second M-710 radio and exchanges some components (the M-710 radio at AT-130 auto tuner, etc.), but this did not solve the problem. The original counterpoise ground was a ring of copper foil built into the hull. Later, I tried a KISS Counterpoise Kit. Neither fixed the problem. The original antenna was the insulated backstay, but when I installed new standing rigging I replaced it with a GAM antenna that slipped over one of the backstays. I lost all of this equipment with S/V Aegir-Ran. Recently, I acquired a ICOM M-802 and an AT-140. The M-802 is of a different design, with the radio separate from a remote control (RC-25) head. I am interested in installing the M-802/AT-140 temporarily on S/V Saint Brendan, in part so I can take it with me when I move own to the next boat, and in part so I do not have to learn a new radio. The M-802 is the last ICOM SSB radio built that does not have a GPS, so it is suitable for the Golden Globe Race.

The idea was to combine the M-802 and AT-140 into a single package that is easily mounted and removed. Note the AT-140 must be mounted close to the antenna.

I did not want to modify any of the cabling so it was necessary to locate the somewhat obscure connects that are used on the units. The flat 4-pin connector on the AT-140 requires a JReady ST6417 Standard 0.093 Connector that I found on Amazon. The corresponding plug on the M-802 is a more rare JST XMP-06V connector, which I found on AliExpress. The circular 8-pin Mini-DIN Connector on the M-802 was addressed with a Plinkwirekb Male-to Female extension on Amazon. The panel-mounted 3.5 mm (1/8″) min jack was wound on Amazon. Finally, the panel-mounted Anderson SB50 Power Connector was also found on Amazon.

With all of labeling sorted out, I turned to designing a case that would combine all of the components. I Used Fusion360 to prepare DXF files that were submitted to SendCutSend for manufacturing.

For the Counterpoise I went old school (and reliable), a porous bronze grounding plate. Unfortunately, a plate of sufficient size for SSB is quite expensive ($1000), but I found a Marino Guest Danaplate 4018 (18″ x 6″) on eBay for $120. Unfortunately, that plate was missing the special gold-plated grounding bolt. I found a replacement bolt (P-12D37, $18) and nuts (P-13A2A, $4 each x 2).

I have been giving some thought to the antenna. In keeping with the idea of a portable system, I am simply going with a single strand of GTO-15 wire that is secured to the backstay with dual loop zip-ties I will use small bits of heat-shrink tubing to create stops so the zip-ties do not slip as I just the GTO-15. up the backstay. The AT-140 is intended for 7 m (23′) or longer antenna. The backstay on a Tartan 34C is 43-44′. I intend to use an active length of 35-37′ for the GTO-15 antenna. This will avoid any impedance problems at high frequency.

I expect the ICOM radio case to be mounted in the quarter berth, maybe in the space that houses the steering quadrant. Accordingly, all electrical cables will be run there (antenna, counterpoise ground, power, RC-25 and SP-24 cables). The quick-release bracket means that basically I simply need to unplug five cables and undo two straps to remove the M-802/AT-140 unit.

The SSB radio I received did not have the mounting brackets for the remote (RC-25) and speaker (SP-24). While I could find the bracket for the SP-24 on eBay, I could not find one for the RC-25. Accordingly, I manufactured brackets:

Posted on

Introducing Saint Brendon

On my way back from Brazil. few months ago I purchased another boat, a Tartan 34C. She was named “Saint Brendan” by her previous owner and I will not change the name. Brendan of Clonfert is one of the early Irish monastic saints and one of the Twelve Apostles of Ireland. He is also referred to as Brendan the Navigator, Brendan the Voyager, Brendan the Anchorite, and Brendan the Bold.

Saint Brendan is expected go require relatively little work to prepare to sail. Indeed, it is my intention to spend as little time and treasure on the boat was possible as the plan is simply to use her for the next two sailing seasons in the Sea of Cortez. For the next two years I will spend six months on land (May-October) at a very nice house in San Carlos, then I will spend the next six months sailing (November-April).

I am setting up Saint Brendan the way I intend to set of a boat for the Golden Globe Race in 2030 (albeit with a different boat). The electronic have been removed (except for a VHF and SSB radio), the autopilot has been disengaged, and I am installing a wind vane. There is a good sail inventory, all hanked on. I am going to supply the boat for sailing the six months without reprovisioning. This includes water, fuel, and food.

Posted on

CHAI

Morning.

Chai.

Steam.

Quiet.

Her eyes.

Pause.

“What?”

Nothing.

I said nothing.

Still—

something wrong.

Tone.

Word.

Look.

Which?

I search.

Yesterday.

Last night.

Three years.

Nothing.

Her face—

injured.

Certain.

My mind—

Confused.

Explanation.

Another.

Another.

No.

Silence.

Distance

smaller room.

Later—

Soft again.

Almost warm.

Almost normal.

A thought dies

in my throat:

What happened?

Tomorrow—

Chai.

Steam.

Quiet.

Waiting.

Enough.

Posted on

Update

My followers have noticed there have not been log entries for a week. I apologize for the radio silence. There has been some mitigating circumstances beyond my control. I want everyone know I am fine and am presently in Natal, Brazil. Aegir-Ran ran aground last Sunday. All indications are the boat does not have significant damage, but I have had to make arrangements for a recovery of my vessel, and this is taking some time due to the remote location. We now have a plan to free Aegir-Ran around February 17, the next spring tide. I expect her to be sailed to mainland Brazil to make repairs. Details of the grounding and the subsequent adventure will be posted after the boat is recovered. In the meantime, I want to voice my appreciation to the Brazilian Navy and REBIO for their assistance. They say there are three types of sailors … ones who have run aground, those who will run aground, and liars. I have now joined the “those who have” club.

Posted on

Check-in January 24, 2026; 20:00 UTC

Current Position: 3 55.058’S 32 32.250’W; Timezone: UTC-3; SOG: 3.8 kt; COG: 270; TWS: 12; TWD: 145; Current Speed (includes effect of surfing): 1.0 kt; Current Direction: 016; Distance to Waypoint (BARB5, 265): 228 nm; Distance to Endpoint (Bridgetown): 1909 nm; Total Miles Sailed: 21,594nm; Engine Hours: 414; Estimate Fuel: 60+8+50;
Comments: I prepared the ham, yams, and green beans at 13:00. While none of the three were great, they were nonetheless appreciated after five weeks at sea. It was the first meal I had eaten off a plate since the passage began (I usually eat one-pot meals out of the skillet to minimize dirty dishes). I made water at 14:00. It has high salinity (the membrane is shot) and is only good for bathing and washing clothes. The next ship that will likely cross my path should show up about dusk. Sunset is at 17:30 at 32.5W (Ilha de Fernando de Noronha). At 31.0W it should be at 17:24. I am ready to put the South Atlantic behind me. It has been five weeks of essentially the same weather and fairly slow sailing. On the other hand, there has been no drama. I better be careful what I wish for because I expect to face thunderstorms along the coast, especially in the compression zone around the equator. In the pass few days, since I have been within 300 nm of land, I have been visited by Noddies. Beginning today, since I have been within 100 nm, I have been surrounded by Terns. At 15:00 I took a bath and once clean, I celebrated completion of the second leg of the passage (South Africa to St. Helena and now the second leg to IDN) with a can of beer, my last of South African Windhoek). I have two cans of beer remaining, Fosters that I’ve had since Christmas Island, and I will have those when I get to Barbados. The cargo ship I was expecting at dusk passed 12 nm behind my stern at 17:15. Sunset was at 17:23. I downloaded OTH AIS data and do not see any obvious threats tonight. I went to sleep at 18:30 and set an alarm for 2h. It is midnight and there is only one Noddie, so no noise. I was expecting another party like the past two nights. It’s 40 nm to IFN. I woke at 4:45. Sunrise is at 5:12 at 32.5W (Ilha de Fernando de Noronha). At 32.0W it should be at 5:10. There was heavy cloud cover to the E. At 5:00 the wind was single-digits and the boat was only doing 3 kt. It was like that most of the second half of the night. Unfortunately, I expect these conditions until at least tonight. I have 26 nm to go before I should be able to turn on Starlink. I now expect to reach that point early afternoon. i enjoyed my tea this morning with two Lotus Biscoff caramelized tea biscuits. It is my last package of tea biscuits and they will be gone within the week. I have purchased a dozen different varieties of tea biscuits along the way, and these are among my favorite. It is 6:00 and the wind has picked up from 8 to 12 kt, the expected speed, as the sun heated things up, giving a SOG of about 4 kt. A very large weather system passed N of me at 6:39, dripping the TWS to single digits again. The GRIB was 15h old, so I downloaded new data. To get a better wind angle, the route has me passing S of the island. This increases the distance to the 12 nm limit by a bit, but gives me better speed. Also, passing on the windward side will insure I am not shadowed. The new waypoint is 20 nm. Oda is about 20 nm behind me and is clearly headed for the N side of the island, where Moana anchored yesterday. I read it costs $75/d to anchor there, plus $25 per person, making it the most expensive anchorage I have encountered. I’d stop, but going through the formalities and expense for Brazil to see the island does not appeal to me. I’d have to stay a week to make it worth it, which would cost me $1000. The latest PW route has me making only one tack between here and Barbados, on Monday afternoon as I turn N along the coast. Unfortunately, the OTH AIS reveals complicated traffic along the coast, not clear lanes as I saw in South Africa. Also, I can expect severe rolling about one-third of the way due to coastal waves on the beam. Fortunately, because of the expected fast passage, that should amount to three consecutive days. The closest I will actually get to shore is about 50 nm, in part to take advantage of the current, but also because the coast shoals shallow, especially further N. I spotted the faint outline of the island at 10:00, perhaps 20 nm away and 9 nm from the waypoint. I have been averaging 4.2 kt in 12 kt wind since the sun came up. I ran the fridge for only an hour this morning as I am trying to charge the batteries in heavy overcast before turning Starlink on. As I pass IFN, I am setting a new waypoint, the point on the coast that I tack starboard (BARB5, 4 15’S 36 20’W), about 250 nm away. I was on Starlink for several hours as I passed the island. Was treated by dolphins. There is a sea cave drilled through the middle of the island. I have been dodging showers all afternoon, but it started to rain on me at 17:00.
Posted on

Check-in January 23, 2026; 16:00 UTC

Current Position: 4 04.385’S 28 57.684’W; Timezone: UTC-3; SOG: 3.8 kt; COG: 265; TWS: 12; TWD: 111; Current Speed (includes effect of surfing): 1.0 kt; Current Direction: 260; Distance to Waypoint (IFN, 273): 90 nm; Distance to Endpoint (Bridgetown): 2002 nm; Total Miles Sailed: 21,452 nm; Engine Hours: 414; Estimate Fuel: 60+8+50;
Comments: I tacked to port at 14:30 and will head due W to IFN. Sunset is at 17:30 at 32.5W (Ilha de Fernando de Noronha). At 29.25W it should be at 17:17, but the sun went down behind clouds. The brown noodies were back after dark. I tried to shoos them away, but they were tenacious (they just stood on the stick I was using and flew back to their perch when I stopped waving it) and I was outnumbered. They were as loud as last night. They have two distinctive calls … male and female? I downloaded fresh data at 18:00. I do not see any hazardous traffic tonight. I went to sleep at 18:30 with a 2h alarm. At 3:00 a ship passed 4 nm behind me. When I went to the cockpit I saw it directly beneath the southern cross. The birds were still partying. I imagined them gathering in my boat for a rare conference and having a lot of news to share. I had to put a pillow over my head when I returned to the berth. I slept very deeply and woke at 4:55. Sunrise is at 5:12 at 32.5W (Ilha de Fernando de Noronha). At 30.25W it should be at 5:03. The sun came up behind a distant cloud bank but raised above it at 5:08. I downloaded data at 5:15. I will encounter a couple of ships today. Moana should arrive at IFN (120 nm away) late today, I will arrive tomorrow late morning, and Oda will arrive tomorrow night. I checked the progress of the 5.80 racers and it looks like they will arrive at Recife in 11-12 days. I finished the leftover Chicken Taco Soup yesterday … lasted three days. Today I am baking the ham and serving in with canned candied yams and canned green beans that I am dressing up in mustard. There will be enough to have this meal twice and enough ham for a week. I fell asleep at 10:00 for a rest and woke up at 11:45 with a tanker passing 1.5 nm off my bow. It arrived an hour earlier than I expected. The distance sailed towards IFN in the last 24h was 196-90=106 nm. The total distance sailed was 21452-21292=160 nm (160/24=6.7 kt avg).
Posted on

Check-in January 22, 2026; 16:00 UTC

Current Position: 4 04.385’S 28 57.684’W; Timezone: UTC-3; SOG: 4.4 kt; COG: 310; TWS: 14; TWD: 111; Current Speed (includes effect of surfing): 1.3 kt; Current Direction: 268; Distance to Waypoint (IFN, 274): 196 nm; Distance to Endpoint (Bridgetown): 2100 nm; Total Miles Sailed: 21,292 nm; Engine Hours: 414; Estimate Fuel: 60+8+50;
Comments: A word to the wise … never bring cans of tonic water onboard. Unless used immediately, they almost always leak. I have tried many brands, and they all leak over time. I don’t mean the degas, I mean the liquid actually comes out of the can. I think it has something to do with the fact the metal is thinner for tonic than say beer. I have had tonic leak in the refrigerator, in lockers, and in storage bins, and the sugary liquid makes a mess. Only bring plastic bottles of tonic onboard. Rant over. Sunset is at 17:30 at 32.5W (Ilha de Fernando de Noronha). At 28.0W it should be at 17:12, but was behind clouds. I downloaded data at 17:30 and did not find any threats on the OTH AIS, so I set a timer for 2h before going to sleep. At 19:45 I was waken up by a strange sound. It was a Black Noddie perched on the Danforth anchor on the stern … squawking. I made a half-hearted (unsuccessful) effort to shoos him off, then tried to go back to sleep. A few minutes later I got up because the bird would not shut up. That is when I discovered three more on the solar panels. It was a Noddie party. I tried to encourage them to leave, but they would have nothing of it. One of them actually let me pet it. I gave up and went back to bed. At 1:30 I tacked to port to take advantage of the current and to avoid two cargo ships. The birds were not happy, particularly as the jockeyed to reclaim their favorite spots. The only one I forced off had chosen the top of the windvane and was consequently changing the course of the boat. Sunrise is at 5:12 at 32.5W (Ilha de Fernando de Noronha). At 28.5W it should be at 4:56. The cargo ship Defense passed 6 nm N of me at 3:15. I woke up at 4:35. I tacked to starboard at 4:45. The sun came up behind clouds. It started rain lightly at 5:20 from single dark cloud. I went in deck to shower. The experience was unique because the rain was falling behind the cloud as it passed, so the sun was already shining brightly. I have started looking beyond IFN. I should reach the island Saturday morning. I should reach the coast and begin a continuous starboard tack NW to Barbados Tuesday morning. I will see currents up to 2.5 kt on a shallow broad to beam reach with 12-20 kt winds, so the remainder of the passage will be fast, perhaps 11-12 days. It is 11:45 and there is a ship 25 nm that is steaming towards my starboard quarter. I expect it to pass my stern in 1.5h. It is 13:00. In about an hour I will be at 4.0S, due E of IFN. At that point I will tack to port. Heading straight for IFN with a strong current, I should make good time the rest of the way. The distance sailed towards IFN in the last 24h was 280-196=84 nm. The total distance sailed was 21292-21141=151 nm (158/24=6.6 kt avg).
Posted on

Check-in January 21, 2026; 16:00 UTC

Current Position: 5 14.475’S 27 47.966’W; Timezone: UTC-3; SOG: 4.0 kt; COG: 330; TWS: 14; TWD: 123; Current Speed (includes effect of surfing): 1.2 kt; Current Direction: 241; Distance to Waypoint (IFN, 293): 280 nm; Distance to Endpoint (Bridgetown): 2195 nm; Total Miles Sailed: 21,141 nm; Engine Hours: 414; Estimate Fuel: 60+8+50;
Comments: It is 15:00, there is heavy cloud cover, and no sun. Since the fish is gone, I shut down the fridge early. Tomorrow, I am going to empty the fridge, get rid of anything that has gone bad, and clean it. Sunset is at 17:29 at 32.5W (Ilha de Fernando de Noronha). At 26.5W it should be at 16:57. While the sun went down behind heavy clouds, it produced spectacular colors. It is 17:40 and I am preparing to sleep. There is quite a bit of traffic, but the OTH AIS does not show any vessels that are likely to cross paths with me tonight. I set an alarm for 2h. I woke at 22:00 and checked the instruments. I was headed due N because the wind had backed to 130. The sky was clear, so the change wasn’t due to a local disturbance. I tacked to port and assumed a COG of 278. Although the wind was 18-22, I only made 4.9 due to a strong counter current. I downloaded data at 22:50. PW predicts the strong wind will continue until dawn, but will back, so I will probably need to tack again after midnight. I went to the cockpit at 2:00. It was still blowing 17-21 from 130. Sunrise is at 5:11 at 32.5W (Ilha de Fernando de Noronha). At 27.5W it should be at 4:51. I woke at 4:50. The sun came up at 4:50. There are “mackerel scale” skies, suggesting a depression. I downloaded data and confirmed that I need to tack starboard and remain on that tack until nearly the latitude of IFN, at which point I will pick up the equatorial currents. I notice the current has begun rotating clockwise. Eventually , I expect 1 kt westerly current as I sail W to IFN. In the previous forecast I was supposed to tack twice more, but the distance W I made last night negated the need for that. The wind is still blowing 16-21 from 120. I expect it to lighten up after the morning blow. I do not see any traffic today on the OTH AIS. I cleaned out the fridge. I am left with 4 grapefruit, 5 oranges, and 10 apples, enough for a piece of fruit a day. I got rid of anything suspect, leaving me with only the fruit, the ham, some salami, a small quantity of fresh cheese, and a few flour tortillas. A small bag of expired lunchmeat went rouge and while looking for it I found the boar tusk bottle opener I bought in South Africa many years ago behind the stove. It has been missing at least three years. I found the lunchmeat had been Put back in the fridge. I had seven cans of beer and tonic in the lower section of the fridge and they have frozen. I am thawing them out to see which are still intact. The eggs are questionable. The three dozen I coated in oil have some mold on them. I will have to test them to learn if they are still good. It is 7:00 and I am 300 nm from IFN. Even though the wind is expected to decrease, with the help of the current, I expect to arrive about this time on Saturday. It will be too early to call people in the US, so I will have to see how long I remain in range to use Starlink. The strong current will likely take me past the island quickly. The batteries were charged by 13:00, so I will make water again today. The distance sailed towards IFN in the last 24h was 372-280=92 nm. The total distance sailed was 21141-20983=158 nm (158/24=6.6 kt avg).
Posted on

Check-in January 20, 2026; 16:00 UTC

Current Position: 6 18.781’S 26 31.802’W; Timezone: UTC-3; SOG: 4.6 kt; COG: 310; TWS: 16; TWD: 107; Current Speed (includes effect of surfing): 1.0 kt; Current Direction: 226; Distance to Waypoint (IFN, 293): 372 nm; Distance to Endpoint (Bridgetown): 2292 nm; Total Miles Sailed: 20,983 nm; Engine Hours: 414; Estimate Fuel: 60+8+50;
Comments: the cargo ship passed 18 nm S of me at 14:45 and the tanker 32 nm about the same time. Sunset is at 17:29 at 32.5W (Ilha de Fernando de Noronha). At 25.5W it should be at 17:01. Sunset was actually about 17:05. I downloaded new data. There do not appear to be any threats. I set an alarm for 2h and went to sleep at 17:30. I woke up periodically, but the night was uneventful … 15 kt wind without gusts, average SOG 4.7, and no traffic. Sunrise is at 5:11 at 32.5W (Ilha de Fernando de Noronha). At 26.0W it should be at 4:45. I woke at 4:20. Without 20+ kt gusts overnight, the sea was calm, so the boat was making good speed. I downloaded new data at 4:30. No surprises. I should reach IFN on Saturday. There is a cargo ship passing 15 nm to my port. A small rain cloud is passing over and it is sprinkling. The sun rise at 4:44. First time I have seen it in quite a few days … suggesting some clear weather this morning As the wind is blowing 102. It is 5:30 at 400 nm to IFN at 295. Mona is about 100 nm S of me and Oda is about 150 nm SE. they are both sailing downwind wing on wing (or with a symmetrical spinnaker). I still cannot tell where they are headed, probably Recife or IFN. If the former, they will need to turn W soon as they are both at the latitude of Recife (8S). From the OTH AIS, it looks like I will start crossing NE/SW shipping channel tomorrow. The variation in the compass is 18W right now, which is why I switched to true compass headings on the chart plotter as it was becoming confusing while optimizing the course using PW (which uses true headings). About another 3 degrees N (48h) I should start feeling the effects of the currents of the North Atlantic Gyre, which will drive me W to the coast and then N towards Barbados. Initially, the currents will be light (0.5 kt), but will eventually reach over 2 kt along the coast. Once past the ITCZ, the current and strong winds on the beam should help me move quickly up the coast. I (re)discovered that my iPad (which I had broken out when the iPhone GPS was acting up) is able to connect to the Airmar speed sensor via Bluetooth when the iPhone cannot. I had forgotten this was the case. I recalibrated the speed sensor and the boat speed is now consistent with the SOG. It may need some fine tuning. This is good because I now expect the effects of current, leeward drift, and surfing to be more accurate. I have noticed the CAPE is increasing to about 1200 J/kg as I approach IFN. This is not a particularly concern. However, it is approaching 2000 early next week as I pass IFN and head N through the ITCZ. Thunderstorms are predicted. It appears the days of lazily sailing across the south Atlantic may end in a bang as I cross the compression zone near the western most edge of the ITCZ. Hopefully, wind conditions will be favorable and I won’t linger. It is 8:00 and the cumulus clouds have been replaced with cirrus clouds. While this suggests short-term stability, there may be a depression coming in the next few days. Today is a big day. I finished the fish yesterday and can pick a new cuisine. I am making a chicken taco soup that is all from cans, so it can be prepared very quickly. It made three meals when tortilla cheese crisps were added. The batteries were charged by noon, so I made water to bathe. The distance sailed towards IFN in the last 24h was 470-372=98 nm. The total distance sailed was 20983-20830=153 nm (153/24=6.4 kt avg).