31-01-2026 // 56°43′S 059°44′W // SOG 8 kn, COG 160°
A month ago we dropped anchor at Ilha Grande to wait for the first low that was passing south of us at the time. Now we are on the other side of these low-pressure areas and heading even further south. Our north-westerly winds have backed to the south-west, as predicted, just after passing the latitude of Cape Horn.
This means we are in that part of the Southern Ocean that is not blocked by any landmass. The winds and seas are only held back by their own limitations. At times, there are no limitations, resulting in the most brutal storms accompanied by the most devastating seas. Mariners used to refer to these waves with the rather melodramatic phrase “men with grey beards.” These huge bodies of water, often with their tops breaking off, are a winter phenomenon.
Today, the Drake (as the stretch of water between the Americas and Antarctica is called) is relatively calm. Although the winds are predicted to be fresh, no Old Men are expected. The name Drake comes from the British pirate Francis Drake. Obsessed with Spanish men-of-war, he chased them from the Caribbean right into the Pacific, discovering the formerly unknown waters south of Cape Horn. The old slave trader was later knighted for all the good he had done in the Queen’s name…
We are continuing our migration in the same fashion as Arctic terns do. The Arctic tern (Sterna paradisaea) holds the record for the longest known migration of any animal, flying up to 90,000 km annually from Arctic breeding grounds to the Antarctic coast and back. These slender, grey-and-white seabirds live for up to 34 years, feeding on fish and small crustaceans.
Key facts about Arctic terns:
- Migration: They experience two summers per year, traveling from northern breeding grounds (Arctic/UK) to the Antarctic for the winter, meaning they see more daylight than any other creature.
- Appearance: Grey-white plumage, a black cap, a short blood-red beak, and short red legs.
- Breeding: They nest in colonies on coastal beaches, laying 1–3 eggs in shallow ground scrapes.
- Behavior: Known for aggressively defending their nests, they will dive-bomb intruders.
- Diet: Primarily fish and small marine invertebrates.
- Lifespan: Typically 15–30 years, with some living up to 34 years.
- Conservation status: Not currently endangered, but vulnerable to climate change.
As the wind is forecast to freshen during the morning, I look at the skies with anticipation. I hope to be able to hold on to the mainsail and stay ahead of the stronger winds. Without the big sail, we won’t be able to point as high as we must. A little under 300 nautical miles to Elephant Island, our first possible stop. It would be a shame to miss it…
All is well,
Gijs
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