Arrival in Palmeira

16 December 2025

Arrival in Palmeira

Over the past two days we have been sailing. The wind gradually veered further to the east, allowing us to set the double-reefed mizzen, a reefed schooner sail, and the inner jib. Even with this cautious sail plan we were making speeds of up to 9 knots across the ocean. At night we sailed under a sky filled with millions of stars; during the day beneath a sun that is surprisingly powerful here.

Looking back, this passage has ticked all the boxes: light winds and flat seas, strong winds and high waves, star-filled nights, flying fish, orcas, and a successful fishing run with several mahi-mahi. It truly had it all.

A few hours ago we arrived in Palmeira. The wind is strong and, as we had feared, there is very little room to anchor. Our first attempts failed: first the starboard anchor refused to drop, and when it finally did, it turned out to be lying on top of the port chain. With the strong wind we are dragging slightly, and by now the stern is lying in the fairway. This means we will soon have to weigh anchor for the third time and try once more to see if the boat will hold.

But for now, so far so good. First we will try to clear in, and then we’ll take it from there.