Boat Braai, Man Overboard, Yacht Race, and a Memorial

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 With sailing season well underway, many international boats have sailed into Zululand Yacht Club, some staying a week, some many weeks.  The boatyard is a good place to do repairs.  Boats sailing in two rallies came through The Bay all within two weeks of each.  World Arc Rally and Grand Yachting World Odyssey.  The marina was jammed with enormous yachts and catamarans.  The Monday night braai was lively.

We have spent many weeks working on the sails and rigging, going out sailing to test the rigging every opportunity.  Once the radio was fitted and working we could sail out the harbour, past the bay mouth which is called the washing machine for a reason.  Hectic!  Then out at sea in windy conditions with too much sail up initially.  More hectic!  Reefing was the key and learning to rig it and apply it took several trips out sailing.  Very grateful to have our sailing buddy Ernst join us on most trips out to help with the reefing.

A requirement for the next certification is three port entries so a trip to Durban was planned;  John, Ernst, and their teenage skipper instructor Roux on his boat.  The trip down took 15 hours which was fast, in deep swell and constant windy conditions.  They made a night entry into Durban exhausted from the steering.  Three days later they made the return trip in 12 hours which is apparently a record.

We were invited to a boat braai which involved the host boat throwing an anchor in a nice spot in the bay, local knowledge, and we tied up to them in our boat and hopping over to braai on their big boat.  Nice way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

Motoring out for a sail recently we were waved down by a sailor on a small catamaran shouting Man Overboard.  His friend had fallen off the boat and he was unable to get to him in the wind and choppy bay mouth.  Betwixt to the rescue and a perfect rescue manoeuvre was achieved.

We were invited to enter the final Sunday race of this year and so we did.  Every time we sail we learn something new.  Ernst had done this race many times and crewed with us, follow the yellow boat and do what they do.  The yellow boat always wins.  The yellow boat leapt out of the starting line, and we floundered around in the washing machine entrance, and eventually got going.  The route was around the nearest anchored ship 10 miles out.  It was choppy and we beat into the wind there and back, nearly 40km, and got back 4 hours later, one hour after the yellow boat.  We were awarded third place and a six pack of beer.

Ernst has sadly passed away from a heart attack.  No lessons.  Just live each day.

Beer time

 

 


 



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