Betwixt

 A month resting in Simonstown and time to cast off, before algae grows on the bottom of the boat.  In between the punishing winds that blew through this area this month, we worked on small jobs and bought all the parts and spares needed to finish the boat.   Every task takes longer on the boat, up to three times longer, so still work to be done when we get to Cape Town.  Worked on the engine alternator, the seawater pump, the solar panel, and made some oars for the dinghy. Friends and family visiting us, here in Simonstown and back at Richards Bay, has been appreciated.  Sister Sue flew here from the UK with an AIS transponder insisting that we needed one.   Hope we continue meeting up.  This is a small world. Our YOU and Huisgenoot magazines feature   Making the dinghy oars from Ash, on the walkway In rope heaven, 100m of braided rope for the sea anchor.  Hope we never have to use it!   One foggy morning One windy morning Fam...

The wind turned to blow gently south again.  We headed off escorted out the East London harbour by a pod of dolphins.  Up went the genoa and we sailed fairly easily with Hiero the self-steering windvane to assist.  The sea swells kept us watching our own balance, five points of contact all of the time as the boat rolled from side to side. At nightfall it started to drizzle and the clouds made it dark and hazy. This coastline was busy with ships due to the problems in the Red Sea.  Next a ship came barrelling down alongside us from behind.   I had that sinking feeling as I pushed the tiller hard away.  The monstrous bulk carrier churned silently passed us throwing a wave of water over us. That was close. Day time watches are a lot easier;  it does help if you are not sleepy.  The next night watch was in moon light, so much better.  Ships passing us seemed more considerate giving us a wide berth.  The following night was even easier a...