Survived

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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 as we sailed on the edge of a no-go zone in a one way traffic area. 

On the last night we motored again with hand steering.  A heavy fog had set in just past Cape Agulhas.  Danger Point Lighthouse should have been visible usually seen up to 22nm away.  We were 5nm away and saw nothing in that fog.  We were out of the shipping lane and the Automatic Information System which shows all vessels around us was clear.  Still felt a little unnerving steering ahead with no vision.  The complete darkness revealed an amazing sight though.  The bioluminescence usually seen in the breaking sea along the boat was sparkling all around the boat.  Then I saw dark curved shapes in the sea close to the boat.  Dolphins!  I could hear them breathing.   They kept me company for a while.

We were still in heavy fog when dawn broke in False Bay.  The sun finally shone through mid morning.  Land ahoy!

Steering in the fog.  Brrr.


 
The end in sight

Landed

False Bay Yacht Club, Simonstown


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