This was the best sailing along the South African Coast that we have had so far. Although we had little wind, it was easy sailing along a beautiful coastline. We had company everyday - either the big school of dolphins or a cheeky sea-lion. And then there was the big waterspout behind the yacht!

Jacques, our cousin, was on his first sail ever and enjoyed himself except for this..this whale-thing!

The whale seemed to be blowing water every time Jacques came out alone on deck and although we stared and stared ... well, nothing. The depth meter also registered something? It read - 75 meters, 69 meters, 5 meters, 7 meters! There definitely was something under the boat and it was very curious, especially if we shone our 1 million candlepower light!

We encountered fog from Danger Point. There was also a lot of shipping activity - more than what we had experienced during our trip so far. But, they are further offshore and no real worry to sailing vessels. Once again the Cruising Guide we got from Cruising Connections in Durban (South African Cruising Notes by Tony Herrick), proved to be as valuable as having an experienced sailor on board. We used the advice, followed the suggestions and as an inexperienced yachtswoman along the SA Coast, the trip was made easier for me by having the Cruising Guide onboard.

Simonstown was very busy on our arrival. The Naval Festival was held over the weekend and there were vessels and submarines on show from Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and our own SA Navy. The Festival started with a Right of Entry Parade through the main street. The children (and grown ups) watched in awe as the Navy sailors performed all the pomp and ceremony of a naval parade. The programme boasted gun runs, dog shows, mast displays, precision drills, mock attack displays, live singing and a performance by the SA Navy Band. The sounds of gunfire accompanied by the coloured tracers set the night sky on fire and was a stunning display in the evenings.

It did however change the town into a beehive of activity with tourists and spectators milling around from the one venue, or tourist attraction, to another. This is the reason why there hasn't been an update from me lately. With only one Internet Caf� and thousands of tourists, well the queues were mostly out of the door.

False Bay Yacht Club is in a picturesque setting. We are surrounded by mountains on the one side and scenic views all around us. There are lawns and a play area for the children and an area to have barbeques. "Yachties" is the restaurant in the club that offers good, inexpensive meals. Although it is recommended to hire a car for one's stay, it is easy to get to Cape Town Central with the train. It is a scenic 60 minute trip and very safe. A taxi can be hailed to get to the V&A Waterfront from the station. The False Bay Yacht Club is in the centre of Simons Town, with shops close by. There is however no laundrette within walking distance. To get duty free diesel one has to go to the Royal Cape Yacht Club (Cape Town) and ditto for Customs and Immigration. We decided to use Simons Town as our base to explore Cape Town and will sail to Royal Cape Yacht Club when we decide to clear out.

The other alternative is to stay at the Houtbay Yacht Club.

The marinas are however overflowing with yachts and even though we are the last of the boats heading towards the Caribbean, it is still very busy and important to phone ahead to reserve a berth.

Well, we are off to Cape Point today. To see Cape Town from the land's side this time. We will be careful of the baboons!