Snark Attack
09 November 2018 | Baly Bay
Thursday 8 November 2018
The fickle finger of fate pressed the wrong key and yesterday's entry disappeared into the ether. Just as well as it was probably more boring than this one will be. Anyway, to recap: After anchoring at Nosy Saba in 10 meters with 4 meter tide awoke Wednesday morning to find wind had shifted us into shore, we were half a meter from the bottom and there was a coral tree reaching 2 meters out of the water just behind the transom. Yowzer! Y'all be careful out there, ya hear. Another great sail in onshore breeze to Moramba Bay with comfortable, if warm, night. Expect to depart shortly for direct sail to Baly Bay, jumping off point to cross Mozambique Channel. Arrival tomorrow morning. Except for the tree thing appallingly prosaic, but there it is.
- Later
Wind veered with coast as it curved more westerly for another great day of sailing. If it was always like this everyone would be out here... OK, not grandmothers who want to touch babies every day, but probably everyone else. On the other hand: True wind is 11 to 13 knots, not enough to kick up much of a sea. We're high on it at 33 degrees apparent making our own wind and with little wave action footing along at up to 7 knots. It's boring. Gosh it would be nice to have 25 or 30 knots of wind blowing up 4 or 5 meter seas and rolling us from gunwale to gunwale with no way to get comfortable. You believe me don't you?
Another downside would be arriving before dawn tomorrow, but expect wind to die after dark and not turn to land breeze until early morning so may enjoy motor noise all night and possibly heave to until dawn. Not to worry, probably get all the excitement demanded on passage across the Mozambique Channel and down the Agulhas Current.
Friday
Too snarky for my own good, wasn't I. After passing Ampondrabe River (no, the other one) wind started backing until by dusk it was coming directly from Baly Bay, our destination. Beautiful afternoon sea breeze of previous days turned to yogurt as south wind is apparently wrapping around Cap St. Andre and following the coast. Spent all night tacking back and forth in up to 25 knots. May arrive before dark. This happy event will be followed by adult beverage and actual sleep.
Might have ducked in somewhere, but Liberte is in Baly and Patricia, a brittle diabetic, is ill. They were trying to organize an evacuation so David asked us to watch their boat until at least tomorrow. Not much around (including roads) so apparently a navy was contacted. Not sure whose. Does Madagascar have one?
Still hoping to cross Sunday, but no internet for a couple so no fresh data. Should get something by tonight even if only HF GRIB (Great Relief, If Bogus).
Jack