Hauling Butt Not Quickly
07 December 2018 | Zululand YC Yard
Enough Rudder?
Friday 7 December 2018
Haul-out went better than one might have expected. Wind was half forecast and nudging boat out of slip with help from friend on dock and another in dink went according to plan. Entry into sling was also smooth as we raced into lifting frame to maintain steerage at a rate fast enough to see the whites of their eyes before engaging heavy reverse to stop. Setup to drag boats out is somewhat rudimentary involving a big trailer with straps, a tug and two shore-based winches. Takes awhile, but works fine.
Rudder condition more or less as anticipated with nothing left below lower hinge where shaft, an impressively stout chunk of stainless, had apparently broken off cleanly (not expected). Not so supporting frame that caused jamming and wild swings in heading until it too eventually broke off. Initial estimate for remediation is three weeks - not soon and liable to be longer as these things go. Christmas in Richard's Bay. Cape Town, a great city by all accounts, must plod along without us until January.
Richard's Bay doesn't suck, so no hardship. Notwithstanding a few quibbles, this is a very enjoyable and interesting place and not just because it means the end of long Indian Ocean passages... not saying that doesn't help. Some of best game reserves are near including Kruger as is Swaziland. Nearly everything is available for yachts and for sybaritic indulgences, such as crunchy peanut butter, tasty honey and good local wine. Cost of most things including food and adult beverage are very reasonable. Will probably extend initial ninety day visa to wallow awhile here until boat fixed before rounding the Cape to see what's shakin' over there.
Jack