HI-SEAS THOUGHTS on A4018.
27 January 2010
Tom ZS1TA
Hi Everyone,
The frenetic activity and preparations did not seem to want to end but then
the moment arrived and we were at the Port authorities clearing out. With
Emigration and Customs formalities completed we took "MOORINGS A4018" to the fuel bunker to load up our tanks and additional plastic barrels with
hopefully sufficient fuel to take us to the Mediterranean.
It is strange for me as I have always sailed a named vessel, and these names bear an association with the owners or crews and are a significant part of any vessel at sea. Here however we have a sailing catamaran destined for the charter market and although only having a number will no doubt provide a great deal of pleasure to many.
The time since leaving we have been getting accustomed to her sailing needs and are fast learning the tweaks to keep going efficiently. The winds have not been too kind in that they have not really come along to play with on our adventure to Gocek. The Westerly that came up just after leaving took us along for the first night with ease although a little north of our intended route. It was felt that it was OK as the anticipated south easterly winds would bring us back on track. This however has not happened and what little wind there has been has come from the north.
This morning we motored again for several hours. This gained some miles in
the calm and also charged the batteries. Significantly we have had to concentrate on a lot of boat cleaning. This is a major part of each days effort as the boat was in the harbour for the holiday period and got covered in all sorts of grime. Washing and hosing on the mooring several times just did not seem to get rid of it all. Now at least out here we are able to make progress as the dirt is not replaced as we clean away. To think that we also breath all that grime and pollution whilst in the city. Scary thought but a reality!
Now about 350 miles from Cape Town at position 30 deg 10 min S, 13 deg 07min E.
We are enjoying the Sunday afternoon with a little cool jazz.
Cheers, Tom