Richards Bay to Cape Town Day 6 - Heading west to pass Mossel Baai

Caduceus
Martin and Elizabeth Bevan
Wed 30 Nov 2016 22:00

Position                    34:40.65 S 022:36.78 E

Date                         2359 (UTC+2) Wednesday 30 November 2016

Distance run             in 24hrs 164nm over the ground, 167nm through the water

Passage total            647nm over the ground, 594nm through the water

Route distance         To Cape Town 898nm, via East London (338nm + 560nm)

 

(There has been a long delay in getting these entries posted – apologies but we have been rather busy)

 

The first half of the day saw us bucking a current of about 1knot which with light winds of under 10 knots meant even more diesel being used.  We were very conscious of the fact that we are stretching the weather window so motoring in calm conditions has to be regarded as a bonus.  Five of the boats with which we left East London are heading Mossel Baai which gives them the luxury of actually sailing; our aim is to get to Cape Town as soon as possible so that we can get work done on the boat before we take off for the north and our booked trip to a Game Reserve near the Kruger.  The afternoon saw a distinct improvement when the current swung around and became favourable; what a difference that makes.