28:34.348S 039:29.272E - The Fastest Passage is the Safest Passage

Irene IV - World Adventure
Louis Goor
Sat 19 Nov 2022 05:34

The Fastest Passage is the Safest Passage

Since the beginning of the rally, we have known that the allotted time allowable in La Réunion was entirely dependent on the weather systems. The route from La Réunion to Durban brings us through the strong Agulhas current, which, though narrow, can be perilous. Boat owners met, discussed, and shared weather information. Weather experts were hired to give advice and weather charts were compared. Ocean Pearl, who have grandchildren to meet in Durban on 23rd November, left in a hurry, having sadly seen none of the beautiful island. We, on the advice of Eddie, our resident weather nerd, with the cumulative brains and experience of Michael from Seabird and Louis, decided that Monday, 14th November, was the appointed day. “The fastest passage is the safest passage”, proclaimed Michael. As the weather forecast predicted strong winds for a few days, they figured it was best to get going. We would use the strong winds to get as far as possible, thus be further along when the lighter winds anticipated in a few days come our way, and get to Durban ahead of the heavy weather system predicted for the 23rd November.

>From April to November the southeast trade winds, which have been propelling us along since we began this mega adventure, blow with some consistency over the southern Indian Ocean. The trades blow at about a favourable 12-25 knots most of the time, getting lighter towards the equator, depending on the extent of the ITCZ (Doldrums), and somewhat stronger where landmasses deflect or funnel the wind. As we round the southern coast of Madagascar heading towards Durban and the coast of South Africa, the deflected wind from the huge African continent can cause the wind to increase to 30-40 knots or die to a less useful 8-12 knots. Cyclones and Tropical Storms are prevalent in the southern Indian Ocean and are more common from December until March. At this moment we are motoring at 28S and 39E, and are thus outside the most common breeding grounds for these storms, which occur more often between 60 to 80E. We have been forewarned that some storms can occur down the east coast of Africa and the west coast of Madagascar along the Mozambique Channel at any time.

Like the prevailing winds, it is vital to understand and keep an eye on the predominant currents in the area. The three currents that concern us in our present position with South Africa as our destination, are the South Equatorial, Mozambique, and the dreaded Agulhas currents. Since well before the start of the rally there has been talk, with much trepidation, of the dangers of crossing the Agulhas current. The current, which flows in a south-westerly direction in a narrow band along the east and south coast of South Africa, can be as fast as 5-6 knots. If the winds turn in a south-westerly direction, causing wind against current, the seas can become very lumpy and uncomfortable and even treacherous.

Upon leaving La Réunion the sea state was topsy turvy, with rolling waves, negative current, and high winds, all of us experienced various levels of mal de mer. Eddie, Giles in tandem with Louis, pored over charts and weather downloads many times a day to be sure we were on track. We always need to capitalize on wind, move fast enough to beat the incoming bad weather, use the currents in our favour as much as possible, in order to cross the Agulhas safely. The 17th and 18th November, we experienced light winds, but we must keep our speed up to a minimum of 9+ knots. So, Peggy, our faithful engine, has been activated. We expect to encounter a weather front today, 19th November. As a result of the collision between a warm airmass and a cold airmass, there will be instability, leading to strong winds, a disturbed sea state and heavy precipitation. Luckily, it is predicted to last 12 hours or less before it dissipates. Tomorrow, 20th November, is D day, the day we cross the Agulhas, all weather forecasts suggest a safe passage. We hope to sail into the Port of Durban on Monday afternoon or evening.

In the meantime, our motley crew is getting to know each other. Each new crew fits into our Irene IV culture but also creates its own new unique culture. It has taken us a moment to get used to life onboard without Rob. Giles is fabulous and has filled his shoes quietly and efficiently. Louis has taken on more and we hope he does not get too exhausted and grumpy! George is growing up, both in height and emotionally, very fast. He has learned so much about sailing, about the mechanics and engineering of boats and about the social skills required to live with an ever-changing crew.

George and I are trying to join the GOES (Global Oceanic Environmental Survey) foundation project, collecting data on microplastics in the ocean. So far, our lack of computer skills is holding us back, but we will keep trying and will succeed eventually.

George has landed himself a job on another boat, Serendipity, as crew for the passage from Cape Town to St. Helena and maybe further. It is a requirement for his Transition Year to find a job for a minimum of 2 weeks. He is delighted!