Crossing Three Major Oceans

We sailed proudly into Cape Town on Thursday 29^th November in the early evening, just before sunset.  Arrival in this beautiful, historic harbor in many ways marks the end of our circumnavigation. We have crossed the Atlantic, the Pacific and the Indian Oceans. Seabird had arrived a couple of hours before us and were on the pontoon to catch our lines as we docked at this well-appointed marina. A quick change of clothes and we joined the Seabird crew for a celebratory glass of champagne and some kind words from Louis and Michael, followed by dinner in one of the many world class restaurants in the marina area. We had much to celebrate and to be proud of.

Rounding Cape Agulhas and the Cape of Good Hope were both incredible moments. The sea state was turbulent just to remind us that this was no mean feat! The closer we got to Cape Town the calmer the seas became. The sun burst forth out of the clouds as if it were congratulating us on making it through. All difficulties were forgotten as the breath-taking coastline materialized out of the mist. The crowning glory of this cosmopolitan city is the imposing, flat topped Table Mountain, one of the 7 wonders of the world. It soars above the city like a giant wall safeguarding its citizens.

With dusk approaching, the light was magical. The city was alive with tourists and locals swarming to the various hostelries and restaurants. We waited for a moment outside the port for the first bridge to be lifted to allow us to enter. Watching the teeming crowds rush past trying to beat the lift, we wondered would we ever get through. A few narrow turns brought us deep into the sheltered marina, a very pleasant gift after the turmoil of the sea at large.

Here Irene IV and her crew will rest a while to enjoy the togetherness of family and a jolly Christmas season.