Day 21 Mozambique Channel
Misterx
Sun 1 Dec 2024 05:13
01/12/24
7:00 am
Day 21
Mozambique Channel
DTD to Richard's Bay SA 559nm
We were glad to be in our sheltered bay when the rest of the blow finally came. The first bit was probably the worse, it always is at night, or at least it feels worse. The next day started with a muted sunrise, the long clouds formations stretching over the cliffs and the village, showing bit of pale blues. Only a burst of light where the sun should be. The sea is a bit choppy and deserted. Very few of the little sailing crafts are out this morning, the big barges are ferrying their passengers, all snug in their red life jackets, and other heavy stuff, like 2 motorbikes at the front. Something is not quite right with our anchor, doesn't sounds nor fell like normal... after our neighbour's escapade of the chain getting caught and tangled we just up and re anchor further out to be on the safe side. We have no appetite for a re run of the sorry tale.
By mid morning, the cliffs and the village have disappeared in sheets of rain. The swell is not as bad at the previous night so the movement is not as disturbing and we are able to go about our daily business. Again it doesn't last this long and we can have lunch outside, until the last instalment turns up. By this stage, it is mid afternoon and perfect time for a snoozette.
All the shore side gurus are in agreement again, amazing, we should take the next available weather window, i.e today, with possibly 6 days of favourable winds, albeit quite strong ones to start with. And we know what strong wind bring.... heavy swell and very uncomfortable ride. Anyway this lasts for a couple of days and then dies down to the point where motoring might be necessary. We have to crunch the miles and no time to drift or we'll be in even bigger seas and wind at the other end. Guru no 1 is even advocating letting the latest blow fizzle out in the late afternoon and then leave our safe anchorage before sunset... Given the strength of the wind and size of the waves and the menacing 50 shades of grey horizon, it seems a little bit radical for us!
However, our last marooned companion make a run for it, they obviously have stronger stomachs than we have! We decide to leave early in the morning, the winds and the waves should be more palatable then. We had a fabulous sunset, a real show for our last night, a lovely dinner and an early night.
Next morning we're up at the crack of dawn and it doesn't take us long to up the anchor and go. The skies and sea are far more inviting today, blue skies and bright sunshine. As per usual, I helm for a couple of hours before we put the windvane on, and it is just exhilarating. Yes, the wind is stiff and the waves even stiffer, but i feel in control and can navigate the waves better than the monitor, i soon get tired though and have to relinquish the helm. And the real wet and wild ride starts! Lasted all night, up to 30 knot, and it was wild... So much so that we elected to do my shift from the chart table, far too wet up there for me! Starting to calm down now, but we are still making the 5.5 to 6.5 target speed we need to get across on time. Hope it does last!
M