Cape Town To Luderitz, Namibia.

March 27, 2019

Finally the watermaker, generator and others works were completed and we could leave Cape Town on 21 March, heading for Luderitz, Namibia.

Leaving the V&A Marina, Cape Town.

The Table Mountain in the background, with Christopher.

Thursday 21 March 2019:

We left V & A Marina, Cape Town, this morning at 09:15 and as we passed the first bridge, the engine stopped, so I quickly dropped anchor and informed the second bridge that we had engine problems. I found that the mechanic had accidentally closed the fuel line valve when he was looking for his mobile phone which he had lost behind the engine - he did not find his phone. Sean pumped the fuel into the engine and soon after we could proceed through the second bridge and out of the harbour, but I believe the start battery is no good and its only one year old.

Outside the harbour the autopilot stopped working and I suspected it might be the drive that might need new brushes, or replaced. I have emailed Simrad in Denmark asking what could be wrong. Thus, we will hand-steer the 480 NM to Luderitz, Namibia. The wind freshened and at first came from South and up to 24 kn, so it was fast sailing and we have the help from the North setting current. But the Bengula current arriving from the Arctics is very cold and we need to get out the foul-weather gear to keep warm.

Some brief reflections from my 45 days in Cape Town (CPT): So far, CPT is the best big city I have visited in SA. The population is five millions, but it is one of the most dangerous towns in the world and, I am told, has five murders on average each day, mainly done between the gangs and are drug related. The Waterfront V & A development, where the Marina is located, is however a very pleasant area, although pricey. There are loads of shops, restaurants and bars and has become a big tourist attraction, but has a lot of security guards around at all times. There are expensive flats and first class hotels as well.

The temperature in CPT is generally mild and the beaches are nice, but the water temperature is only 12-14° C, so you don’t see many swimming without wetsuit. To the East of the town are the wine fields and we visited Stellenbosch and Franchenbosch which are beautiful areas with loads of large wineries making very good wines. These wineries were initially set up by French immigrants. With Chris we took a five days Safari trip, where we visited two safari parks and loads of other things along the Garden Route running along the east coast of SA and up to Port Elisabeth. We drove almost 1.500 km - see the photos.

Friday 22 March 2019:

Cough two fish today, a yellow fin Tuna and a yellow tail Tuna, so we had Sushi for lunch and tuna steaks for dinner. Christopher’s hobby is fishing and does fishing competition together with his farther, so we have an expert on board.

The night was rough and fast sailing and we sailed 169 NM the first 24 hours. More fish cough and we have now landed five fish, so far.

Sunday 24 March 2019:

We arrived Luderitz at 22:00 and for safety reasons, I choose to anchor in the first bay, rather than in the narrow harbour (second bay). I first asked permission of the Port Control, which we were granted. Everyone were happy to be at anchor and to have arrived in Luderitz and that New Dawn stands almost still and we celebrated with some of my SA wine.