We, Ocean J., Destiny, Basia, Voyaguer, and Lady Lisa left East London yesterday about 2pm. We all heard the news that we would have a weather window to possibly get all the way down to Capetown and we left like horses going for the barn. Everyone took the news of better weather with great excitement. Don't think we could have taken up anchors any faster. They cleared us for going as far as Mossel Bai. But the police officer there who checked us in with customs said just go all the way. So we may try that if the weather holds up.
It was quite rough even yesterday as we left the harbor and got into the ocean. Winds were up to 30kts and we had some squalls periodically. The seas were confused as they usually are in the Indian O. It made for typical conditions for Matt to cook up one of his great fish meals. Choppy 10 ft waves were knocking us around. It calmed down somewhat when I came on watch at 4am.
There are many ships around the coast line here. East London actually has the plant where they build all the C Class Mercedes. There were hundreds lining the dock waiting to be shipped to who knows where. Richard's Bay has the largest plant in South Africa for making aluminum. So there is quite a lot of industry here besides the diamonds and other stones mined here. Capetown is supposedly the most beautiful city in the world. We have seen the pictures and with the mountain and the coastline it does look amazing. We have 290 miles to go to Cape Agulhas. It is cold here. First time I think I needed the sleeping bag since we left home. Socks are in order too.
Rosemary, Bill and Matt