One month on from the World ARC stopover in Richards Bay where crews had the chance to relax, enjoy a traditional Brai (BBQ to non South Africans) and experience safari spotting the 'big five' (elephant, giraffe, buffalo, white rhino and lion), the fleet have been busy sailing the South African coast.
On departure from Richards Bay, World ARC crews have been cruising the eastern coast of South Africa towards Cape of Good Hope and Capetown. En route they rode the strong Agulhas current having to make various stops including Durban, East London, Port Elizabeth and Pringles Bay due to the limited weather windows available during this time of year.
Whilst making their way south, numerous boats reported great sailing and sightings of wildlife including encounters with humpback whales, African fur seals, dolphins and spectacular bird life. John and Joyce on yacht Starblazer said "We had a fantastic sail for a few hours early on Wednesday morning, averaging over 9 knots. For an hour our speed didn't drop below 10, isn't a favorable current a wonderful thing?”
A landmark in their circumnavigation, sailing around the Cape of Good Hope was yet another achievement for the fleet, enjoying a scenery of beaches and characterful mountainous forms including the iconic Table Mountain as they made their final approach to Cape Town.
“We are now anchored, 507 miles and just over three days out of East London, at Pringles Bay, 60 miles short of Cape Town. The sun set earlier through a hazy sky over the Cape of Good Hope behind us and we are surrounded by a spectacular geography of barren mountainous outcrops with fine beaches and sand dunes” - Exody
Now in Cape town the fleet are moored at the V&A Waterfront Marina, a waterside complex that comprises several malls, restaurants and markets. Already enjoying the Christmas holiday, many have been preparing their boats for Leg 16 of their circumnavigation (Cape Town to Brazil via Saint Helena), whilst others are taking the opportunity to fly home to loved ones. Looking to the new year, crews will enjoy a full social programme and rendesvous in Cape Town before departing on 6th January to St Helena.