Cleone arrived in Port Elizabeth at 1430 UK time, 1630 local time.
And Quasar V was already alongside when we arrived. We have not seen Quasar V or her crew since they were detained in Tahiti to make major repairs to their rudder. Since then, they have followed doggedly on, always behind the fleet by a week or so, until they were delayed yet again in Cairns to redo the repair to their rudder. But they were always determined to catch up, and now they have made it! The boat is deserted at the moment, they are away on a tour somewhere. But we will certainly have a party when they return.
Our rush down the coast of South Africa on the back of the Agulhas Current continued for most of the trip to Port Elizabeth. A strong south-westerly wind can cause what the chart calls "abnormal waves" in the current. At this time of year, such winds arrive very suddenly, and the past big ships have disappeared in the area. For yachts, the only refuge is to get out of the current close to the shore and heave-to, and there are very few safe harbours. So following a forecast, we diverted briefly towards East London. But a subsequent forecast refuted the first, so we dived back to the south, and into the current again. Needless to say, the south-westerly wind did arrive yesterday morning, but caused by a ridge of high pressure rather than a rapidly moving low. It was only about ten to fifteen knots, and anyway, by this time we needed to turn west towards Port Elizabeth. It mean motor sailing all the way in, but at least we are here!
Port Elizabeth is another commercial harbour with a little marina in one corner of it, but again, there is a friendly and hospitable yacht club, and many helpful people around. There is a small collection of live-aboards who for some reason seem mainly to be German.
Finally, we have had some bad news. Norfy's knee played up in Mauritius and was treated there, as we thought successfully. During the leg to Richards Bay it was obviously still troubling him, though characteristically Chris never complained about it. However, it has got worse, and Chris has sadly but sensibly decided that he cannot continue with us. This is very bad news indeed, leaving Cleone without crew from Cape Town. We (Cleone and her Skipper and crew) will miss Chris in many ways. He has for so long been a key member of the team; a great stoical crewman and mate, never ever late for his watch, managing all the logistics and happily taking on many of the nasty but necessary routine tasks that are part and parcel of long distance sailing. Furthermore, we can no longer boast that we are the business premises of the famed Norfy's Tours, and we are now deprived of the largest collection of Mobile Phones and SIM Cards in the Rally. Perhaps the only thing we won't miss will be the snores that reverberated on occasions from the fore-cabin, but in its own way, that, too had become a part of Chris and Cleone's character. We wish Chris all good luck, and particularly, better health for his knee.
Any volunteers to take Chris's place?
All well on board, and best wishes to all
James & Marcel.
Yacht Cleone
Port Elizabeth