DELIVERY SimonsTown to Cape Town 13/04/09
Siger provided the lift to Simonstown. It was blowing just on 20 knots from the SE in the moorings while preparing. By the time HP motored out the wind had dropped so the full main and a number 3 was raised. Rounded the Bullnose at 8am. Started to beat in about 16 knots. Just past Romans Rock the wind was up which neccessitated putting in a reef. A little while later a bolt on the Kicking strap sheared which neccesitated doing a repair. It must be noted that at this time the sea was up and the winds were just below 30 knots which had the boat awash and hanging onto the mast while doing the repair. After this HP kept on beating taking a conservative route to the point. Eventurally tacked for the point overstanding intentionally as the wave condition was up and it would allow for a better approach. The winds had risen to 35 knots and the boat was being tossed around. Eventually was able to fetch off a little which improved the motion and speed. Furtantel closer to the point the winds dropped to just under 25 knots. Rounded the point and reached off at nice speeds, less water coming over the decks. Decided to go below only to find the floor boards afloat and the bout very wet.. The casue, unbeknow the hatches were all still on breath and with the boat having a very wet sail for the 2.5 hours to the point the water was able to enter... Fortunately HP has Electric pumps as well as manuel so on with the switch. It took a long time to pump in any event. Bailed out the areas the pump does not cover and made the boat drying. Then gybed for Slangkop and reached down the costline passing the Tall Ship Europa en route as they were sailing upwind. CLosing in on Kabonkelberg tyhe wind started to die with HP having to resort to motor for the rest of the leg. Rounded the harbout wall 8 hours after start. Aboard were: Dale. Only problems was the sheared bolt on the Kicker and the water in the bildge. Great sail.