Year 3 -30 June 2026 -Day 9 -Arrival in Durban South Africa

John and I were on at 5.00am and we were still sailing under reefed Staysail and main. After assessing the conditions I decided we could release the reef in the staysail which we did. This gave us some more speed and we had some way to go to get to Durban. The waves by this time had built up and were in the region of 4-5 metres which we could cope with.

The wind eased a little further and I decided to bring in the staysail and use the reefed genoa instead which made more difference. We were aiming for a waypoint and sailing Northwest toward Durban.

We handed over to Keith and Hisham and I tried to get some rest as I had had little in the night. The problem is with the reduced wind that the wind can get behind the main in a roll and the boom bangs. We had to pin it as best we could.      

Jenny and Peter took over and did their best to sail but the wind was gradually dying and so when we could only manage 5 kts or so we put the sails away and put on the engine. We had about 60-70nm to go. The engine worked well and we were beginning to pick up a little help from the current. Without the sails to give some stability we obviously could roll like a motorboat and the swells by this time were quite large 4-5meters and a bit on the beam. We therefore had quite an uncomfortable number of hours motoring which and the rock and roll made everything difficult. We just had to grin and bear it knowing we are nearly there but not quite. I often find that the last day seems to drag.

As we continued we came into the Agulhas Current which I have talked about before. We had reported our position to Des. He replied. 

Dear Nick & co. Thanks for latest 0630UTC 30\6 at 29 45S 32 20E - 155nm\24hrs - Durban 60 nm\266TThe gribs show wind SSE14 gusts 23 - swell S3.7m@11seconds - cloud 100% - light\moderate rain from SE - current SE0.9kts will increase to SW2.2kts imminently. Swell against current will have a bad effect on overall conditions - usually shortens gap between swells and steepens the face - considerable care required. Call Durban Radio on VHF Ch9 on approach - they should direct you to Durban Marina at 29 51S 31 01E.Sending a separate welcome email. Have a safe run in.

We motored on and Des was right the swells over the Agulhas current did increase and get steeper- some I think were about 6 meters. We just had to accept the situation. I had put in a few waypoints which we followed as that would maximise the use of the current as we were not always going in the right direction.

By about 5.30pm we could not use the current anymore and so we headed straight for the port.  As we came in over the last 5nm the sea was very calm as was the wind and we had a lovely sunset. It was as if the red carpet had been put out for us as there were pinks and blues in the water. We motored on and then after dark approached the harbour which had two large breakwaters with lights on the end and leading lights. We motored in between and then once we were inside the port we motored across to the International Jetty area. Luckily Peter knew the area quite well and so we motored around to the Q flag area. There was a Q flag jetty which was just about long enough so we reversed on to it. We got into the right position and it took us a while to sort out our lines as the pontoon was quite narrow. Shortly thereafter we were moored using the space we had. It was about 7.00pm – we had made it.

Vince from the OSRSA came to meet us and said hello. Most things were closed due to demonstrations about immigrants and violence had been anticipated. However, the Point Yacht Clubhouse was open so we headed over there for a welcome beer. It was odd to be walking on land again. We had some Lion beer and it was good. Peter then ordered some burgers for us all which we eat in the Clubhouse as they were not serving food.

We had made it 1,462nm in about 8 days and 13 hours. It had been a good but challenging passage. We will deal with the entry formalities tomorrow. We all headed for bed which for a change was not constantly moving!        

The picture of the day is of me on the deck giving a thumbs up that we were arriving.

 Need/Opportunity Year Three

I am now on the way to Durban and will then head for Cape Town and then on to St Helena, Azores and back to the UK. 

I have now found additional crew for the moment. If at all interested in joining me at some point please contact me on my email below or WhatsApp +44 7931360372.

The blog will continue as we continue the journey. If you have any comments or suggestions about the blog then do email me on hine.nick9@gmail.com