We felt it's beneficial effect the next day and with a wind change to the north we had a superb sail. Our new sails, especially the twin headsails were a treat running downwind.
Our top speed was 13.2kn down a wave and we averaged 9 -10 taking us quickly south
The ships coming from the south were pushing into it causing some spectacular bow sprays
The wind changed to the south again so we headed in to Port Elizabeth for shelter and to visit with a relative of Cathy's brother in law arriving there just before daybreak , doing the distance in 36hrs. Our quickest passage to date.
There was a ship loading manganese and with the wind blowing across the marina our lovely clean "Erica" got covered in this fine black powder which was very difficult to remove.
The next day we had the delight of meeting Ian and a friend of his, Conellia, and after a tour of our boat we had brunch at the boardwalk. They then took us along the coast to the Recife lighthouse and the Rehabilitation centre at Summerstrand for aquatic birds, mostly the African penguin.
We had a tour of the centre which was excellent and it was explained to us how birds are treated after an oil spill at sea.
We then visited the Schoonmaker and Sardinia bay area where the Sacramento walking trail runs along the coast, named after the Portuguese ship "Sacramento" which was wrecked in 1647 carrying a shipment of cannon
Cold ales in a seaside restaurant full of memorabilia went down well!
The day ended at the Algoa bay yacht club where we watched part of the rugby match between England and NZ, where the Kiwis lost.
The next day we had coffee aboard with Ian and friend Renee, then they took us to see the city of Port Elizabeth and learn the history of the settlers.
We enjoyed a hearty lunch at the Keg then drove north up the coast , passing the Maitland river estuary and extensive sand dunes
followed by a walk along Kini beach
Monday was an early start with Ian and Conellia taking us to the Addo elephant Park
It was a beautiful day and we saw many animals and birds
Morning coffee was enjoyed in an enclosed picnic area where birds and mice came to get biscuit crumbs
There were many herds of elephant who unlike the elephants at Imfolozi seemed quite comfortable with our presence
Ian and Conellia brought a magnificent lunch with them and we partook in the popular Sth African Braai (BBQ) enjoying Kudu steaks and salad and good Sth African wine
We drove back to Port Elizabeth through the huge citrus growing orchards marvelling in the expanse of the countryside.
The day ended with drinks and a meal aboard "Erica" with Ian and Renee and cruising friends Ann and Barry of "Catspaw 4"
The last day in Port Elizabeth was spent scrubbing the entire boat, sails and ropes, fenders and dinghy of Manganese dust. Our fellow cruisers also spent the day with water hoses and scrubbing brushes at hand. Port Elizabeth will not be forgotten for that or the wonderful new friends we made there.
Thankyou Ian, Conellia and Renee
Cruisers Notes
Port Elizabeth was easy to access. We
Arrived at night as usual and anchored just off the wave boom in
front of the marina. (33*57.906S) (25*38.188E) As you will find
everywhere ,that we experienced, the marina is basic . (A little rough around the edges) but affordable and as usual friendly. No check in
and out.... YEAH! Outside the marina but within the port area is a good
chandler and an electronics repair shop.
The negative to PE is that if the wind
is from the west, as it was at the time we were there, they were
still loading Manganese up wind of the marina, what a mess!!
After a short stay we were away with
the next wind change. We had a great run clean through to Dassen
Island
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