Allan & Ursula Ward: Port Owen, Cape West Coast, South Africa.

Shearwater 39:
- L.O.A. 43ft (13.22m)
- L.O.D. 39ft (12m)
- L.W.L. 34ft (10.3m)
- BEAM 13ft(3.9m)
- DRAFT 6ft(1.8m)



HOW IT ALL BEGAN .

I placed my order on Nebe Boats on the 19/10/1992 for what was initially planned to be a complete factory built yacht that l would sail home to Durban from Capetown once she was completed. Unfortunately due to the demise of Nebe Boats in the early days of her construction it did not turn out that way, so l decided to truck her home to Ramsgate on the KZN South Coast to finish building her in our garden at home.

For many years we could proudly boast that we had the most expensive piece of garden furniture in town, but at the time l had no idea of how massive this project would turn out to be. As anyone who has built a blue water cruiser will tell you, particularly if she is kitted out with all the systems and the equipment that a modern cruiser has onboard these days, it is a daunting task . Looking at the positive aspects of this project, l know the boat intimately in that l designed and installed the systems, so from a repair and maintenance perspective l have no issues carrying out the work that is necessary from time to time.



The big day arrived on the 29/8/2008 when we craned her out of the garden onto a rig to truck her through to Durban for launching . What followed was three months of preparations to ready her for the maiden voyage to our home port in Port Owen on the Cape West Coast.

We had a fast passage down the South African East Coast including a storm off the notorious Wild Coast and arrived in Port Owen in dense fog. Windward had passed her first test with flying colours and since then we have enjoyed some great sailing on the West Coast.


The master plan has always been to go cruising, so our plans are to leave for Brazil via Luderitz and St Helena Island at the end of February 2014. So far everything is on track although the “To Do“ list still grows each day.

The purpose of this blog is to record our adventure for ourselves, family and friends. Although it will probably end up being a brief summary of events while we are cruising, we hope you will enjoy and share some of our experiences with us.

LIVING THE DREAM .

Monday, March 10, 2014

LUDERITZ .

A unique little town surrounded by desert with a strong German influence has been very friendly to us . The historical buildings of which there are many have been well maintained . Rob came up with a brilliant idea of us hiring a car which has enabled us to see the town and surrounds . Our first stop was Kolmanskop which is a fascinating story . Google it for more info . I was hoping to see the wild desert horses but unfortunately the wind pumped and we were advised not to take the ride out into the desert as with the sandstorm that comes about with strong winds, they wisely take cover , where l don't know .
We drove out to Diaz Point to see where the man himself planted his cross and to see the Diaz Point light that we had initially battled to see in the fog.
We also visited the lagoon where all the windsurfer and kitesurfer speedfreaks attempt to break world records .
We tried to sample what is apparently the " worlds best " eisbien but unfortunately the Barrel restaurant along with everything else is closed over weekends . Apparently Friday night is jol night and most of locals do their own thing at home over weekends.
The last two days the wind has pumped between 30 and 40kn even getting the locals miffed with two french cruisers dragging anchor and colliding into other boats causing a bit of chaos . I was very happy to have a Spade anchor on the end of my chain but now Windward is covered in half of the Namib Desert so we have decided to weigh anchor in the morning and set sail for St Helena Island with hopefully so
ROB AND MY BABE'S CHILLING.
me rain on the way to wash the boat down .
See you there .  
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3 comments:

  1. ShirlMarch 11, 2014 at 12:41 PM

    Hi guys, glad to see everything going well and you safely arrived at first stop. Mom kindly forwarded me your SMS so knew you were there safely. Please keep up with the posts so we can keep track. Sorry to hear that you are a man down but sure it won't be much a hindrance for you. Lots of love and chat soon, shirley xxxx

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  2. Freedom of HambleMarch 14, 2014 at 8:39 AM

    Glad all is going well, it all looks good, although the passage down to Luderitz must have been pretty nail biting at times..... adrenalin rushing always keeps one on ones toes!!!!! although you shouldn't have too much of a good thing!!! stay well, keep those angels on the side decks, we think of you lots. As ever, Sooze and Skip xxxxxxx

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  3. michelleMarch 16, 2014 at 4:53 AM

    cool to hear all is well onboard and you are enjoying the trip. Bert says you should tell what fish you catch and the size. love from us both.Bert and Michelle

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