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.
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 .
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many congratulations Windward, that's fabulous. Glad all is well and you are safe and sound. Now we hope you get to thoroughly enjoy all the new sights and things going on over there. Weather slowly changing over here, darker earlier, cooler in the eve. Still same ole things going on !!! Miss ya, but have a great time doing what you're doing. Sooze n Charles xxxxx
ReplyDeleteHi Guys, so glad you have made it safely..we are waiting in anticipation for the pics :). Mom is with me here at the moment and she says to tell you that she is very proud of you and she says the NSRI station has said if she can get your call sign and frequency, they will try connect with you so she can call you. Please SMS mom these details. Have fun in Brazil.
ReplyDeleteAunty Ursh, mom says to take up samba dancing while you are there and mom will have lessons when you get home hehe.
Stay safe and chat soon
Lots of love from us all
Xxx
How is my favourite niece . Hopefully all good with you guys . Brazil is great .
DeleteWe'll done. Glad to hear you're safe. We'll talk soon
ReplyDeleteWell here we are in Rio at long last wonderful. We are sitting at the Iate yacht club Rio Janeiro as invited guests by a member, we call him St Bill, it is a fantastic yacht club with all the facilities. Allen and I are sitting on the dock drinking carpirinio it has quite a kick. Sorry that I have not posted much but wi fi has been almost non existent, so over the next couple of days I will post blogs starting at the beginning of our journey I hope you will find them amusing
ReplyDeleteWindward and crew!!! We salute you! Allan and Ursh...we are so happy for the two of you and are still sailing with you all the way....have a caparina on us.
ReplyDeleteWell done Windward! What a time you must have had on the crossing, not to mention lack of sleep. Your dream is taking place for real, enjoy it. Sharks still top of the log!! Looking forward to the pics & comments. Love from us both, Rich & Sandz
ReplyDeleteHowzit Rich,great to hear from you guys . Are our boys still dishing out rugby lessons to the opposition ?
DeleteHowzit Pete , how are you mate ? How is Misty coming along ?
ReplyDeleteYou were right , we are meeting the most amazing people. This is the life .