So, I thought as the "official" first mate of Windward I should put pen to paper and say a few words.
What an experience this voyage has been, just as a matter of interest, as we sailed into Paraty (Windwards' resting place while we're at home) Al said I should look at the log, and "lo & behold", we had just clocked 5,000 nautical miles (9,260 kms) since we left S.A. I mean really... I never thought I would do 50 nautical miles in my entire lifetime let alone 5,000!!!
But, having done this "cruising thing", I can now report that it is/has been an awesome experience, one I'm so glad I was given the opportunity to do.
I have seen amazing sights.... Brazil is a beautiful country, just when I think I've seen the most beautiful sight "to-date" we sail around the corner and the next picture takes my breath away. I have met very many interesting people, kind-hearted, loving, Brazilian people who have gone out of their way to assist us, in any way possible, or just embrace us and make us feel at home in their beautiful country. I have met yachties from all over the world and have enjoyed sharing a bit of life with them.
I've decided that my husband is "the best skipper in the whole world", he brought us safely across the Atlantic, always calm and organised, and at times when I thought it would be a good idea to turn around and go back (many of them during that "frikkin" S.A./Namibian leg),he just patiently assured me that all was under control and that I had nothing to worry about.
He has sailed us around perfectly, for 7 months, without a days hiccup....
thank you my sweetheart, you definitely get the "SKIPPER OF THE YEAR"
award from me.
I want to say a special thank you to a couple of people whose support has meant a lot to me,
My Port Owen community, for the support, tons of goodies (jams, biscuits, biltong etc), the girls, so many of them, popping in with little gifts for me (us), all done with so much care.... the many yachts that came out to see us off on 3rd March.... you guys are awesome!!!
Robbie Wilson, who did the crossing with us, you were such good company, couldn't think of anyone easier to spend so many days at sea with, thank you my Shel for letting him take so much time away from home.
My St. Helena angel, Jules, what a gem, haven't forgotten you girl, will catch up when I get home.
My very clever, very good looking son, Kyle, who set up the blog and still maintains and manages it... there wouldn't have been a blog if not for his gentle persistence, and we would have missed out on so many memories.
To him and his wonderful wife Laura, thank you for your support and for always being willing to skype, keeping us in touch and updated, even though you both have such busy lives.
My "baby-angel" Tam, thank you for taking time out to spend with us (oh, and you're just as good-looking as your brother)thanks for always being there, no matter what.... we had a wonderful 2 weeks with you "sem gas", any time I spend with you makes my life worth living (gg).
Lastly, but certainly not least, I (we) had the very special privilege of spending 2 whole weeks with my brother Robbie and his gorgeous wife Marcelle (my sissie). We hadn't seen them for many years and we had SUCH FUN!!! I haven't laughed that much in years, thank you guys for your time, spending 2 weeks with you was the highlight of my year, such a wonderful gift.
So, I end off this note with a "adeus from Brazil" and the words from a song generally known as a "Louis Armstrong number", but also done divinely by Eva Cassidy (thank you Collie), it has become my theme song for this trip......
"I SEE TREES OF GREEN, RED ROSES TOO
I SEE THEM BLOOM FOR ME AND YOU
AND I THINK TO MYSELF, WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD
I SEE SKIES OF BLUE & CLOUDS OF WHITE
THE BRIGHT BLESSED DAY, THE DARK SACRED NIGHT
AND I THINK TO MYSELF, WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD
THE COLOURS OF THE RAINBOW SO PRETTY IN THE SKY
ARE ALSO ON THE FACES OF PEOPLE GOING BY
I SEE FRIENDS SHAKING HANDS, SAYING HOW DO YOU DO
THEY REALLY SAYING I LOVE YOU
I HEAR BABIES CRY, I WATCH THEM GROW
THEY'LL LEARN MUCH MORE THAN I'LL EVER KNOW
AND I THINK TO MYSELF WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD
YES, I THINK TO MYSELF...... WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD!!!!!!
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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Our dearest Ursh and Allan. Indeed what a wonderful world, and thank you for sharing your time with us. You help us again keep our dream alive...of our one day! Remember, there is always a Radox bath here for the two of you! Our love to you....
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