It's a bittersweet symphony this life

Preparing for a long ocean voyage has many aspects. First comes the boat. Making sure all systems are working, taking preventative measures to make sure they keep on working, anticipating what could go wrong and being prepared for that. Having the right tools, spares and consumables, doing regular inspections on the rigging, and making sure every single bolt and nut is secure.

Then comes the provisioning. Enough to last ten weeks is quite a challenge. Storage is limited, and fresh goods don't stay fresh. Part of how we have continuous fresh produce is by sprouting mung beans, alfalfa seeds, lentils etc. Fresh bread we bake, and eggs we preserve in various ways. We have lots of frozen meat, and a lot of cheese as well. Some of the vegetables last a long time if you store it correctly. For garlic and onions we have a net secured in a shady spot. The reality is that you cannot run to the shop to get what you need, you have to make sure that you have everything you need on board. We have an assortment of pasta, rice, maize meal, sugar, coffee, milk, herbs and spices, tinned food and lots more. We eat and live well on board.

Then there is a bit of paperwork to be done to clear out from the marina, the yacht club, port control, customs and immigration. In some countries this could take the better part of a day, and sometimes it can be done in an hour. A week or so before departure I study the weather patterns to get a feel for what we can expect, and plan our route accordingly.

And before you know it fully, the day of departure is upon you. You have a hollow feeling in your stomach, for many reasons. A mixture of nerves for the adventure you are about to embark upon, an overbearing sense of sadness for your loved ones left behind, an immense respect for the ocean and trust in the vessel you are on. In the beginning you tentatively trust your boat, and in time you learn to fully trust your boat.

A final safety briefing with the crew, start the motors and cast off. In the background Table Mountain fading, cell phone signal weakening and a few last phone calls to family and friends. I prefer to ease into a voyage like this, if possible. The night sets in, and mile for mile you progress.

I was on the 2am to 6am watch, and it was crispy. Layered clothing and wrapped in a sleeping bag I managed to keep the cold at bay. As predicted we have a bit of stronger weather today and we are doing well with just the head sail on a broad reach.

Departing from Cape Town we had a shark swimming gracefully by, a whale broaching about 50m from us, and a few dolphins also came to check us out. A few ships we had to navigate throughout the night, but we are now properly on our merry way. Our course is set, our intentions are clear.

Wishing you a wonderful day, and will touch base again tomorrow.

Paul










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