Reunion to Durban - Days 6 to 10

Drying out after a wet night!

A gentle sunset

On the "good days" we get lots of reading done

Lots of these monsters to dodge - actually they do a good job of dodging us!

Reunion to Durban - Days 6 to 10

Sept 14, 2016

We haven't kept up with blog postings this trip as we have no way to send them. Sailmail has not been working for any of us since a few days after leaving. Fortunately we have a satellite phone so can keep some contact. We can still hear No Regrets on SSB. We can get emails on sat phone, but don't share the address as we don't keep it on.

On Tues/Wed this week we had one of the infamous southwest gales that this crossing is known for. Since the low pressure systems arrive every 3 to 5 days, we have been lucky to have only one, plus the bad weather off Madagascar. We were heavily reefed, so continued to travel ok except for a bumpy, wet ride. Our bimini canvas has several rips from flogging, and every potential leak has been found. Lots of salty, wet rags and towels will be in the laundry on arrival.

We have been pushing our speed to be able to arrive tomorrow, Thurs, Sept,15, the 11th day. Another gale force system with north winds was forecast to arrive tonight and be much worse by Fri. Fortunately the forecast has moved that ahead one day so we can relax some. If we can't keep the speed up we will motor. Tahawas and No Regrets made landfall today.

We have been pretty busy just keeping up with sail changes and the other chores involved in traveling. Today, Rob is making water. We have settled into one long watch each during the night. Freighter traffic is regular, but we expect that to increase closer to shore. Durban is the busiest harbour in SA. It also has the highest population of Indians outside Asia. We have been reading various guide books on what to see and expect in SA. I know now that we will wish for more time.