Cape Town

As we rounded the Cape of Good Hope the air temperature dropped dramatically and the sea started to smoke, turning from deep green to a beige colour through the thin layer of steam. Drifts of vapour lay in the troughs of the swell, and fog began to rise around us, until we were completely engulfed. I blew the fog horn and ran the radar as we motored along, wrapped up warm against the icy air; wooly hat, jersey and full sailing suit. I really needed gloves as well! The Benguela Current brings cold Antarctic water northwards and meets the warm Agulhas Current running south, making a remarkable junction between the two bodies of water. and leading to a great richness of sea life thriving on the plankton fed by the upwelling nutrients.

Sunrise on Cape Point

Eventually the fog bank cleared, and we closed the coast to look for the wreck of the Clipper race boat which had inexplicably made a sudden turn to port off Oliphantbospunt, running aground on the reef there. All were saved successfully, and we didn't see any sign the wreck, presumably poured into bits by the surf. We did however see humpback whales feeding very, very close to our bows and later a lot of dolphins.

The great flat top of Table Mountain eventually came into view, with a table cloth of cloud draped over the top. I sketched it as we went past. I will try to add these pictures to the blog later.

Passing Llandudno and the Twelve Apostles draped with a tablecloth of cloud

Finally the great city of Cape Town appeared with a bustling of boats on the water, with a fleet of smart Cape 34 racing yachts tacking round a course, and speedboats buzzing around.

I called Port Control, and then Bridge Control, getting permission to enter and then being awarded a bridge lift at 13:15. We hung about in the outer basin surrounded by a helicopters landing at the heliport, and gazing at the rich visual environment of skyscrapers, Table Mountain, and many different boats.

The white swing bridge finally rotated to one side, and we motored in past the pink clock tower. The next blue bascule bridge deigned to lift one half, so that we could squeeze through to find our berth. It was hot and sunny. We heaved a sigh of relief - we had arrived!