Indian Ocean: Port Louis to Durban, S.A.

November 8, 2007

As of 5 pm today, my second full day at sea (48 hours), I am 380 miles SW of Port Louis.

I am able to average 6.5 knots with light winds. I motor-sail when the speed gets under 4.5 knots. The grib file shows 10-14 knots of wind from the north for the next 2 days, good for my direction.

I am 380 miles from my waypoint at the SW corner of Madagascar - halfway - which is 150 M off the S coast. That position is 27* 00' S X 47* 00' E.

My position is 23* 29' X 53* 00'.

The weather looks good on the grib until then.

********

November 10, 2007

I have made the turn from SW to W under Madagascar and am now headed directly for Durban.
It is less than 900 miles, so in less than a week I will be in, if the weather holds.

The winds are strong (20 - 25 knots N) and I am reefed down to third reef in the main, 3/4 staysail and 1/4 genoa for balance.

I am sailing at 7.5 knots. The seas are 8-12 feet and rising from the North.

I expect the weather to be similar but I'm not sure after 2 more days. It may change for the worse, but I have to take what comes.

I have been asked, and accepted, Dave Claxton's request to do my 1 hour photo presentation at their famous Yacht Club. He heard about the success of the Sydney Boat Show presentations from other South Africans in Sydney and asked me. I will do the presentation in 1 week from tonight, just after I arrive in Durban.

********

November 13, 2007

I will arrive in Durban South Africa in 3 days.

Sunday evening the 'Royal Natal Yacht Club' has invited me to give my photo presentation. This is "Clipper Week" in Natal, the harbor of Durban, and will be crowed with sailors from all over.

My original schedule had me leaving Cape Town early December. I will be able to make that departure.

I will then be in the Atlantic Ocean with St. Helena and the Caribbean between me and Miami.

I will sail the South Atlantic alone. It is 6500 miles and I average 1000 miles or more a week. With 8 weeks, that gives me reserves.

I would like to have someone sail with me from Puerto Rico to Miami along the north side of Cuba along the 'Old Bahama Channel'. That leg has a lot of traffic and complicated routes. I won't be able to sleep if I am alone and as such could be dangerous.

Mike Harker
s/v Wanderlust 3