Yacht World Magazine: Mike's Dec-08, Jan-09 Articles

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December 2008

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South Atlantic: Cape Point

12/05/07
WanderLust and I crossed from the Indian Ocean into the South Atlantic Ocean at Cape Point.

I am now back in the Atlantic ocean from where I started my Around-the-Globe Voyage. I only have 6500 sea miles to go.

Mike Harker
s/v Wanderlust 3

See Wkipedia.

Indian Ocean: Durban. South Africa

11/22/07
I am being treated like a celebrity here in Durban. The ROYAL Natal Yacht Club has given me the best spot on their docks, font row center, and last night I gave my presentation in their Media Tent.

The Media Tent only had about 60 seats but over 100 people showed up for Standing Room Only at the back of the tent. There was a tremendous response and the evening went for 2 hours with questions and my answers. More than 2 dozen people came aboard my boat today, some interested in buying a new model, maybe even a Hunter now that they see how well they sail in Blue Water.

At the same time last evening, the mayor was giving his welcome speech to the Clipper-Round-the-World fleet in another Yacht Club, so the Clipper organizers have asked that I give another Encore presentation for their participants tonight. Of course I will.

The weather is atrocious at the moment with lightning and strong rains with SW winds over 30 knots. That is the direction I need to sail to get around the "Cape odf Good Hope" with Port Elizabeth my next stop at 300 miles.

I hope the weather changes by Saturday, then I'm off towards Cape Town.

11/23/07
Currently the most famous sailor is Sir Robin Knox-Johnston. He was the very first single-handed non-stop circumnavigator. This year, at age 68, he competed in the Single-Hand Around the World Race Vendee-Globe and placed in a respectable position.

Sir Robin heard about my venture and asked to come aboard WanderLust for a Look-See as he called it. Sir Robin's comment was, "Now this is the way to sail around the world".
Photo: Amateur-Novice Mike with Famous Sailor Sir Robin


11/27/07
The Famous East London Yacht Club shack in the lower left. I am rafted to 3 other sailboats heading around to Cape Town next week.

I am leaving today.

Mike Harker

Indian Ocean: Safe Arrival in Richards Bay, S.A.

16 November 2007
7:11AM EST

TheSailingChannel has just leaned that Mike Harker made safe land fall in Richards Bay about 80 NM north of Durban. Here is the message from Dave in Durban:

I have just received a Sat Phone call from him. He is safe in Richards Bay, 80nm North of Durban. He has been battling against strong SW and ran very low on fuel, hence going into Richards Bay. He intends departing on Sunday, for Durban.

Regards
Dave

Indian Ocean: South of Indonesia & Bali

I am in the Indian Ocean just south of Indonesia and BALI. Remember the movie "Road to BALI" with Bing and Bob Hope?

It is still 6000 miles to Durban South Africa and, for the last 4 days, there is no wind for sailing. I am motoring with sails up but I only have enough diesel for another day or so. By then I hope the wind picks up. On my weather charts it shows that I will get 12 - 15 knots in 2 days so I am getting out my big spinnaker and preparing. Right: sunrise - dead calm on the Indian Ocean.

I will make 3 stops at islands along the way, the first I didn't plan for but I need more fuel. That is Christmas Island. I don't know anything about it but you can look it up under 'google' and read about 'Christmas' and why they named it so.

The next is 600 miles further and is a recommended stop on this route because it is one of the most beautiful 'atolls'. It is called 'Cocos Keeling' probably named after some guy called Keeling. I will take photos there but I don't expect Internet connection until I get to the third island on my route called Mauritius. It is big and famous and I may rest a few days there before crossing the dangerous 'Arguls Current' along South Africa.

My big rest stop and good Internet will then be in Durban, S.A. I am now more than half way around the world, The rest is all downhill!

Mike Harker

s/v Wanderlust 3