Back to Kraal Bay

This morning was a warm, calm, sunny morning....the saying 'calm before the storm' is so true as the weather predictions for Thursday are big sea and strong wind. This would mean sailing in these conditions, not fun. We decided to leave the West Coast cruise and return to Kraal Bay.

On the way a Humpback whale jumped right out of the sea about 30 meters in front of our boat!!!!! Its Roberts biggest worry that they will land on the boat. It was an amazing site. They then swam slowly past us, quite eerie.

Searenity leads race

The multi hulls started first and our friends 'Searenity' crossed the start line with full sails, looking very good. It was very exciting watching from our good vantage point. They won the race but the handicaps would still need to be calculated. We all moored in Stompneus bay for the night in a howling South Easter. After dragging anchor once we decided to stay aboard and not go ashore for the social braai. Had Thai green curry so all were very happy. It was a busy night as the wind did not drop and a few smaller yachts kept dragging anchor. A bit nervy when your moored amoungst so many yachts.

Surfing

We were asked to help with the West Coast cruise race. After positioning the bouys for the race we drove back to the start to act as a start bouy. The yachts had to pass between us and a bouy. On the way back Glenn enjoyed a surf behind the boat. He said it was 'fantastic'. He is an excellent surfer so made it all look so easy.

Leaving Port Owen marina

The Port Owen Marina in on the Great Berg River and one has to drive up river to get into the Marina. This is a slow process as the water has some nasty shallow spots.

Port Owen

We have had 2 wonderful days in Port Owen. On the way in we stopped at a fishing harbour and bought fresh Snoek from the boats. R30.00 and it fed 8 people, really tasty done on the Braai with sweet chilli, mustard, olive oil mix basting.

Today we start the 'West Coast Cruise' organized by the Yacht club here. There are 37 yachts entered and 60% are from outside Port Owen.

First leg is to Stompneus Bay (not far) with a course of bouys to be completed first.

Catching Birds!!

The lines went out as we left Saldahna and a Gannet flew into the line. The guys managed to free him but Glenn kept a rag near his beak for him to bit while Rob untangled the line. No harm done.

Kraal Bay

We spent 3 windy days in Kraal Bay, Langebaan Lagoon. It was full moon and the sun sets were wonderful. We befriended the owners of

'IZA' who have 2 young children on board. Glenn caught our first fish, a 'stinky' ...thats its name! So at last we have caught a fish from our boat.