East London to Port Elizabeth

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Latest revision as of 05:12, 10 July 2016

East London to Port Elizabeth/wiki/East_London_to_Port_Elizabeth#East_London_to_Port_Elizabeth

East London to Port Elizabeth

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Route 1 Route 2

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Description

Distance = 134 miles.

The coastline runs roughly SW in the North to almost westerly closer to Port Elizabeth.

In the northern area the beach is mostly sandy, backed by high ground, with rounded, grassy hills.

The coastline is rugged in areas with grassy plains intersected by ravines further south.

The shores of Algoa Bay, between Woody Cape and Cape Recife is flatter and generally sandy.

The city of Port Elizabeth lies at the western end of the bay. A number of rivers are open to the sea and, after rain, or when the rivers are in spate, a strong current carries topsoil some distance seaward.

It is suggested that boats heading for Port Elizabeth keep to the seaward side of Bird Island and surrounding rocks, at least a 2 mile berth should be given.

Note also the rocky foul ground, Ry Bank, 10 miles east of Cape Recife and Dispatch Rock 2 miles offshore between Cape Recife and Port Elizabeth.

The positions of these three DANGERS are:

Bird Island ...................... 33 deg 50' S; 26 deg 17' E
Riy Bank ......................... 34 deg 00' S; 25 deg 52' E
Dispatch/Roman Rock ...... 33 deg 59' S; 25 deg 42' E

Note on Bird Islands: Approx. 33 miles ENE of Port Elizabeth (chart SAN 1025, or BA2085) there are three recognised anchorages in the vicinity of these islands, but all would be considered unsafe in severe weather. Great care should be taken in the approach to this group, as there are many surrounding rocks.

The best anchorage in the group, to offer shelter in SW winds, is in Stag Bay, to the east of the group. It is clearly marked on the chart.

Note: Port Alfred is NOT a deepwater port and is considered an unsafe anchorage in almost any condition. However, there is a marina development in the river mouth, but the bar is shallow and the entrance is fringed with reefs. The bar can only be negotiated by shallow draft boats, and then only in ideal conditions. Latest information should be sought via VHF, before attempting to enter.

THE AGULHAS CURRENT (for this section)
As in previous sections, the greatest strength of the current is close to the edge of the continental (200m), which increases in distance offshore, from 13 miles south of East London, to between 12 and 25 miles in the south.

As the distance offshore increases, the current decreases somewhat.

Off Port Elizabeth, the westerly current drops to a few knots. Closer inshore a counter current, mainly following the coastline is more pronounced, especially in the Algoa Bay area.

Yachts on the southbound run, would normally keep in the current but when a fresh NE wind is blowing and the barometer is falling, the probability exists that a fresh to strong SW wind is on it's way and a move closer inshore would be prudent. (See separate section on Abnormal Waves). From Southern Africa Cruising Notes by Tony Herrick.

Charts

SAN

127

26 or SAN 58 or BA2085

Weather

See Weather Information.

Sources for Weather forecasts:

Weather Windows

Give the best time/s of year for this passage and expected weather conditions.

Navigation

It is suggested that boats heading for Port Elizabeth keep to the seaward side of Bird Island and surrounding rocks, at least a 2 mile berth should be given.

Note also the rocky foul ground, Ry Bank, 10 miles east of Cape Recife and Dispatch Rock 2 miles offshore between Cape Recife and Port Elizabeth.

The positions of these three DANGERS are:

Bird Island ...................... 33 deg 50' S; 26 deg 17' E
Riy Bank ......................... 34 deg 00' S; 25 deg 52' E
Dispatch/Roman Rock ...... 33 deg 59' S; 25 deg 42' E

Communication

• South African Radio Nets HF and VHF

Also see World Cruiser's Nets.

Possible Departure Points

• East London/wiki/East_London_to_Port_Elizabeth#.5B.5BEast_London.5D.5Dharbour East London [[East London to Port Elizabeth#East London|East London]] 33°01.578'S, 027°55.346'EEast London-33.0263;27.92244

Route/Suggested Stopovers

1. Starting from East London/wiki/East_London_to_Port_Elizabeth#.5B.5BEast_London.5D.5Dharbour East London [[East London to Port Elizabeth#East London|East London]] 33°01.578'S, 027°55.346'EEast London-33.0263;27.92244
2. Finally you arrive at Port Elizabeth/wiki/East_London_to_Port_Elizabeth#.5B.5BPort_Elizabeth.5D.5Dharbour Port Elizabeth [[East London to Port Elizabeth#Port Elizabeth|Port Elizabeth]] 33°57.19′S, 25°38.62′EPort Elizabeth-33.953166666667;25.643666666667

Possible Arrival Points

• Port Elizabeth/wiki/East_London_to_Port_Elizabeth#.5B.5BPort_Elizabeth.5D.5Dharbour Port Elizabeth [[East London to Port Elizabeth#Port Elizabeth|Port Elizabeth]] 33°57.19′S, 25°38.62′EPort Elizabeth-33.953166666667;25.643666666667

Distance & Duration

Distance = 134 miles.

Forums

List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)

Links

• Cruising Connections - Durban

References

• Southern Africa Cruising Notes by Tony Herrick

Comments

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