Richards Bay to Cape Town
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===Possible stops=== | ===Possible stops=== | ||
| + | : [[Richards_Bay|Richards Bay]] | ||
: [[Durban|Durban]] | : [[Durban|Durban]] | ||
: [[East_London|East London]] | : [[East_London|East London]] | ||
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: [[SimonsTown|Simonstown]] | : [[SimonsTown|Simonstown]] | ||
: [[Hout_Bay|Hout Bay]] | : [[Hout_Bay|Hout Bay]] | ||
| + | : [[Cape_Town|Cape Town]] | ||
===Weather=== | ===Weather=== | ||
Revision as of 16:01, 5 November 2007
Contents |
RICHARDS BAY TO CAPE TOWN
Pic
Passage planning
The sailing route from Richards Bay/Durban to Cape Town is governed by three major factors:
THE AGULHAS CURRENT: This current is one of the great ocean currents of the world, running mainly from northeast to southwest, following the two hundred meter contour of the continental shelf and dissipating over the Agulhas Bank south of Mossel Bay. The main axis of the current is on or near the two hundred meter line and can run at up to 6 knots at it's fastest point. (Full details in the relevant sections of the book).
THE VARIABLE WEATHER PATTERNS: These patterns are governed by low and high pressure systems moving across from the Atlantic Coast of South America and travelling eastwards up the eastern seaboard of the South African coast.
SHELTERED HARBOURS AND ANCHORAGES: The third factor is the lack of sheltered harbours and anchorages, particularly between Durban and Port Elizabeth. From S.African Cruising Notes by Tony Herrick.
Charts
List the charts required
Radio
Radio details
Possible stops
- Richards Bay
- Durban
- East London
- Port Elizabeth
- Knysna
- St Francis Bay
- Mossel Bay
- Simonstown
- Hout Bay
- Cape Town
Weather
Weather considerations & timing
ABNORMAL WAVES: It is a known fact that giant waves occur on the South African coast in the Agulhas current region, where southwesterly gales prevail against the southward flowing Agulhas current. Professor Mallory of Cape Town University analysed the recorded conditions that prevailed each time a number of ships were damaged by exceptional waves, and found that in all cases the dominant waves were always from the southwest.
The weather patterns play a major part in that the most dangerous period occurs when cells of low pressure are moving along the coast in a northeasterly direction. These lows are a regular feature of the eastern seaboard and it often happens that during their passage the wind can change from a near northeasterly gale to a southwesterly gale, sometimes in a matter of minutes. The southwest wind then reinforces the existing waves generated by a short choppy sea, which acts directly against the Agulhas current.
It is the interaction between the strong southwesterly wind and the strong south flowing current which at times can reach 6 knots that creates monstrous freak waves, of which the charts warn: Abnormal waves of up to 20 meters in height, preceded by deep troughs may be encountered in the area between the edge of the continental shelf and twenty miles to seaward thereof. The warning also describes the necessary evasive action to be taken under unfavourable conditions, namely, to stay clear of the areas seaward of the continental shelf. In other words, move inshore, inside the 200 meter line. This well established rule has given rise to the belief that the bottom topography plays a part in the generation of giant waves, but in fact this only plays an indirect role.
Please remember that the conditions along the southeast coast of South Africa are unique; the region can only be made safer through an understanding of the forces involved and by treating the seas with the respect they deserve, regardless of loss of time. Do not have a deadline to meet at the other end. MANY South African sailors sail along this coastline all the time - simply prepare yourself with all the knowledge and information that is available for a safe passage. (Reference is made to a research paper - "Giant Wave - Anomalous Seas of the Agulhas Current" - by Ecxart H Schuman.). From S.African Cruising Notes by Tony Herrick.
Route Description
Describe the passage
References
Books, guides, etc.
Forum Discussions
Links to discussions on the CruiserLog Forum
External Links
Links to relevant websites
.
