On August 8th we flew from Palm Beach, Florida to Atlanta, Georgia and from there directly to Cape Town, South Africa. We arrived 24 clock hours later crossing seven time zones in the process. The non-stop flight from Atlanta is on a South African Airways 747, one of the few aircraft that will fly nearly 6000 miles non-stop into a head wind. Remember, "Nothing goes to windward like a 747."
Shearwater II was launched a few days after we arrived on August 16. 2000. Our second wedding anniversary.
We had an incredible time exploring South Africa. We found friends who extended a welcome to their country as well as their homes and hearts. They made up for the empty feelings we had from being away from home, family and friends.
We also have the pleasant chore of breaking in Shearwater II. Each valve, wire, line, cleat, and things we couldn't name yet had to be tested enough so we could work it at night in a storm. Everything. Overboard drills, fire drills, anchoring drills (easy, all electric), engine out drills (make a left turn with only the left engine) and all the drills we practiced to learn the original Shearwater. The fun of sailing comes in challenging conditions when we know exactly what to do. Our new friends Brian, Jane, Jimmy, Kathy and Frensca were willing and able crew for our sea trials.
The Transatlantic Crossing began in late October, timed to pass hurricane season and make our insurance carrier happy. We were safely in the Caribbean by mid December. Our friends Janet and Garry who crewed with us were able to return to their families by the holidays. Janet flew back from Brazil to join her husband and daughter for a big boat cruise along Spain. Gary stayed on until Barbados.
Follow us on our journey.
Voyage # 1 Shearwater II
(click on map to enlarge)
Leg 1: Cape Town to St. Helena 1683 nautical miles at 334 degrees
Leg 2: St. Helena to Ascension 660 nautical miles at 331degrees
Leg 3: Ascension to Fernando de Noronha 1022 nautical miles
Leg 4: Fernando de Noronha to Trinidad 2056 nautical miles