Out here on the Atlantic Ocean we are sailing along to another continent. It takes some time. Watching the track of our sailboat MYLADY behind us, let me ponder on the road conditions. Our track is a smooth line amidst the lively waters. The birds like to check for an easier catch on this track.
At the moment the sea is rough and white, the waves strong and steep, the swell very confused and high. That gives a cacophony down here at the meeting point. The swell moves in 'mountain ranges'. MYLADY sails up against these steep cliffs, just to drop perpendicular on the backside thereof. Straight into a sinkhole. Of course the water was drawn into the mountains charging again. We fly downhill and crawl uphill. Yet in MYLADY's wake the water is smooth.
Other times when the sea is pleasant or calm, there is always movement. Going would be good with its own rhythm which one gets use to. And then suddenly in between, we hit the cross country section. Off roading. Bundu bashing. Being thrown about with three or five wackers.
But sometimes there is an amazing tarred road. Smooth as a mirror we would glide along - no left right, no port starboard, no front aft movements. Not too long though, then starts the regular rhythm again.
It is as if the Creator wanted to say, it's not all bad.
S/V MYLADY : Home - somewhere on the oceans, where the wind is free.
Saturday, December 29, 2018
Monday, December 24, 2018
Christmas at sea
To all the wonderful people who shared our lives - those on farms or in the bush, those in the towns and cities or on ships - in many countries of the world, those who welcomed us into their homes and lives, those who've done more for us than needed, those wonderful friends, family, loved ones and accuaintances - we wish for you a lovely Christmas and New Year. May you have a restful, peaceful, joyful, shared time with your loved ones. You are in our thoughts.
BLESSINGS to you.
Our position 24 Dec 2018 04.26N 047.56W NE'ly 25 knots. 900 NM to go till Martinique. All well onboard.
BLESSINGS to you.
Our position 24 Dec 2018 04.26N 047.56W NE'ly 25 knots. 900 NM to go till Martinique. All well onboard.
Tuesday, December 11, 2018
Sunday, December 9, 2018
Atlantic Oceanic buoys
We are in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Brazil and Africa are equally far. The last 24 hours we have passed five buoys. Approximately twenty miles apart. There size either 10x1m or 4x4m or 2x6m. One had a row of strong lights which illuminated even the clouds above. The others had none. Their AIS signal only two miles distance. How interesting that in the middle of no-where we happen to cross paths with it.
So far, all good with us. We had light southeasterlies all the way. Sometimes not enough to turn the windgenerator but we made our average of 100 NM a day. It is around 30 Celcius everyday with lovely promising clouds. We have not had proper rain yet. The clouds make for lovely sunsets. A big dorado got away today.
Greetings.
So far, all good with us. We had light southeasterlies all the way. Sometimes not enough to turn the windgenerator but we made our average of 100 NM a day. It is around 30 Celcius everyday with lovely promising clouds. We have not had proper rain yet. The clouds make for lovely sunsets. A big dorado got away today.
Greetings.
Wednesday, December 5, 2018
shark
We troll a fishing line behind the boat. Two days ago we caught a young dolphinfish and enjoyed it thoroughly. Today we pulled in the empty line to find that half our lure was gone. The lure is a little jelly-rubber colourful fish that has the shape of a whale. We once-upon-a-time bought it in New Zealand. Rolling the half-lure around in my hand before discarding it, I realized I'm holding a great piece of proof in my hand. Just like a dentist make a cast of one's teeth to replace or crown a tooth, similarly was the shark teeth imprints in the half-lure. Two triangles (16mm width) with pure edging were cut straight through and two double teeth and double sided were cleanly cut half-through. AMAZING !
Naturally this half-lure stays in our collection of memories as proof of the humongous shark we fortunately did not catch.
Naturally this half-lure stays in our collection of memories as proof of the humongous shark we fortunately did not catch.
Tuesday, December 4, 2018
St.Helena Island
St. Helena rose from out of the fog and overcasted day slowly but surely. It kept on rising. Not to be missed. Sheer, barren, very high and steep rock cliffs facing bravely towards sea, warding off any unwelcome intruders. We chased into the harbour on the whim of a 45 knot bullet. When we were finally safely moored we enjoyed the redbill tropicbirds with their long tails parading in a dance on the drafts off the cliffs at the green waterfall below Ladder Hill.
St. Helena is harsh and barren outside and green and lush on the inside. It was foggy and raining almost every day we were there (nov'18). But temperatures were comfortable and warm. The mooring is strong and solid. A water ferry is used to get ashore since there is no beach or anything for landing a dinghy. At the landing one get off and on with the help of a jungle rope with knot which you grab and use as an extra arm. Naturally - jumping at the right time. The ferry-drivers are very good. Calm and at ease and tell one what to do. We rode out a three day swell into the harbour. It was very rough.
Formalities were easy going. To avoid you doing the up-and-down and up-and-down the hill we did, I'll give you the 1,2,3 of how to. First customs at the wharf. Then the bank to get money. There is no ATM on the island and credit cards when possible to use, more troublesome than worth it. Then buy travel-insurance which stipulate the evacuation. Then to the police station way up the hill by the big tree where one is directed to immigration. And with your travel-insurance immigration will stamp you in. Welcome to St. Helena. It is like the islands yet it's not. It's actually very English. There's about 4000 people and everybody greets everybody everywhere. Nobody walks with his nose in the cell phone. The streets are only one car wide and there is no natural level ground anywhere. Driving is considerate and give way. There are more than 5000 cars on the island. Internet is expensive and the wifi can only be used in the area where you bought it. Thus, no good out at the boat. Most everything is imported therefore has a price tag on it.
We made a day tour around the island with Robert. He is very knowledgeable. High Knoll Fort could have been my castle, rabbits and all. I loved it. Poor old Jonathan the tortoise was very old and quiet (187 years). What surprised me most was how Napoleon Bonaparte who was in exile here for the last five years of his life, was treated as royalty.
I'm glad we came to St. Helena. It was the first time in a long time that I did not felt the need to watch over my shoulder if we're safe. Where there are plenty benches along the streets for people to sit down, rest, enjoy the view and visit. Where smiles were exchanged easily. To top our visit, a big manta ray swam circles around our boat the morning of the day we left.
St. Helena is harsh and barren outside and green and lush on the inside. It was foggy and raining almost every day we were there (nov'18). But temperatures were comfortable and warm. The mooring is strong and solid. A water ferry is used to get ashore since there is no beach or anything for landing a dinghy. At the landing one get off and on with the help of a jungle rope with knot which you grab and use as an extra arm. Naturally - jumping at the right time. The ferry-drivers are very good. Calm and at ease and tell one what to do. We rode out a three day swell into the harbour. It was very rough.
Formalities were easy going. To avoid you doing the up-and-down and up-and-down the hill we did, I'll give you the 1,2,3 of how to. First customs at the wharf. Then the bank to get money. There is no ATM on the island and credit cards when possible to use, more troublesome than worth it. Then buy travel-insurance which stipulate the evacuation. Then to the police station way up the hill by the big tree where one is directed to immigration. And with your travel-insurance immigration will stamp you in. Welcome to St. Helena. It is like the islands yet it's not. It's actually very English. There's about 4000 people and everybody greets everybody everywhere. Nobody walks with his nose in the cell phone. The streets are only one car wide and there is no natural level ground anywhere. Driving is considerate and give way. There are more than 5000 cars on the island. Internet is expensive and the wifi can only be used in the area where you bought it. Thus, no good out at the boat. Most everything is imported therefore has a price tag on it.
We made a day tour around the island with Robert. He is very knowledgeable. High Knoll Fort could have been my castle, rabbits and all. I loved it. Poor old Jonathan the tortoise was very old and quiet (187 years). What surprised me most was how Napoleon Bonaparte who was in exile here for the last five years of his life, was treated as royalty.
I'm glad we came to St. Helena. It was the first time in a long time that I did not felt the need to watch over my shoulder if we're safe. Where there are plenty benches along the streets for people to sit down, rest, enjoy the view and visit. Where smiles were exchanged easily. To top our visit, a big manta ray swam circles around our boat the morning of the day we left.
Luderitz
Luderitz is a natural safe harbour along the desolate and uninviting coastline of Namibia, on the southwest coast of Africa. A place where the wind blows one away. A cluster of civilization in the desert. Where the wind carriers the sand over the rail and road. The historical hub of the diamond. With a bygone era which still amazes. And where small and big diamond boats actively persue the big shine. Diamonds are after all still the highest producer of income for Namibia.
The port of Luderitz is quite active and big container ships, and tankers visit frequently. Large international cargo carriers come in on a regular basis to load mining oar to be shipped worldwide. And the fishing fleet supplying the five fish factories in Luderitz, come and go on a twentyfour-seven basis. The two tugboats are very capable of good maneuvering of the big ships in harbour. Our mooring was next to the working channel and we got the frontrow view everytime.
Luderitz and surrounds are lucky if they get any rainfall in the year. Normally it is stone-dry and the sea-mist is sufficient to keep the desert-life going.
The town is small and most everything in walking distance. Luderitz Spar (a grocery shop) should be watched for wrong pricing. We got hooked a few times. There's a daily sail to the penguine colony on Halifax Island for tourists. Dolphins, jackass penguines and seals regularly come into the harbour. Not to mention all the seabirds especially when small fish or mud shrimp were plentiful. The desert surrounding Luderitz is a combination of rock and sand and totally beautiful (if you miss the sandstorms).
We stayed there four months on a mooring of Heiko (++264 81 604 2805) and had all types of weather and wind. It was a very productive time for boat maintenance. And Mylady was covered inside outside to the top of the mast with fine sanddust. Fortunately a good shake or wash down gets it out.
The port of Luderitz is quite active and big container ships, and tankers visit frequently. Large international cargo carriers come in on a regular basis to load mining oar to be shipped worldwide. And the fishing fleet supplying the five fish factories in Luderitz, come and go on a twentyfour-seven basis. The two tugboats are very capable of good maneuvering of the big ships in harbour. Our mooring was next to the working channel and we got the frontrow view everytime.
Luderitz and surrounds are lucky if they get any rainfall in the year. Normally it is stone-dry and the sea-mist is sufficient to keep the desert-life going.
The town is small and most everything in walking distance. Luderitz Spar (a grocery shop) should be watched for wrong pricing. We got hooked a few times. There's a daily sail to the penguine colony on Halifax Island for tourists. Dolphins, jackass penguines and seals regularly come into the harbour. Not to mention all the seabirds especially when small fish or mud shrimp were plentiful. The desert surrounding Luderitz is a combination of rock and sand and totally beautiful (if you miss the sandstorms).
We stayed there four months on a mooring of Heiko (++264 81 604 2805) and had all types of weather and wind. It was a very productive time for boat maintenance. And Mylady was covered inside outside to the top of the mast with fine sanddust. Fortunately a good shake or wash down gets it out.
Tuesday, November 20, 2018
Atlantic Crossing
After 11 days at sea, we arrived safely in St. Helena. During this trip we had one day of sunshine, and one night of clear starry skies. The rest of the time it was cold and wet (misty and overcasted.) Once we had a raindrop. A big breaker filled our cockpit to the brim - before coffee one morning. The mainsail was up only 10% of the time. For the remainder we were powered forward with only a stormsail. Wind was constant 25-30 knots SE. Seas were occasionally huge, otherwise considerate. Birds were less then 10 total. No fish took the bait. Fresh water consumption 2Litre per person per day.
Take care
Sunday, November 11, 2018
From the Atlantic Ocean
Hello everybody,
Just to let you know all is well with us. We had two cold overcasted days but now we have sunshine again. I lost some weight and Eelco is in 7th heaven. St.Helena is only 830 nautical miles away. We have an average of 15 knots SE winds and do an average of 5 knots.
Stay well. Be good.
Misale and Eelco
Footnote for Johan at the Teleshop in Ldtz - and any other 'to be' boatowners,
We forgot to mention - we have met quit a few people who bought a boat in the area they intended to cruise and then sell again. If your desire is to cruise the Carribean, check out for instance Trinidad on the internet for boats for sale. There might be a few admin advantages also.
Just to let you know all is well with us. We had two cold overcasted days but now we have sunshine again. I lost some weight and Eelco is in 7th heaven. St.Helena is only 830 nautical miles away. We have an average of 15 knots SE winds and do an average of 5 knots.
Stay well. Be good.
Misale and Eelco
Footnote for Johan at the Teleshop in Ldtz - and any other 'to be' boatowners,
We forgot to mention - we have met quit a few people who bought a boat in the area they intended to cruise and then sell again. If your desire is to cruise the Carribean, check out for instance Trinidad on the internet for boats for sale. There might be a few admin advantages also.
Thursday, November 8, 2018
From Luderitz to st Helena
Ahoi !
We are on the move. Mylady left Luderitz this morning and we are heading for St. Helena. The sun is shining. It is chilli in the wind and hot in the sun. The wind should be a steady southeast for us all the way.
We are on the move. Mylady left Luderitz this morning and we are heading for St. Helena. The sun is shining. It is chilli in the wind and hot in the sun. The wind should be a steady southeast for us all the way.
Saturday, June 30, 2018
Voyage from South Africa to Namibia
AHOY !
Dear Friends and family around the world,
Great news! MYLADY is underway again !
Skipper has run out of visa time and therefore we are underway again. We left Port Owen, on the westcoast of South Africa in a veil of thick fog. The radar worked hard in the narrow dredged channel where many of the big fishingboats were moored. Wind against - fortunately just 10knots - pushing into the river high, short swell. My stomach made its first churns. Once out of the pier and onto the shallow banks, we hoisted the mainsail immediately and on a port beam we got going to Stompneus punt. Then made a tack on a long northerly run. Wind was 20-25knts NW. Tacked again to sea between the 9big ships out at anchor waiting to go and load in Saldanah Bay and repeated the long tack northerly. Night time came and the wind went to sleep. The iron sail roared into use. Fog cleared during the night. It is COLD. At the moment we are sailing wing-to-wing with a 15knot southerly in our backs.
Things to report:
*The intensity of my seasickness went from previously 100% to currently 10% ! That's magic. Maybe after all these years I'm actually turning into a proper seawife. The down side about that is that I'm not loosing the kilos that I anticipated.
*Our main source of steering - the windvane - has a problem. Therefore this whole trip to Luderitz will be done with the autopilot.
(our joblist for Luderitz before we go skipping across the Atlantic is already toooo long.)
*Saw a few white chimneys (whale spouts), albatrosses, cormarants, sleeping seals, petrels and flurescent torpedo dolphins at night and schools of dancing dolphins in the morning glow.
*Sailed right through a fleet of very impressive diamond mining boats at night.
*Saw a kind-of-petrel, which our books can not identify. Dark brown all over. dark legs. slate bill. The broad wings have one large whitish window underneath towards the outside. On top the wing has three white windows. From big to small, outside to inside.
*For the rest, far horizons, long and high seaswell, sunshine - MYLADY and crew are dancing.
What a wonderful world we're living on.
Wishing for you good health and golden memories.
ps. The wind picked up and we arrived in Luderitz on the ear - in the dark. Then portside, then starboard. We dropped anchor and waited for daylight to start our life in the next country.
Dear Friends and family around the world,
Great news! MYLADY is underway again !
Skipper has run out of visa time and therefore we are underway again. We left Port Owen, on the westcoast of South Africa in a veil of thick fog. The radar worked hard in the narrow dredged channel where many of the big fishingboats were moored. Wind against - fortunately just 10knots - pushing into the river high, short swell. My stomach made its first churns. Once out of the pier and onto the shallow banks, we hoisted the mainsail immediately and on a port beam we got going to Stompneus punt. Then made a tack on a long northerly run. Wind was 20-25knts NW. Tacked again to sea between the 9big ships out at anchor waiting to go and load in Saldanah Bay and repeated the long tack northerly. Night time came and the wind went to sleep. The iron sail roared into use. Fog cleared during the night. It is COLD. At the moment we are sailing wing-to-wing with a 15knot southerly in our backs.
Things to report:
*The intensity of my seasickness went from previously 100% to currently 10% ! That's magic. Maybe after all these years I'm actually turning into a proper seawife. The down side about that is that I'm not loosing the kilos that I anticipated.
*Our main source of steering - the windvane - has a problem. Therefore this whole trip to Luderitz will be done with the autopilot.
(our joblist for Luderitz before we go skipping across the Atlantic is already toooo long.)
*Saw a few white chimneys (whale spouts), albatrosses, cormarants, sleeping seals, petrels and flurescent torpedo dolphins at night and schools of dancing dolphins in the morning glow.
*Sailed right through a fleet of very impressive diamond mining boats at night.
*Saw a kind-of-petrel, which our books can not identify. Dark brown all over. dark legs. slate bill. The broad wings have one large whitish window underneath towards the outside. On top the wing has three white windows. From big to small, outside to inside.
*For the rest, far horizons, long and high seaswell, sunshine - MYLADY and crew are dancing.
What a wonderful world we're living on.
Wishing for you good health and golden memories.
ps. The wind picked up and we arrived in Luderitz on the ear - in the dark. Then portside, then starboard. We dropped anchor and waited for daylight to start our life in the next country.
Saturday, May 12, 2018
Time flies
Yes, Eelco has been down to South America with cargo and back to Houston and is currently underway over the Atlantic Ocean to West Africa. But he should be relieved on arrival. All is well with him. All is well with me who has been doing the family rounds. I have just arrived back on Mylady and from now on it is PREPARATIONS for her departure. As you can tell, the time of holidaying is past.
I finally got around to sorting some photos into a video. Please share with us the amazing, beauty of the wild flowers of Namaqualand. On my way here, everywhere the country was covered in a carpet of green. If the rains prevail, not only might Cape Town be saved from their water crisis, but the wild flowers just might bloom prolific.
Tuesday, March 6, 2018
Open ocean
true or false ?
Good or bad ?
The word pollution has become a stick to hit and control the world. We all believe for the better of the world. That's why we accept it. On the ship was a crewmember who got a haircut during his off hours. Doing the good thing of not polluting the ocean, he put the hair- cuttings in an empty plastic container that was trashed. And afterwards the filled plastic container went back in the plastic trash. We all agree; the answer is, 'good'.
True or false ?
Not a single thing may go over the side of a ship these days. Everything (oils or trash) is separated and a register has to be kept to have control by any and all countries and harbours the ship visits. Seperation and control are very strict.
Marpol (marine police) came on board in Nigeria. Dug out the trash and thoroughly combed through it. Triumphantly a trophy was lifted out - the plastic container with hair. "How could you allow this, captain?" The ship got an unreasonable hefty fine. After hours of nagging and threats from the officials, the fine was discounted with sigarettes and alcohol.
After the issue was paid and settled, captain asked the Marpol official:
In what category did the hair had to go? Answer: overboard.
True or false ? TRUE.
The word pollution has become a stick to hit and control the world. We all believe for the better of the world. That's why we accept it. On the ship was a crewmember who got a haircut during his off hours. Doing the good thing of not polluting the ocean, he put the hair- cuttings in an empty plastic container that was trashed. And afterwards the filled plastic container went back in the plastic trash. We all agree; the answer is, 'good'.
True or false ?
Not a single thing may go over the side of a ship these days. Everything (oils or trash) is separated and a register has to be kept to have control by any and all countries and harbours the ship visits. Seperation and control are very strict.
Marpol (marine police) came on board in Nigeria. Dug out the trash and thoroughly combed through it. Triumphantly a trophy was lifted out - the plastic container with hair. "How could you allow this, captain?" The ship got an unreasonable hefty fine. After hours of nagging and threats from the officials, the fine was discounted with sigarettes and alcohol.
After the issue was paid and settled, captain asked the Marpol official:
In what category did the hair had to go? Answer: overboard.
True or false ? TRUE.
Tuesday, February 13, 2018
Monday, February 12, 2018
Close Call with pirates
9Feb
A lot of buzz and activity filled the VHF channels. In stones throw distance from our scheduled meeting point with the guard boat which would escort us through pirate alley into harbour, the gb (guard boat) advised us with great urgency to turn around immediately and run for shelter to another nearby gb because right in front of us was a pirate attack happening. Naturally we made a speedy u-turn and made a beeline to safety where we waited with apprehension.
About an hour later our guard boat gave an all clear signal and we proceeded to harbour with them on our side without any trouble. They were efficient and gave good advise. It is a great help to have effective escourt in pirate alley.
For us it was a close call. But for 4 crew members of the attacked vessel the nightmare of being hostage started.
Friday, February 2, 2018
freedom-chips
Once again Eelco is earning our freedom-chips along the westcoast of Africa and into the heart of pirateland - the gulf of Guinea. Hopefully time will fly.
"Persistent Danger in the Gulf of GuineaIn 2017, there were 36 reported incidents with no vessels hijacked in the Gulf of Guinea and 10 incidents of kidnapping involving 65 crewmembers in or around Nigerian waters. Globally 16 vessels reported being fired upon – including 7 in the Gulf of Guinea.
'Although the number of attacks is down this year in comparison with last year, the Gulf of Guinea and the waters around Nigeria remain a threat to seafarers. ' said Pottengal Mukundan, Director of IMB.http://www.swzonline.nl/news/8925/maritime-piracy-and-armed-robbery-reach-22-year-low
10Jan2018
Owners lost contact with their tanker which were at anchor at Cotonou, Benin. They informed the authorities. Both the Nigerian and Benin navy searched. 16jan the owners reported the ship arrived intact in Lagos. The crew successfully negotiated with the hijackers.
Saturday, January 20, 2018
Netherland
We have spent the Christmas and New Years in Netherland. According the weather bureau it was the warmest end of year in a century. The SAFARI PARK BEEKSE BERGEN was the highlight of our visit. We will definitely re-do this safari and spend more time. Eelco is currently on m/v UAL Texas earning our freedom-chips along the west coast of Africa. Misale is doing the family rounds.
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