After two successful weeks in Simon's Town, Melody was ready to come home to Harbour Island. It was sad to leave after having such a wonderful time. We would like to thank False Bay Yacht Club for having us and to everyone we met during our stay, with a special thanks to Francesco and Michela from KETURAH for all the advice and good times :)!

Yesterday was one of those spectacular winter days we are so lucky to have in the Cape. We had a gentle motor across the bay with numerous seals, penguins and even an Orca (Killer Whale) watching us go.

Now with the last big hurdle behind us it's back to work with the final bits and pieces before the preparations for our departure begin- EXCITING TIMES!!!

Viv

First published on offtheline.co.za

During our stay on the hard at FBYC we have had the opportunity to meet an awesome cruising couple from Italy. Francesco and his girlfriend Michela have been cruising the world on Keturah, their 44ft Sayers ferrocement ketch, for the last six years. They have been so generous with their time and knowledge, answering all of our (mostly annoying) questions.

Michela spent yesterday teaching Vivian and I some of her cruising galley/cooking secrets. She demostrated how to make fresh yoghurt as well as sharing her recipe for authentic Italian bolognese sauce.

The most valuable lesson was "canning". Canning, or "jarring" is essential for cruisers, especially on long crossings and when anchored in remote areas without acces to super markets & grocery stores etc (such as most of the Pacific Islands). It is basically the method of preserving fresh food/sauces in sterilised glass jars that do not have to be refrigerated and can last up to one year. This way you can have home cooked meat sauces over your pasta, in the middle of the Atlantic, without having to lift a finger, other than to boil the pasta!

Check out their blog or facebook page for more info and rad videos of their travels as well as their flikr streamfor some amazing shots of the places they have visited. If you are interested in cruising they are now acceptingcrew for their Atlantic crossing, to Brazil, in June. We definitely hope to see these two again, on our travels, soon!

All photos by Francesco & Miki

Kate

First published on offtheline.co.za