Havaianas

Since our first stop will be Brazil I thought it only right for us to arrive at our first port of call wearing an iconic Brazilian brand - HAVAIANAS.

I decided to take a chance and emailed Brett last week to tell him what we are doing and to ask if HAVAIAINAS SA would be keen to get involved. He was so amped to hear and see more that he came out to Simon's Town to meet us and take a tour of the boat.

And so, we are SUPER stoked to announce that HAVAIANAS have "jumped on board" and sponsored us some awesome product for our trip!!

We are so happy to have their support and keen to show off our rad new "plakkies" in every country we travel to over the next few years. Thank you again to Brett and HAVAIANAS SA for taking an interest and believing in our dream!

If you havent already, make sure you get yourself your own pair (or six) of the most loved sandal in the world. Be sure to keep up to date with new products and promotions via their facebook page and twitter.

Kate

First published on offtheline.co.za

Home Run

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

Keturah

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

Simons Town News

Above are a few more pictures from the sail across False Bay and the big lift. With the boat being out of the water in Simon's Town we have been super busy trying to get things done. Rufus has been working away and the welding work on the hull is almost completed.  Kate and I spent two days being  "bilge rats" (as Mark called us) while doing the nastytask of cleaning the engine bilge - to our relief it's finally ready for painting. Wilhelm arrived yesterday afternoon after a seriously busy week at the yard and spent the day dropping the rudder and pulling out the shaft. We had a few visits from friends and family with Kate's parents and sister visiting on Friday. Mark and Emma visiting on Saturday and My folks, together with Roger from Brazil, on Sunday. After an eventful weekend we're looking forward to wrapping things up and getting back to Harbour Island at the end of the week.

Viv

First published on offtheline.co.za

Final Lift

Melody has just been taken out of the water! She will be on the hard at False Bay Yacht Club for the next week or two. This will give us the opportunity to finish off the snag list for below the water line: new anodes, replace seacocks, clean the bilge & prop as well as a new coat of anti-fouling.

This will be the last time she is on the hard before cross the Atlantic to Salvador, Brazil in just over a month.

More photos coming soon!

Kate

First published on offtheline.co.za