Anchor Away

Friday afternoon was a perfect winters day, with no wind and clear blue skies. We left Harbour Island after a good week of work and headed for Kogel Bay for the evening. Being able to anchor, for the first time as a team, next to the spectacular coast line along False Bay was an unbelievable privilege and a reminder of the incredible beauty we are surrounded by in South Africa.

We enjoyed the sunset with some sparkling wine and a braai and with our tummies full we all headed for bed. Everyone struggled to sleep with the unfamiliar movements and sounds of being out at sea. The peaceful evening turned into a windy night and the boys spent the remainder of it doing anchor watches. At six in the morning and after what felt like an eternity (an hour and a half) to our weary bodies and tired eyes we managed to lift the anchor and start on our way home.

The motor back started off well but as we came round the point, the 12 knot South Easter that had been predicted was a hauling 50 knots! Our new spray dodger saved us from being drenched and as we approached the entrance to Harbour Island the wind thankfully died down, allowing us to enter safely. It was an eventful experience and a great shake down sail, allowing us to test out systems that need a little work as well as reiterating how well we all work as a team. I couldn't imagine taking this journey on with a different group of people and I cannot wait for the insane adventures we'll be sharing together.

Viv

First published on offtheline.co.za

Canvas Complete

The canvas is up and it fits perfectly! Melody is starting to look like a real cruiser. the cover creates a new 'room' for us to live in. Now we can comfortably chill and have meals on deck without worrying about cold weather.

The panels are all connected with a bolt rope which slides into aluminium extrusions attached to the underside of the cockpit roof and one on the deck in front. They can be attached to the deck in bad weather or rolled up in good weather, for more ventilation and space.

Next up for the cockpit is a fold up table so we can enjoy those outdoor meals with drinks at sunset :)

Kate

First published on offtheline.co.za

Cockpit Canvas - The Making Of

For the last two weeks Rufus and I have been working on the canvas/pvc 'windows' for the cockpit. This is a huge priority for us as it makes living on board so much more comfortable, especially in winter.

The cover makes sure that we are protected from the wind and rain but still allows for excellent visibility while helming. It also prevents rain (and icy wind) from entering the companion way and into the saloon which is a huge bonus.

We wanted to stick to the existing navy blue colour scheme of the boat but unfortunately the kind of canvas we needed couldn’t be sourced in that colour, within our budget, so we went with grey instead. The final product looks so smart that we are going to do all the covers (life raft, compass, tender and stack pack) in the same.

This was a serious team effort by Rufus and myself. Ruf created the design and patterns while I stitched it all together (also with Ruf's assistance as the pieces were so big and bulky!). It was a major operation as we do not have the correct industrial machines to work with pvc and heavy duty canvas. But we always make a plan so, after quite a few late nights, and a lot of brain storming (and unpicking) it worked even better than we planned!

Kate 

First published on offtheline.co.za

Thank You!!!

Our farewell party was a great success! Thank you to all who came, it was wonderful having so many of our friends and family joining us in a celebration that we have been working towards for so long. The amazing effort that went into dressing up and the unbelievable contributions that everyone made left us speechless. The party was so much fun and it emphasised again how we wouldn't have been able to get this far without the endless support we've received over the last 18 months. We cannot thank you all enough. 

 With the celebrations wrapped up, we enter into the final preparation phase before we embark on our journey . Wow -  may the exciting times begin! 

Viv

First published on offtheline.co.za

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