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Steven UK · 02-11-2021, 11:30

Hello All...

its been a while since I logged on and now I need advice / help. I just crossed the Atlantic solo on my small 32ft boat and left the boat in Madeira. but I have left my trusty World Voyage Planner by Jimmy Cornell. Of course I can start digging up all the monthly pilot charts e.t.c. but they are all on the boat as well.

Has anyone done the trip from Madeira south to Brasil then East to South Africa. I'm planning to stop in Knysna first then Cape Town.

My boat is stuck under the runway (boatyard in Madeira) till the end of February so I can't depart till after then. I was under the impression that this trip was best done in August September. But I wanted check the hive mind first...

Best Regards Steven (Khensu)

**Tupaia** · 02-11-2021, 12:55

Knysna is east of Cape Town!

Steven UK · 02-11-2021, 13:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tupaia

Knysna is east of Cape Town!

Oops…! Friends in Knysna then need an economical resupply location… I just assumed it was on the West. Maybe just one stop then…

But the important part of the question is Madeira to Brazil to South Africa… who has any experience?

**boatman61** · 02-11-2021, 14:07

No experience, just chucking summat out there.. if that's okay..

From Madeira I would suggest down to the Canaries, stock up then head on to Cap Verde before turning SW over into the S Atlantic where you should pick up E'lies and a favourable current to speed you on to Brazil.
You don't want to cross to far W and get caught near the corner where there's an opposing current for you heading S down the coast.

**Tupaia** · 02-11-2021, 14:31

I would investigate Boatman's suggestion except I think the preferred route passes west of Cape Verde. You would also benefit from delaying in the Canaries so you arrive in South Africa during their summer. SA can be a wild place out of season. Going west towards Brazil you will be fighting the current and the trip would be considerably longer 3500Nm typically 30 days or more on a small yacht and tougher.

**boatman61** · 02-11-2021, 15:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tupaia

I would investigate Boatman's suggestion except I think the preferred route passes west of Cape Verde. You would also benefit from delaying in the Canaries so you arrive in South Africa during their summer. SA can be a wild place out of season. Going west towards Brazil you will be fighting the current and the trip would be considerably longer 3500Nm typically 30 days or more on a small yacht and tougher.

It is W of C'Verde.. I researched that route for a delivery from Florida to Perth.. sail nearly to the islands then take the shortest route over the equator, and pick up the wind and W bound current following its curve down Brazil..
Take some time out somewhere along the coast you fancy till the seasons favourable then head out and slingshot the current for Cape Town at the right latitude.
Used to be nowhere on the SA W coast where yachts could enter/clear in.. dunno if that's changed.

El Pinguino · 02-11-2021, 15:02

Once in Brazil you want to get down to about 30º South before turning left so as to get south of the trades.
This is a good site to keep a watching brief on - https://earth.nullschool.net/#curren...20.503,-30.752

I don't think Kynsa is a 'first port of entry' so Capetown or Saldhana Bay would be your options.

El Pinguino · 02-11-2021, 15:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by boatman61

-----
Used to be nowhere on the SA W coast where yachts could enter/clear in.. dunno if that's changed.

Next option after Saldahna Bay would be Walvis and hard work getting south from there.

PippaB · 02-11-2021, 15:17

The Royal Cape Yacht Club (RCYC) runs a race every few years from Capetown to St. Helena, generally in December. They organize shipping the boats back but a few sail every time. IIRC the route is to drop south to Tristan da Cunha and then head east. I thought they used to publish a guide but couldn't find it, just a note that says to contact the race office for information. Probably worth it since they have a lot of experience with at least the second half of the crossing from SA to SA.

Steven UK · 03-11-2021, 08:21

Thankyou guys... that's a very health start for my research. Boatman... nice to see you are still around. Maybe we'll cross paths someday.

**boatman61** · 03-11-2021, 08:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steven UK

Thankyou guys... that's a very health start for my research. Boatman... nice to see you are still around. Maybe we'll cross paths someday.

Stranger things have happened mate..
Hope your plans go well..

phlygh · 03-11-2021, 11:09

Knysna has an "interesting" entrance, not to be entered without research.

**JPA Cate** · 03-11-2021, 13:15

August is still winter. The December race is mid-summer. High latitude winter storms are ugly and the various ocean currents have their roles to play, as well.

Ann

Steven UK · 03-11-2021, 17:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by phlygh

Knysna has an "interesting" entrance, not to be entered without research.

I’ve heard that…I think I’ll be asking one of my friends from Knysna to meet me in Cape Town and we’ll sail east together. I’ll have been alone for long enough by then anyway…

Regards Steven