We have just departed Cape Town and we are on our way towards Walvis Bay, Namibia, it has been a hectic few days.
As expected when I last wrote, the swell increased dramatically as we made our way west. On Sunday it was up to 3m and by Monday, it was 4 to 4½. We were pitching considerably, although at our slow speed, it was more acceptable when one considers that pounding into it at a higher speed would have made it far more uncomfortable. We passed Cape Agulhas, the southern-most point of the African continent at 3:30 p.m. on Monday afternoon, watching east-bound passing ships rolling considerably as they negotiated the swell.
Cape Agulhas
I had a challenge, in that our Mariners Appreciation events were still in full swing and, more to the point, many of them were in our Queen’s Lounge show room. If I were to follow our intended track, (agreed on months ago), the swell was going to be on our beam, (at 90° to us); this was going to cause a very uncomfortable motion and one which I needed to avoid.
After poring over charts; dividers, parallel ruler, and pencil in hand, I tried to reach a decision on how best to get to Cape Town without (literally) ‘spoiling the show’. I decided that we would continue on our west-by-north course, (which was reasonably comfortable under the circumstances) until I could turn towards a waypoint off Cape Town and have the swell coming from almost astern when I did so. An increase in speed at this time would also negate the swell ‘pounding’ our stern. I also had to do it without using additional generators. Hmmnn…..
The result of my deliberations was to continue as we were, sail 90 miles on our present course and then, at 3 a.m. on Tuesday morning, turn for the waypoint off Cape Town, increasing speed as we did so. It worked like a charm and at 5:30 that morning we embarked our pilot as we were entering the outer breakwaters and berthed on ‘E’ pier on schedule. Glorious quiet and stillness, no ‘up and down’ after days riding the swell. The ‘featured’ photo on top of the post was taken as we approached and passing Hout Bay
Table Mountain looming over us, the ‘Tablecloth’ enveloping the summit, we were ready for our stay.
Table Mountain in the early morning light
Berthed, a container ship ahead & background the Transocean Marianas drill rig
Most of us, I think, know that rounding the Cape of Good Hope is a treacherous undertaking, Captain. You did paint a picture of what you faced while on the bridge in rough strokes with the brush. And as well, trying to keep the show going inside the far larger ship as in the past. It sounded as if it is a simple matter of calculations ! Is that what it actually boils down to, Captain?
It’s a little more complicated :-), however it boils down to knowing ones ship, her sea-keeping qualities, (what she likes, doesn’t like), speeds required and fuel concerns. She doesn’t like a big swell on her beam, (what ship does), however she can cope with one on her quarter or slightly (30 degrees) on her bow. So, I take all these into account before deciding what is best. It is complicated by knowing that there are going to be 600 guests forward, in the Show lounge too. The first ‘leg’ detour kept the swell off her bow, the 2nd turn, for the run towards Cape Town, kept it on here quarter. Hope this explains 🙂
Many, many thanks, Captain ! That’s what I wanted to read 🙂 The poor captains of the past … No wonder so many perished rounding ” this stormy weather” cape. If I were to wear a hat – – – my hat off for you Captain / or as we say in the Netherlands, “chapeau” (!)
It’s too bad you and your ship are not doing the Alaska runs this summer from Vancouver anymore 🙁 I would have dearly sailed under your command being now aware what other weather systems you have faced in your professional life !!!
Captain Jonathan,
Glad you were able to use your professional skills to advantage.
Cheers~