Tomorrow we set sail

The last few weeks since the Najuma was launched have flown by.

It still took some time to complete and then of course there were a few shortcomings that still had to be fixed. Definitely Gottfried's last construction site, and it was also very exciting; Europe meets South Africa. With combined forces, the work is now done and we are ready to cast off. Tomorrow at nine o'clock it's time to cast off again and say goodbye. After a year on the mainland in a beautiful place with new friends and acquaintances, it's twice as difficult. Being on a journey means saying goodbye again and again. You can't learn it, you just have to accept it.

So it's off tomorrow at nine, out through the Heads in Knysna onto the Indian Ocean. Our first destination is East London. Until then we will sail for about two days, there is a stopover until the next weather window. From there we sail to Richards Bay for clearance. From there we are on the road for ten days to the north of Madagascar, more precisely to the island of Nosy Be. Then another four to five days to Victoria on the Seychelles island of Mahé; a trip of about 3200 nautical miles. You are welcome to follow us on our new tracker. This is connected to our weather program Predictwind and shows our position and the wind and wave conditions.

In addition to all the stress of finishing and setting up (we're really not used to it anymore), there was also time for nice evenings with friends and acquaintances and two or three rugby games. Above all, Mark initiated Gottfried into the secrets of the somewhat rough game. So now only the springboks are missing - socks, smile.

The boat christening took place on August 18th, with all the trimmings. Flags, champagne and appetizers, a really nice occasion. After that, it was time to lug provisions. Lots of South African wine, "Chopies", Boreworst and steaks of all kinds. Africa is by no means a country for vegans. No, that's not true of course, but a braai is simply part of it and there's a barbeque at the back of the ship for those sunny days at anchor.

Everything is now packed and stowed away and we are excited to see what the journey with our new catamaran will be like. We have been living on the Najuma for three weeks, have sailed twice and done a few maneuvers around the harbour. Renier accompanies us on our trip to the Seychelles. He is a professional skipper with a lot of experience in catamaran sailing and he knows the coast up to Madagascar like the back of his hand. The coast from the Cape of Good Hope up over Maputo Bay is rough and weather conditions are very changeable. Then the Agulhasstrom also flows south along the coast, which can lead to difficult conditions. We actually wanted to go a week ago, but the weather forced us to wait. Despite the many miles sailed and an Atlantic crossing, we find this solution the best choice for us. We are then initiated into the secrets of catamaran sailing up to the Seychelles.

Well, enough written for today, let's go to bed so that we're ready for the big day and the start of the new adventure tomorrow. We'll get back to you with short messages on the tracker along our route to the Seychelles.

Finally! The Najuma is transported from the factory to the water!

The mast is set up and the lucky charm (a Kruger Rand, wink) is placed under the foot of the mast.

The Najuma is being launched; what an unforgettable moment!

Blessing of Najuma

Mark blessed the Najuma for all of us and offered a wonderful prayer. Thank you so much Mark, it touched our souls.

The champagne had to flow for the christening......a glass or two, smile!

The celebration afterwards was just phenomenal. Many thanks to all our friends in Knysna, you made the ship christening to a special experience!