Update from South Africa

Since the 19th of January we are back in Africa. In the past three months we have traveled and have made various trips in South Africa and also traveled to Tanzania. As a small Easter gift for us gold bunnies from Lindt and for you a sign of life from us.

We quickly settled back in the south, the pleasant temperatures helped a lot. After saying goodbye to family and friends, which is always very difficult, we were warmly welcomed by Liz and Mark our landlords and also by our neighbours Gill and Adrian. It was then like a "little coming home".

Since our arrival a lot has happened. Not only trips and larger journeys are topics for our blog, also at the Najuma was continued with full vigor. Our Easter blog will be dedicated to the boat building.

Boat Building 14.1. - 09.04.23

Like almost everywhere on this earth, production was stopped over Christmas and New Year. Nevertheless, since our last visit at the end of October, things have progressed a great deal.

The big work is the assembly of the hulls, the bridge deck and the superstructure, which will take about nine months. During this time the engines will be installed and the conduits for the installations will be laminated. The whole catamaran is assembled in lightweight construction with GRP and GRP panels. All the parts are co-supporting and designed as a "honeycomb structure". Everything is handmade. From laminating the hull parts to installing the smallest connector. We are allowed to be present at every step and can also actively participate in the planning. This interactive approach includes not only the choice of surface materials but leaves many options open in the equipment and sail plan of the ship. All details are recorded in a 3D model down to the last screw and then implemented. CNC milling machines do most of the work on the structure. The assembly is then done by hand again. All parts, up to the cabinet shelf, are firmly connected to the fuselage and the adjacent parts and laminated together. In the end we get a perfect and very stable blue-water boat that will take us from South Africa further across the oceans. Grant and Craig Boshard, the owners of the Knysna Yacht Company, are actively supporting us to make our dream come true.

Last week we were in Cape Town for final talks with Northsails and Sparcraft Masts. Again, there is professionalism in all aspects. David Rae and Steve Meek from Northsails are making our sails and all the canvas work on the Najuma. Both are racing sailors and have been on the scene for years. It is a pleasure to plan with them and use their experience. Ian MacRobert and Chris James from Sparcraft are making us a mast with all our additional requests. Again, it is impressive how they plan and build. A visit to the production hall is an absolute must.

As you can see, we are raving. Not only because we are getting a new ship, but also because the production of the ships here in the Western Cape is simply magnificent! In addition, Knysna Yachts has been putting all their experience into the construction of new yachts for 18 years. This results in a close relationship with the shipyard, even after the sale. All owners regularly exchange information on a variety of topics, a real community. After our experience with Dufour, this is a very pleasant thing.

Now enough praise, we want to show you in different picture galleries the progress of the construction. Next week the roof (coachroof) will be put on and with this milestone the work on the hull will be almost finished.

20. Januar 2023 Work on the structure is progressing rapidly. The deck is in preparation, laminated on a separate mold.

10. Februar 2023

The deck is up and being laminated together. The engines are mounted under the aft berths and work on the interior continues.

18. Februar 2023

The cat is taking shape. The bulkheads are in place and the puzzle continues.

27. März 2023 Always with a smile at the sweaty work!

27. März 2023

Visit and discussion together with Peter, the designer and Naval architect. He is responsible for the planning implementation. The Coachroof is ready for assembly.

30. März 2023

A visit to Sparcraft Masts in Cape Town.

9. April 2023

Almost two weeks have already passed. The Najuma goes into the water at the end of May. Until then, there is still a lot to do. Then comes the phase of final assembly and commissioning. The handover to us will then be in the beginning to the middle of July. We will stay tuned and keep you all up to date.