Closing on the Cape

Jean-Luc van den Heede passes South Africa

Day 89.
Position at 1300: 35°58'S / 32°26'E
Wind: 22 knots from WNW. Moderate sea .
Temperatures: day 25°C / night 16°C / sea 20°C
Distance covered in the last 24 hours: 258 miles.
To the Cape of Good Hope 693 miles.
Lead over Monnet: 21 days and 20 hours.

Hi there,

I am to the south of South Africa! In fact, I crossed the meridian of the Eastern part of this vast country. I'm still making fine headway, even if I have had the wind head on now for 12 hours or so. Behind the weak front that I've just crossed, the wind should become favourable.

This morning, in some brilliant sunshine in cloudless, blue skies there is a nice little wind from the NNW, enabling me to sail towards the Cape of Good Hope beating at 12 knots. The sea is deep blue just like in the areas , where the trade winds blow...in short, perfect sailing conditions. Philippe Monnet said he had 10 days of good fortune and 141 days of hard slog. I'd be inclined to say I have had the exact opposite!

It's true that the Indian Ocean offered much better conditions than I have ever experienced before. But the Roaring Forties in the Pacific, right up to the south of Australia, lived up to their reputation. My luckiest moment was rounding the Horn in 24 hours with a favourable 40-knot wind. That was something that was really exceptional. As you can see, good fortune and perseverance go well together!
See you tomorrow,

JL VDH

A day with the cuddly toy from the Forme et Signe company, put on board Adrien by Idée d'image.