10 March Arrival Luderitz, Namibia

front passing as we arrive

An ocean of difference. Our first passage in the South Atlantic was a delight; with the twin head sails poled out for a downwind run we glided up the coast in a gentle breeze, flat seas and blue skies. There was no coastal fog for us, but there were two tuna who generously took the lures we were towing. It had always been our plan to arrive at Luderitz harbour in a period of light winds because it is well known for accelerated wind as you turn around Diaz Point. There's a reason why the world speed surf championship is held here every February.

Diaz Point lighthouse

Port Control indicated we could pick up a mooring ball on the east side of the channel or anchor. The moorings belong to either a diamond dredging boat or one of the fishing fleet and are rated up to 50T having a 5 ton concrete block at the bottom, a chain welded to the block and a metal buoy with a lead line and a 40mm safety rope as back up. Quite enough for our boat.

A Brit called Andy who owns the trimaran is the official manager of the moorings on behalf of the diamond and fishing boats. He allocates moorings, collects the N$50 a day fee, checks the lines and looks after your boat if you want go on a trip inland. The fee includes Andy chauffeuring you to shore and back so you can leave your dinghy on the boat while you're away.

We later met the owner of the mooring we are using. He's a crayfish boat said it's ours to borrow until the end of the cray season which is the end of April. With winds reaching an easy 30 knots in the afternoon it is reassuring to know we won't be dragging.

The fishing captain is typical of all the Namibian people we met – very friendly and very welcoming.

As soon as we had Jackster tied up we set about setting up the dinghy and outboard, in marinas for so long in South Africa we'd stored them away, and went ashore to clear in which was straight forward, a small overtime fee for the privilege of clearing in at the weekend.

Luderitz harbour