… life’s all too often about little bits of paper. Mulling over the S.A. Skipper’s Licence biz, (necessary here if your boat is S.A. registered), we think it might be best to get a S.A. Day Skipper licence first, which allows us to sail between 5-10 nm off-shore. Without that, we’re not legally entitled to sail the boat at all! We both already have that qualification, of course, but the English RYA version – which is not valid here. Dick has his Coastal Skipper Licence too, and his ocean and yachtmaster’s theory ticket – but again, none are valid here in S.A. So, current plan is to get the SA Day Skipper paper which should be quick and easy and at least allow us out on the water; then, brush up on the S.A. Yachtmaster’s course and sit that exam with the help of a new pal of ours here, Colin, who just happens to run a local sailing school, and is a qualified instructor and examiner. His boat is moored just a stone’s throw away from our temporary Durban marina berth, so he’s soon to become a neighbour too. We found him first, by chance, on the Internet, when we were looking to hire a skipper to coach us on our first ocean crossing. Island hopping we’ve done a-plenty, but not long distances, and nothing in storm conditions. Weatherwise, we’ve always been very lucky. Colin’s advice has changed our thinking, however. Meeting up with him when we first arrived here, he’s suggested we just hire him or one of his instructors on a day basis when we want to venture further afield – especially if there is a good blow. There are some big waters and a strong current around these parts (they don’t call it the Wild Coast for nothing, after all!) and his expertise and local know-how would be a huge asset. Once he and we feel confident we’re ready to break free and head off to far-flung shores, then we’ll skipper ourselves and learn as we go along. Again, with no firm plans or deadlines, we can afford to wait until everything comes together: knowledge, weather, currents and experience.
Talking of big waters and wild coasts – and given that we spent the day exploring the coast around Oceanic (beautiful endless beaches, sparkling surf and kind, kind weather), so have no Butterfly updates today – here’s something that should make the heart beat a little faster. Enjoy!
RSS - Posts