Actually locals call it Cape Point to be honest. We sailed from Hout Bay to Simonstown and back - around Cape Point. Its about 40 nm or so, and can be a pretty challenging route. The fact that there is even a surfski race over much of this passage did nothing to deter my sense of accomplishment in completing this trip. Nor did the fact that the wind was so light on the way back we had to motor the entire way. Thing is we got there and back in this little boat, without bothering the rescue services or anyone.The trip there (to Simonstown) was quite exciting. Nick and I (again) set out early one morning in the Christmas break - probably about 6am. No wind initially. We motored until just past Kommetjie - when a light Northwester picked u p. The forecast was for a light Northwester, changing to a moderate South Easter by afternoon. Ideal forecast for this trip, if it could be believed. With the light NorthWester we raised the spinnaker, and made gentle progress towards the point. The swells were actually quite large - about 3m or so - and we were both discinclined to try the sandwiches we had for whatever reason. The scenery was probably excellent had we been interested on the day. We were running at about 3-4 knots which was a bit slow really. But better than motoring. I had plotted a conservative course oustide Bellows, but it seemed fine to cut inside on the day. So we did.
We actually rounded the point with the bag up. And just then we saw a large Roberts 45 Charter coming up the other side of the point with a fully reefed main and a rag of a jib. And heeling. @$%%$#!!! We got the bag down promptly. #2 up in its place, and full main. A minute later we were hit with 20 knots of Northwester. Quest heeled over, settled, and took off on a long beat up into False Bay. It was exhilirating! I don't think we dropped under six knots at all for an hour or two. We left the Roberts miles behind. The wind freshened a bit more - maybe 25 knots - which was still fine. But as we passed Millers Point the chop started picking up with the long fetch from Simonstown, and it started getting wet and cold. And the wind got stronger still. It was quite ominous as the clouds came over too, and the wind was beginning to shriek through the rigging. We were clearly over canvassed at this stage - but reefing was a nuisance at that time - with the hank-on jib etc. We dropped the main and resolved to motor the last few miles. But by now the wind was blowing a steady 35 knots and we could only make about 2 knots against it under motor. The chop was absolutely horrible. Just about every wave came over the bow, and blasted us at high-pressure in the cockpit. It was cold and plain horrible. We took the jib up again, and motor-sailed on a loose beat out into False Bay -and approximately towards Simonstown. But Quest was behaving quite well under jib alone - despite the spray coming over. I set the tiller pilot and we went below! Managed to get into some dry clothes etc. I was able to make minor course adjustments using the remote control on the tiller pilot. I stuck my head out from time-time through the "conning tower" - or so it felt - to check for other vessels. We manged a cellphone call to False Bay Yacht Club - they said probably better not to come round today - strong wind blowing, racing cancelled, and not safe to sail in there! I can't recall my choice of words but we agreed soon after we would be coming in, and they graciously agreed to meet us on the quay!
A few minutes later I was able to bear off and point Quest into Simonstown harbour. We approached at about 6 knots under jib alone (motor idling), and headed into the marina. Fortunately we had the course mapped accurately on the GPS and went into the correct entrance first time - before dropping the jib and motoring up to the walkway. Was quite glad to step onto terra firma that day. Had a good sleep that night too come to think of it.
It was a few days later before we sailed back. I say sailed - but we motored the whole way. Weather was perfect but not a breath of wind. Great for sight-seeing - and a chance to admire Cape Point from the sea. We did the trip in eight hours exactly - arriving in Hout Bay within seconds of the GPS predicted eta. Nearly all under autpilot. We used 10l of fuel for the trip of 40 nm.So that's done then.
