Sailing Richards Bay to Durban
22 April 2026 · 9 min · 2K views · eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality, South Africa
What this video covers
The crew of Viento del Mar sails from Richards Bay to Durban, South Africa, utilizing a northeasterly weather window to run downwind.0:37 The passage requires navigating the Agulhas Current, which flows south along the coast.3:43 To maximize speed and comfort in following seas, the crew sets the boat wing-on-wing, securing the jib sheet to a midship cleat to keep the sail filled.6:01 As the vessel approaches Durban, increasing sea states force the crew to alter course toward the coast to manage sail stability, followed by a series of gybes to regain the track.6:49 The final approach into Durban Harbour involves navigating through heavy commercial shipping traffic at night.7:42 Before departure, the skipper completes mandatory port-to-port clearance paperwork in Richards Bay, which includes filing a flight plan and reporting to port control, water police, and the marina.1:03
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