Sailing Avantivideo

Sailing from Richards Bay to Durban in December EP134

January 1, 2025 · 10 min · 4K views · Durban

What this video covers

Avanti, a sailing yacht skippered by Gerard and Jacqueline, completes a 14-hour passage from Richards Bay to Durban, South Africa, in December.1:11 The crew departs the Zululand Yacht Club after receiving clearance from Port Control, initially motoring through calm seas to avoid a choppy swell near the breakwater.1:34 By midday, a 14- to 15-knot northeasterly wind fills in, allowing the vessel to sail downwind with a genoa while benefiting from a 1.5- to 2-knot following current.5:04 The crew arrives at the Durban harbor at sunset, securing a mooring at the Point Yacht Club.6:19 While the harbor water quality is poor, the facility offers easy access to local amenities via ride-sharing services.7:36 The crew plans to wait for a favorable weather window to transit the Wild Coast toward East London, noting that wind against the region's 5-knot current creates dangerous sea states.10:24 A safe passage to East London requires a stable 36-hour window of following wind and current.10:32

Watch on YouTube

More from Sailing Avanti

CIRCUMNAVIGATED - WE DID IT EP136Jan 2025WILD COAST sailing EP135Jan 2025Trying to leave Richardsbay EP133Dec 2024Hard living in Richarsdsbay South-Africa EP132Dec 2024

From Sailing Avanti — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analyzed video.

The Sailing Directory Newsletter

One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.

Report an issue