The stopover in Cape Town was superb. We reached Cape Town around noon in best weather but we had spotted Table Mountain already in the first sunlight. It still is something special to see the first bit of land after weeks with only the blue ocean around. Unimaginable how the early discoverers must have felt not knowing before when and how they would reach new lands.

There was a little uncertainty early that night when the intermediate position report put us on fifth place and therefore behind Seattle. So we worked even harder which seemed to pay off as the next update in the morning saw us ahead again. Nevertheless, we had to stay focused to defend that position until we would cross the finish line. This also meant we would do another sail change just before the line to make sure we would make best speed.

After crossing the finish line we started the normal procedure. The sails came down, the banners went up and we prepared the boat for berthing. Already on the approach to our place we were greeted with music and traditional dance. After the official words of welcome followed by a cool drink, we were taken to the cruise terminal by bus to run through immigration. This was something new, da it be done without our presence in the past stopovers.

What followed were almost two weeks in Cape Town filled with work on the boat but also excursions. South Africa is such an interesting country of which I could only see so much in the time I had. Most important to me was a hike up Table Mountain and a visit to the Cape of Good Hope, which we were set to round next. I don’t know when but I am sure I will be back to see some more of this country. Thank you Cape Town, thank you South Africa, it was amazing.