[password] brucelaura
[position] 33 58S 25 38E
[status] A strong circular weather system developed along our path. We had
optimistically hoped to outrun it, but realistically decided we should bail
and we put into Port Elizabeth along with the other three boats traveling
with us. On arrival (Monday morning) in a 35 knot gale we questioned our
decision! PE sets the bar at a new low for derelict marinas. It's all part
of the sad state of affairs in South Africa and a recent government
decision to close down marinas because they are viewed as only catering to
a white demographic. When we came in, the bay was so bouncy that the boat
was bucking wildly and it was difficult to walk on the dock. We are
currently riding out this storm spider-webbed to the dock with more lines
than we used for Hurricane Marilyn. Two have broken and Bruce is constantly
adding more chafe gear. We hope to escape Port Elizabeth before something
on the boat breaks. On the positive side, we took all our damp passage
clothes to the laundry and we've both had a hot shower and regular hot
meals. Still searching for that 'easy button' as we work our way past the
cape of storms toward a more docile Atlantic.

[END]