We were up at 5:30am local time and it was already light, so weighed anchor at 6 and followed our inbound track out. It is calm with flat seas and we are motoring NE to get outside all the reefs before turning north for our destination, a Marsa 185nm north of Suakin. The plan is to stay there and wait for the next break in the northerlies. At the moment it looks like we could be there for a week.
Position 19° 08.787′ N 37° 22.463′ E
COG 068T
SOG 5.9kt
Log 10,636 nm
Engine 305.5 h
We stayed here for three days. While the last channel into the anchorage is narrow, it has good depth close to the ruins of the old town. The anchorage has good holding in clean, firm mud (chain came up clean with chunks of mud on the anchor) and there’s probably room for a dozen boats. Depths in the 3 to 5m range. Shaped like a large fish pond, it offers excellent protection and easy shore access. Mohammed Abubakar, the agent for passing yachties, is worth his wait in gold. Formalities were painless as was his service on diesel (they brought 250 litres out to us in their own 50l jerrycans and decanted into the tank). Very professional, courteous and reliable. On both nights Mohammed brought us a gift of a large bag of bread. A lovely gesture. Provisioning in Suakin for fresh food is possible and we bought eggs, fruit and vegetables for 6 weeks here. Fresh meat is available (goat only) and the market is about 30 mins walk from the port. Tuk Tuks and taxis are cheap and plentiful.
Position 19° 06.422′ N 37° 20.361′ E
COG 035T
SOG 0.0kt
Made a good landfall In Sawakin after a lovely night’s sailing around the top end of the Sawakin Group of islands. For once the wind turned out exactly as per forecast and we had a fair breeze of12-15 knots since 20:00 last night. The channel we chose was wide and deep and chart depths and soundings were remarkably consistent with what we saw on the sounder. Second day’s 24 hour run was 155 miles in just under 24 hours.
Position 19° 06.632′ N 37° 20.338′ E
COG 177T
SOG 0.1kt
Log 10,635 nm
Engine 304.6 h
Sailing again, thank goodness. We have just enough wind to sail close hauled now and beginning to creep west around the Sawakin Group of islands, reefs and shoals. Hoping wind will veer to the west a bit in the afternoon.
Position 18° 44.131′ N 38° 53.105′ E
COG 337T
SOG 5.7kt