So many South Africans at Sea.

Our transport plans have come together perfectly.

Ian arrived in Hurghada looking well and fit in spite of his long multi-leg journey from Western Canada.

Our flight on Transavia France from Paris was smooth and on time.

Tony arrived from Cape Town in good spirits with large black bags filled with “toys” for the boat. It was like Christmas, with underwater cameras, crossbows, spear guns and night vision optics.

Since then Marlene has been shopping in the local stores and supermarkets with long lists of essential items ranging from potatoes to dehydrated beans to beers ‘under the counter’ as supermarkets do not sell alcohol here.

We have all been impressed with the changes at El Gouna with new extensions to the marina such as the island pictured below.

 

 

During our preparations we have met some South Africans who are the only active sailors here at the almost deserted marina.

Steve, who has sailed his racing catamaran from France, then the length of the Mediterranean and through the Suez Canal, is moored next to us. He has operated this eight man racing cat all by himself, which is a courageous thing to do. Now he is preparing to follow us down the Red Sea and then continue on to Muscat in Oman, where he works.

We have offered to tow him, on the clear understanding that he will be “bait” for the pirates, and that we reserve the option to “cut him loose” if we are attacked. He has seen through our “offer” with typical South African good humour. He will need all of that to complete his voyage and we respect his daring and wish him luck.

 

 

On the other end of the scale we have been happy to meet Peter and Debbie who are operating a luxury super yacht. This is a masterpiece of Egyptian Engineering and is accepted as the best yacht available for charter in the Red Sea. It is a huge responsibility for both of them, but it seems that South Africans will rise to whatever challenge they meet.

 

 

Once again we are struck with the beauty of the units around the marina basin. They are a harmonious combination of architectural design and colours, which reflect the shades of the desert. Tony has rated the design and layout as ten out of ten, and he knows what he is talking about having created a similar development at Gordon’s Bay in South Africa.

Sadly the marina is filled with parked boats, all awaiting better political times. There are very few tourists, but we are sure they will come flooding back soon, when the situation improves.

 

Tomorrow we set off on our voyage down the Red Sea, so I will not be able to update this blog for a while, unless the Satellite phone works, and at the moment that is not happening.

With all the Africans on board Freedom we have tried communicating with Jungle Drums, but so far we haven’t achieved a decent range.