Need Help to Plan a Trip from CapeTown to Australia

[Gayleeann]

Hi I am looking for advice on the trip to Australia from Capetown South Africa.

(say- 4- 5 month trip) Island hoping and huggin the coast where possible. I understand have to be in Aussie before or after the wet season ,nov to april is that correct?
Need advice please.
Have you done this trip? How long did it take ? What is the best time to leave Capetown ?
What to see along the way? Where do you recomend stopping? Best places to see?
Is the weather a worry between S.A. AND AU.? that I need to worry about??
Any advice would be appricated.
Thank you
Gayleeann

[VirtualVagabond]

You're going the 'uphill' direction.
It's doable, but hard work. If you're in a hurry, head for the high latitudes and suffer the roaring forties for a fast, rough ride to Aus.
If you've got a bit of time you'll have a far more enjoyable trip if you head to Brazil, Caribbean, Panama canal, and island hop the South Pacific to Aus.

[swagman]

Yes if you wish to do it couter clockwise around the Indian Ocean rim, you'll find it hard work.
As Vagabond has suggested you've the better option of going west to S.America and then either up east of west S American coast before crossing the Pacific - or of course just heading east from South Africa and sailing direct to Perth in Western Australia. We had a pal who did that two up in a 24 footer, so it does not take a rocket ship or full race crew........
Enjoy the options - and the trip
JOHN

[JFAfrica]

My input would be to go from Cape Town, to Durbin. Madagascar. Stop to situate gear and do adjustments, do a partial survey. Head up through the Mozambique Channel (but only with good charts!), up to the Seychelle Islands, to the Maldives, and then to Sri Lanka. From there head to the Eastern Coast of Indonesia, and down to Aussie. It's counter clockwise, but who doesn't love a challenge!

Hey sorry about the skype conversation, quite frustrating I know. I live outside of the city and way outside of good cell range, so next time I get in town, I'll try you on skype. Maybe even video?! I know, try to stay calm. Let me know what you think.

Let me know how I can help, and I'm here.

[Yacht.kwela]

Hi there
Did you get any other for the trip from Cape Town to Australia?
I will be sailing single handed and maybe maybe with a crew depending on a few things. I will be sailing in a 36 foot mono. you? what is your plan when do you plan to leave?
What boat are you on? interested to hear your plans. Im leaving December.
My Plan is to head South to 39 40 then hit a left and edge my way back up to late 30s keep in the westerly winds.
Thank you look forward to hearing form you
yacht.kwela (at) gmail

[sailorladd]

Yes I agree, that's the best way, to go through the Atlantic, enjoy the Caribbean, through the Panama canal (take in the Galapagos) and on down through some of the Polynesian islands and then to Auss. I did it that way and all the details are in a book I wrote and would be happy to supply details if you want Good luck anyway.!!

[Druttn]

Okay, so did we get any clear answeer on when it's best to leave Cape Town for Australia?

[Wotname]

^^ dunno but after 3+ years, either the OP is still planning or has gone and done it

Welcome aboard CF Druttn!

[sailorladd]

Hi Gayle Anne, I left along with a bunch of other cruisers from the Royal Cape Yacht club in February...en route for St. Helena. It seems the world's weather patterns are up in there lol, but as a rule of thumb, the beginning of summer is reasonable to assume the weather at (local) sea will behave... It is the late summer/autumn that hurricanes (in hurricane associated places) are to be considered and it is best to avoid these areas... I am sure you would want a copy of one of several books on times to cruise and when to avoid areas...

Not trying to promote any books here, but I have a book on amazon that describes the times and places I sailed, from Cape Town through the Caribbean, through Panama canal , the Galapagos islands, Hawaii, several south Pacific islands, and Australia as well as New Zealand and then against the trades back to Hawaii. I avoided hurricanes in the Caribbean and parts of the Pacific by finding a recognised, safe "hurricane hole" nand just hung out for 3 months! What a fun time! Take plenty of vittels and things to do!! Days of Deja vu...best of luck to you !

[Druttn]

Tank you Wotname!

It's Amazonfloden Joe hard it is to find an anser to this question on the internet!

How about Rio to Cape Town? Can you idé the same tradewinds egen they turn downwards?

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Druttn.

[bushytales]

I recognise this post was made several years ago...however, I am an aussie living in South Africa.
I am deciding to buy a catamaran over here and sail it back to Oz.
I really want to go west to east as it is the quickest route. Any reasons why this can’t be undertaken? I don’t wish to go north as it means heading into Pirate country....equally I don’t want to travel below 40’ South...
Car to respond?
Cheers