Chart SAN 128 to 131, 135 or SAN 59 & 60 or BA 2087 & 2086
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Distance: 255 miles.

The trip from Durban to East London is 255 miles with absolutely no possibility of a safe bolt-hole or shelter the entire way. Therefore, dependant on the size of your yacht, at least two or three days of favourable weather are imperative.

It is suggested to leave Durban at the tailend of a southwesterly blow when the barometer has topped out, preferable at about 1020 millibars. The barometer is, in fact, an invaluable forecasting tool along this coastline for predicting weather conditions and, in particular, the advent of southwesterly gales.

Clear customs, Immigration, etc, at the beginning of a southwesterly, which will normally blow from thirty-six to forty-eight hours. Leaving Durban, sail about 3 miles seaward of the 200 meter contour as soon as possible as this is where the south flowing current will be the strongest. It also means that in the event of you not reaching East London before another southwesterly, you can duck inshore very quickly and avoid being caught in the middle of the current with the possibility of severe wave conditions developing.

You will find that on average the 200 meter contour will give you a distance offshore between Durban and East London of approx. 12 miles.It also means that at night you will be in range of lighthouses, and secondly, most northbound shipping will be further inshore of you.

The coast between Durban and a few miles south of Port Edward (approx.90miles) contains an almost unbroken ribbon of coastal resorts and urban developments. Between these, and further inland are lush sugar cane plantations, rolling hills and pine forests.

The shoreline consists of white beaches with stretches of rock outcrops and ledges, none of which extend further than a mile offshore, with the exception of Protea Reef and Aliwal Shoal (see Danger section).

A few miles SW of Port Edward is the brightly lit and conspicuous Wild Coast Sun Hotel. From here continuing roughly SW the coastline has a far more rugged appearance. Sandy beaches still prevail, however, rock outcrops and sunken reefs often extend a few miles seaward.

Start approach to East London from abreast of Cape Morgan lighthouse (assuming that you are in the strength of the Agulhas current about 10 miles off), set course to East London breakwater. Be aware that the current is sometimes very strong.

NOTE: Port St Johns and Port Shepstone are NOT ports and are considered unsafe anchorages in almost any conditions.

AGULHAS CURRENT (for this section)

The edge of the continental shelf (200m) lies about 5 miles off Durban's south breakwater and continues SW between this, and 3 miles offshore, widening to roughly 13 miles off East London. The current is usually strongest at the sea side of the shelf edge with an average rate of 3 knots. Off East London the current is normally at it's strongest often attaining rates of 6 knots. After southwesterly gales have been blowing, onshore sets may be encountered especially in the south of this region. A weak northerly counter current may be experienced close inshore.

Mariners are strongly warned of the danger that exists of ABNORMAL WAVES - see seperate section.

For list of dangers, lights, approach and aerial photo of East London port as well as port details see "Southern African Cruising Notes" by Tony Herrick http://www.cruiser.co.za/tony.asp