Mozambique Channel adventure

Robin Barrett swaps his elderly Eventide for a high performance Farrier trimaran to explore the south east coast of Africa

- Robin Barrett

Having sailed down the fabulous Mozambique coast in my elderly 26ft Eventide on many an adventurous family trip, normally of about 700km distance, I wanted to do it again in 2022. But four kids, and one wife who expressed little interest made me feel l was wading through treacle.

To cut to the chase, my sailing friend Anton, who has a high performance Farrier trimaran, Eclipse, was equally keen, and wished to introduce his Kariba friendly boat to genuine salt water. Dump the kids, let's make it strictly adults. Competency an added advantage. Knowing a third person would add safety, we asked my good friend Renee along.

Exciting planning followed and then, the end of August last summer found us towing a folded-up Farrier through the troublesome border near Mutare, and on to Beira port, 600km from Harare. A big, tiring, but fun day.

The next day we launched at Club Nautico, on an open beach with neither the promised tractor, nor the troublesome winch in operation. Anton's elderly Land Cruiser, doing the duty, very nearly came to grief on a rising tide. Ultimately our destination lay to the south (crystal clear waters, palm fringed beaches, exquisite islands) but the wind was friendly for three days cruising to the north first, to little inlets where we'd spent happy camping trips in the past. Thus our first two nights after our hair-raising launch were spent in peaceful Rio Savane, 30km to the north-east, eating fresh fish and clams bought from the local fishermen, drinking excellent local beer, and lounging in the warm waters.