First Gariep Dam Adventure. February 2017.

 

The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek.

"Joseph Campbell"

Gariep dam, 26th of February 2017.

We choose the  Gariep Dam (👈 Interesting info on Gariep Dam)  as it is the largest dam in South Africa. The surface area is more than 370 square kilometres (140 sq mi).

when full. The shoreline circumference is some 435km's. Another reason we chose this dam was that we had friends there with a sailing boat, Footloose. Their owners, Blokkies and Anne-Marie were familiar with the dam and would act as our backup. The Free State Yacht Club, FSYC's,  members welcomed us with open arms. The Yacht Club is situated next to the Forever Resort and in a perfectly sheltered bay.

There were only light winds present but it was 100% overcast with light rain. 

With two occupants, food, drinks and camping gear the pontoons were only just protruding above the water, not the ideal situation, but we had Blokkies and Anne-Marie with their yacht as backup  and we were in constant contact with them through walkie-talkie radios. We took on the challenge to explore some of the Gariep Dam's waters!

Spirit of Kon-Tiki with the improved array of solar panels, we also had a backup sail, mast and rigging on board.

Our backup Yacht.

Blokkies & Anne-Marie Loubser

Technical

Improvements on the boat were that it now carried 2 x 260W solar panels as a roof with a potential power of 500W and 32V converted to 13V through a MPPT charge controller. Speed was up to 3kts/6km/h. Two 100A/H deep cycle batteries were used for backup power. In perfect conditions we were able to run two 40lbs trolling motors together, enhancing our speed and penetration ability into strong wind.

Ons het die kragstelsel uirgebrei na twee 260W sonpanele. Die Kragreguleerder is ook n MPPT tiepe en is n groot verbetering op die eenvoudiger PWM tiepe. Twee 100A/H deepcycle batterye voltooi die nuwe krag sisteem. Dit stel ons in staat om die meeste van n sonskyn dag se sonlig ure te kan vaar. In ideale toestande kan daar ook op twee motors gelyktydig  gevaar word.

Off into the wilderness!

From the FSYC, Free state Yacht Club we cruised into the Main Basin, clockwise keeping near to the shore and went into all  the large bays and curves that the dam forms. Although we hard  100 percent cloud cover and fine drizzle we managed to cruise, although at a reduced speed, for 8 hours continuously. This was an eye opener and proved that direct sunlight was not a main requirement for solar power to be produced. We managed to explore the northern side of the Main Basin. 

Die verbeterde kragstelsel het uitstekend gewerk. Ons het die enorme hoofdam se noordelike kant gaan verken. Alhoewel dit 100% bewolk was met motreen kon ons teen n verminderde spoed tog vir agt ure aaneen vaar. Hierdie eerste trip was insiggewend,  ons kon prakties bewys dat daar ook in onweer toestande suksesvol met n solarboot gevaar kan word.

On the second day we encountered perfect weather conditions in the Main Basin. Crocodile reef,  which stretches from the northern shoreline into the Main Basin for about a kilometre and hidden just  beneath the murky water's surface should be avoided.

Ronel enjoying the cruise on our Solar Boat.

At Rudi's Bay Footloose took us on tow to Pam's Bay where we anchored on a buoy. We spend the afternoon with our backup crew, had a delicious supper and gladly slept protected from the elements inside Footloose.

Securely hooked onto Footloose in Pam's Bay.

As soon as the sun broke through the clouds we could use both motors for propulsion. Footloose is in the background.

The next morning Footloose unhooked us at Rudi's bay so we could continue our trip. The weather improved and we rejoiced when the first sun rays broke through the clouds! Soon thereafter we could use both motors for propulsion. We passed by Porcupine passage and started our return trip to the FSYC bay, keeping near the southerly shore. We passed Christmas and Sonop Islands.

We decided to go on shore at Apies Bay. Footloose was anchored and Blokkies and Anne-Marie boarded  their tiny dingy and by electric propulsion  joined us at the bay where we explored an abandoned hunters camp.

A sudden strong wind forced us to be towed back to the safety of the Yacht club bt Footloose as our boat lacked the power and speed to penetrate into it.

Spirit of Kon-Tiki being towed back to the safety of FSYC.

Enjoying the luxury inside Footloose.

Thrown into the deep side!

The next day we had the privilege to join Footloose as crew members, participating in a regatta to the Oviston Tower and back. All sailing boats lined up near the dam wall, but due to lack of wind it took hours before the boats started moving.(If only we were allowed to participate in our solar boat!😃) 

 We had a good learning experience on Footloose and endured a severe thunderstorm later that afternoon.

One of the regatta participants.

The looming approaching storm.

Ronel expressing her enjoyment!

 Realization 

We realized that we did not need full sunshine to be able to  cruise successfully with our solar powered boat. We also realized that weather was something to respect. When Windfinder predicts a 27kts. wind at 11pm, believe it! 

This expedition made us more confident and we already set a new goal, to explore the whole of the Gariep Dam, but improvements in buoyancy will have to be made to our boat.

Met hierdie ekspedisie het ons baie waardevolle lesse geleer. Ons mikpunt is om die hele Gariepdam te gaan verken. Ons boot dryf egter baie diep en sal ligter gemaak moet word sodat ons meer oorlewings toerusting sal kan dra. Die dam se omtrek is ongeveer 435km en dit sal n minimum van twee weke neem om als te gaan verken.  

Next:👉 Second Gariep Dam Expedition

👆Met beplande verbeterings aan die boot is die volgende trip reeds geboek!