FEBRUARY 18, 2020 CRUISING SOMALIA AND THE RED SEA / CAPTAIN JOSEPH RODGERS

FEBRUARY 18, 2020

CRUISING SOMALIA AND THE RED SEA

CAPTAIN JOSEPH RODGERS

This was an enthralling presentation by Captain Rodgers about sailing Randy Repass’s boat “Convergence” across the Indian ocean, through the Gulf of Aden, Red Sea and to Turkey.  The excursion took place in the fall of 2011.  I am certain there were many stories that could have been told about sailing the Indian Ocean, but Joe concentrated on the most interesting part: dealing with pirates and sailing in the Red Sea.

“Convergence” is a 65 foot Wyliecat ketch which many of us remember seeing in the harbor before Randy started his voyage around the world.  Joe described some of the drawbacks in the design of the boat.  Many of us that sail use shrouds and Stays for stability while going forward on the boat.  The design of the Wyliecat has no shrouds or stays.  In addition to not having these devices to hold for stability, there is nothing to stabilize the mast, so going aloft gets even more exciting.

On their way to the Red Sea, they visited the Maldives.  Joe had many photos of the gorgeous beaches and waters of the Maldives.  Sailing up to the Gulf of Aden, they studied the prospects of dealing with the pirates.  At the time, 22,000 ships sail through this area yearly and there were 266 attacks by pirates.  Most of these attacks were attempts to commandeer ships to hold the crew and ship for ransom.  There was an impressive map showing where the attacks took place in the area.  There was a small area that had fewer attacks and Convergence sailed through this area.  Joe described the sense of uncertainty every time another boat appeared thinking they could be pirates.  It seemed to be the predominant theme, every boat fearing every other boat until they found they were not pirates but just other cruisers.

Joseph got acquainted with some cruisers that ultimately lost their lifes to the pirates.  I think this was one of the most important points that Joseph made.  The inhabitants of the boat were Christians and were passing out Bibles and preaching to the Muslin population.  Joseph said that on Convergence they even took down their SCYC burgee (because it has a cross on it) to avoid attention.

Joseph also noted how the poverty in the area would be unbelievable to most Americans.  Joe and crew made a positive impression on the locals bearing many gifts for the kids and for adults.  Joe noted, they just want to live which can be very difficult with such poverty.

Joseph emphasized the importance of travelling as fast as possible and using physical barriers at night: thumb tacks on deck (ala J. Slocum), razor blades and greasing handrails.  He said the Red Sea was very windy and had an incredible amount of traffic with transiting ships.  He also said that the wind blowing across the desert carried a lot of sand, making it impossible to keep the boat clean.

 

The journey was a success with the safe delivery of Convergence to Turkey after a 50 day voyage.

Thank you, Captain Rodgers for an excellent presentation.

Next Tuesday, Homer Lighthall will talk about  physical changes to make to improve boat speed.

Barry Keeler

Sailing Pair A Dice