Indian Ocean Outlook

Indian Ocean © Noonsite

The Ocean Sailing Association of Southern Africa report this month that they have had a "bumper year" in terms of yachts visiting South Africa with over 225 registrations to enter the country. Most boats arrived between October and December.

South African weather router Des Cason (about to turn 75 in January) will be charging for his services from January 2024. Des told Noonsite, "unfortunately the end of 2023 also brings an end to a 7-year journey in this free weather forecasting lark. Over the past 7 years I have guided 700+ yachties across to Cape Town without mishap, but now it is time to semi-retire as 6 hrs a day\365 days a year is becoming too much of a burden. The number of boats asking for my service are escalating (this year 104 yachts to date), and I have to cut down the numbers and time somehow."

While Des has never charged for his service, he does solicit donations from yachties when they are safely in Cape Town. To date less than 10% have dipped into their wallets. Over the 7 years Des has earned on average $1.50 a day for his unfailing service to the cruising community. Des can be contacted at

This article has been provided by the courtesy of noonsite.com.