The Ultimate Wooden Catamaran Sailing Experience: Adventuring on a Wharram Tiki in Durban, KZN.
#wharram #wharramtiki #tikisailing #wharramcatamaran #tikicatamaran #wharramdesigns #tikicat #wharramlifestyle #woodencatamaran #catamaransailing #sailinginsouthafrica
Part 1 - It was an epic day out at sea as we motored offshore on a Wharram Tiki from the Durban harbor mouth to the Leon Thevenin cable ship, which was working offshore near Durban in South Africa. The ocean was calm and glassy, making for a really smooth but long journey, since we had to motor the whole way. Our destination was 13 nautical miles away, where the cable ship was busy repairing a cable that lay 450m down on the seabed. As we approached, the ship loomed large on the horizon, and we could see the crew working tirelessly to complete their task. We managed to get really close and waved at a freind, Albert Chips who was part of the crew. It was an incredible sight, and we were glad to have the opportunity to witness it firsthand. After spending some time observing the work, we turned back towards Durban harbor, grateful for the chance to experience such a unique adventure and to see one of the world’s few cable repair ship’s up close.
Part 2 - Sailing a Wharram Tiki in Durban Bay from the harbor mouth to Umhlanga Rocks and back can be a thrilling experience. The bay provides a scenic backdrop for a leisurely sail or a more adventurous ride. The Wharram Tiki is a popular catamaran design known for its stability and ease of handling, making it a great choice for navigating the waters around Durban. The journey to Umhlanga and back offers a chance to take in the city skyline, as well as the stunning coastline of KwaZulu-Natal. The water is a deep blue and one is often joined by dolphins on these kind of days. With favorable weather conditions, this trip can be an unforgettable sailing experience.
#sailing #catamaran #sailinglife #sailaway #sailtheocean #boatlife #sailingtrip #sailingcommunity #catamaranlife #catamaransailing
This Wharram is owned by my friend and skipper Struan Campbell. He is a very experienced yachtsman having spent time sailing and doing yacht deliveries across the Atlantic and Indian Oceans from places like Florida and France, and locally he currently takes part in races like the Vasco Da Gama yacht race between Durban and East London and the Midmar 9 hour.
These sturdy catamarans have been used in sailing across the atlantic as well as in many well documented around the world sailing adventures.
He purchased the boat a few years ago after seeing a Wharram Catamaran for sale in Durban which he bought and took some time to refurbish.
#boatbuilding #catamaransailing #wharram
About James Wharram
In the mid 50's, based on his research into ancient Polynesian boat design, James Wharram built the first off-shore Catamaran in Britain and sailed it out into the Atlantic. While the world's yachting community still did not accept such a design as a worthy sea-going vessel, James was landing his 23'6" 'Double Canoe' called TANGAROA in Trinidad in the West Indies.
There he built a second 40' Polynesian style Catamaran, RONGO, and in 1959 sailed it up to New York and back to the UK accompanied by two German women - being the first to sail a catamaran West-to-East across the North Atlantic. These amazing Trans-Atlantic crossings and the follow up book 'Two Girls, Two Catamarans' have etched the name 'James Wharram' into the annals of yachting history.
Since then, James Wharram has been designing, building and sailing offshore catamarans longer than any other multihull designer. James was a 'hands-on' designer having, over his lifetime, built personally many of the prototype designs. These prototypes were built in the open, in barns, workshops and all the range of building sites available to self-builders, in a variety of climate types from northern European to the Tropics. James was often referred to as a 'Living Legend' or as written in 'Yachting Monthly' in January 2006: "James Wharram is considered by many to be the father of modern multihull cruising."
James’ last achievement was his autobiography published in 2020 as 'People of the Sea', which he wrote in conjunction with his design/life partner Hanneke Boon. James died in December 2021 at the age of 93. The design business is carried on by his co-designer Hanneke Boon.
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Audio credits:
Part 1 - Seasons - Telecasted NoCopyrightSounds - Audio Library (No Copyright Music) Youtube Audio Library Free Use Music
Part 2 - Calm Seashore - No Copyright Sound Effects - Youtube Audio Library
