The Goldings in Cape Town, South Africa

Overview

The International SeaKeepers Society welcomed SeaKeepers ambassador Mike Golding OBE and Andrea Golding into Cape Town, South Africa, aboard DISCOVERY Yacht Traverse, as they continue their global circumnavigation.

On December 5th, Mike and Andrea Golding, along with the crew of DY TRAVERSE, set sail from Richards Bay to Port Elizabeth, taking advantage of a brief good weather window. On arrival in Port Elizabeth, they were welcomed by the Algoa Yacht Club, a virtual yacht club, and the Ocean Sailing Association of Southern Africa (OSASA), a voluntary organization that collaborates with the government to support international yachts navigating the coast. There DY TRAVERSE filed a "flight plan" with OSASA and the relevant authorities. This is a precautionary measure should a yacht be caught out in adverse conditions or fail to arrive as scheduled.
After mooring in the heart of the Port Elizabeth fishing port, the crew prepared for the final leg of their journey to Cape Town, which included a passage through Hout Baai. A significant milestone was achieved in the early hours of December 10th, when TRAVERSE rounded the iconic Cape of Good Hope, marking their entry into the South Atlantic Ocean.
While the crew had encountered only a few distant whale sightings during their transit of the Pacific and Indian Oceans, the final 20-mile stretch from Hout Baai to Cape Town was a remarkable contrast. For over two hours, TRAVERSE was surrounded by a pod of more than 30 whales, creating an unforgettable experience for all onboard.
Once in Cape Town, DY TRAVERSE berthed at the V&A Marina beneath the stunning backdrop of Table Mountain. To honour the expedition, the Royal Cape Yacht Club hosted an exclusive event on the 18th of December, attended by club members, competitors from the Oyster World Rally and ARC, and SeaKeepers members.
Vice Commodore Dave Garrard warmly welcomed guests, followed by Chairman Jay Wade’s presentation on SeaKeepers’ mission and the DISCOVERY Yacht program. The highlight of the evening was an inspirational talk by Mike Golding OBE, accompanied by a film showcasing the voyage, the research conducted, and the remarkable locations visited.
This occasion marked SeaKeepers’ inaugural presence in South Africa and served as an opportunity to announce the Royal Cape Yacht Club’s future commitment to supporting ocean research, conservation, and education through the SeaKeepers DISCOVERY Yacht programme in 2025/26. Mike is a wonderful SeaKeepers Ambassador, his stories and his adventures have served as an inspirational example to all DISCOVERY Yacht programme supporters. Mike will spend December and January in Cape Town, with a brief trip home to the UK, before returning to continue his expedition in February 2026.