Yachts sailing this part of the Atlantic usually stop at Luderitz, an old German colonial town surrounded by the encroaching Namib desert. It is a convenient stop on the way north from Cape Town. The winds are usually favourable and so is the Benguela current, which sweeps up the western coast. The detour shortens the distance to St Helena and, if time permits, also gives a chance to visit some of the interior of this fascinating country, which was for so long in the grip of a guerilla war. The weather is usually hot, although it is milder on the coast.
Rainfall is unreliable.
Winds are mostly from the south. The cold Benguela current produces misty conditions close to the coast and up to about 5 to 10 miles offshore. 2000-2001 Noonsite Ltd.