Location: Cape Town Harbour, East Pier
Thank you to: South African National Antarctic Programme
Open to the public, The Flowing Nomads made their way to the harbour area at the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. We meandered our way across the waterfront from the clock tower towards the East Pier where the SA Agulhas 2 was docked; and came across the Enigma XK, a 235ft super yacht with everything from jet-skis to jacuzzis; a fully fitted gym, to en-suite king size bedrooms; built in 1987 and managed by 19 crew members to cater for your every need. We are very much exploring the super yacht industry…
Onward, we said, salivating from the sheer beauty of the vessel.
Across the harbour we spotted the 440 ft stark red hull of the S.A. Agulhas 2 icebreaking polar supply and research ship , a Finish built vessel for a mere R1,3 billion. The S.A. Agulhas 2 belongs to the South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP), keel laid on 31st January 2011, crewed by 45.
SANAP forms South Africa’s commitment to the Antarctic Treaty of 1959. South Africa, along with eleven other countries, is a founding member of the Antarctic Treaty of 1959. This treaty, of which there are some 45 member nations, establishes the legal framework for the management of the region. Signatories undertake to ensure that the Antarctic region will be used for peaceful and scientific purposes only and to protect and preserve the environment.
There was a healthy turn-out, so there was a lot of waiting about. Hunter shortened things ever so slightly, details concealed for legal reasons.
Escorted in small groups, we were given an introduction, some safety protocol and some questions answered before ascending the stairs to the deck.
There was a small welcoming group of crew members at the top with whom we spoke and connected with before our group was allowed through. It was amazing to see the cockpit with all the instruments and the view of the ship and harbour from there was almost empowering.
Taken through a guided tour we saw some interesting cabins dedicated to science and research.
Eventually finding our way to the stern where the heli-pad was, we struck a joined Pincha Mayūrāsana on the heli-pad before disembarking.
We spoke with a few members to offer some Yoga Flow movement to the crew whilst on an exhibition and it was received quite excitedly.
We have made contact with SANAP and are engaged in conversations for this to happen.
The ultimate encounter.
