The Sv Esper: A Boat's Unique Identity

SV Esper is a yacht that has been on adventures in the Gulf of Suez and the Red Sea. It has been described as a well-engineered vessel, and its crew has been referred to as the Delos Tribe. SV Esper has encountered various challenges and obstacles during its travels, including engine problems and issues with the postal service. The yacht has also faced criticism for its unconventional design and has been described as a cobbled-together monstrosity. Despite the criticisms, SV Esper has a dedicated following, with people tracking its journey and sharing their experiences on board.

SV Esper's journey through the Suez Gulf

SV Esper is a yacht, and its journey through the Suez Gulf was a memorable one. The Gulf of Suez, formerly known as "Sea of Calm", is located at the northern end of the Red Sea, west of the Sinai Peninsula. The Suez Gulf is considered one of the world's most important maritime zones as it serves as the entrance to the Suez Canal.

The crew of SV Esper experienced strong winds and waves during their week-long sailing frenzy in the Gulf of Suez. They headed southwards from Suez, enjoying the fresh winds from astern most of the way. The dramatic coastline and the spectacular mountains of the Sinai desert loomed on their port beam as they roller-coastered over the waves, reaching unprecedented speeds.

The crew of SV Esper also faced challenges during their journey through the Suez Gulf. They had to navigate dangerous reefs and anchorages, and they were aware of the presence of pirates in the region. Despite these concerns, they anchored safely at Sharm Luli, located on the Egyptian-Sudanese border, with the help of Jamie's navigational skills and Google Earth images.

The Gulf of Suez was a highlight of SV Esper's journey from Turkey to India, offering them a mix of exhilarating sailing, natural beauty, and cultural exploration.

The Red Sea's history and marine life

The Red Sea is an inlet of the Indian Ocean, lying between Africa and Asia. It is one of the most saline bodies of water in the world, with a high evaporation rate and very little precipitation. It has a surface area of about 174,000 square miles (450,000 square km), a length of roughly 1,200 miles (1,900 km), and a maximum width of about 190 miles (300 km). The sea is known for its strong winds and unpredictable local currents, and its average water temperature is 22°C (72°F).

The Red Sea has a rich history, dating back to ancient times. It played a crucial role in navigation and trade routes, connecting Africa, Asia, and Europe. As early as 2500 BCE, the Ancient Egyptians explored the Red Sea to establish commercial routes to Punt. The biblical Book of Exodus also mentions the Red Sea in the story of the Israelites' escape from slavery in Egypt.

In the 6th century BCE, Darius I of Persia sent missions to improve navigation in the Red Sea by identifying hazardous rocks and currents. This was followed by the construction of a canal between the Nile and the northern end of the Red Sea, known as the ancient Suez Canal. The Red Sea continued to be an important trade route throughout history, including for the spice trade during the Middle Ages and more recently, for oil tanker traffic.

The Red Sea is known for its diverse marine life and coral reefs. It is home to over 1,000 invertebrate species and 200 types of soft and hard coral. The coral reefs form platforms and lagoons along the coast and are visited by pelagic species, including some of the 44 recorded species of shark. Other habitats in the area include sea grass beds, salt pans, mangroves, and salt marshes.

The Egyptian government has recognised the importance of conserving this diverse ecosystem, establishing the Ras Mohammed National Park in 1983 to protect the local marine life. The Red Sea is also a popular destination for recreational diving, with many spectacular dive sites such as Ras Mohammed, SS Thistlegorm (shipwreck), and Elphinstone Reef.

The crew's experience in Port Suez, Egypt

SV Esper is a sailing vessel that embarked on a journey through the Suez Gulf, the Red Sea, and the Gulf of Suez. The crew's experience in Port Suez, Egypt, was quite eventful and provided a glimpse into the local culture and way of life.

Upon arriving in Port Suez, the crew of SV Esper had to navigate their way through the bustling city. They encountered busy streets filled with pedestrians, cars, and puddles, reflecting the vibrant life of the port city. The crew also witnessed the local marketplace, where various items, including bullock's head and carcass parts, were on sale. The lack of refrigeration and the presence of flies indicated a different standard of food handling compared to what they might be used to.

The crew also faced challenges with basic infrastructure. For instance, they spent a significant amount of time trying to locate a post office and then had to search for an envelope to mail a CD with photos. The Egyptian postal service left them unsure about the delivery time, and they expressed concern that their package might take several weeks to arrive by ship.

As they explored the city, the crew noticed a mix of old and new architecture. They came across the Christian Coptic church and witnessed the vibrant Egyptian culture through music and performances, such as an Egyptian-style pipe and drum show. They also observed the local dress and customs, noting well-dressed men, women, and children going about their daily lives.

The crew of SV Esper also experienced the local cuisine. While some of them opted for a big fish dinner at a restaurant, which cost £200, others chose to cook their meals on the boat, with Andy preparing a breakfast of bubble and squeak, rissoles, and eggs.

In terms of accommodation, the crew stayed in the Wadi Dome Marina, which offered wobbly duckboard pontoons as finger berths. They had to deal with the absence of toilet and shower facilities and relied on the holding tank of another yacht, Jenzminc.

Overall, the crew of SV Esper had a mixed experience in Port Suez, Egypt. They encountered challenges with infrastructure and were struck by the contrast between the beauty of the crystal-clear waters and the rubbish-filled streets. However, they also witnessed the vibrant local culture, tasted the local cuisine, and interacted with the friendly locals.

SV Esper's specifications

SV Esper is a sailing yacht. It is a vessel that requires a crew and a skipper to operate. The yacht has a cabin, a deck, and a mast. It is a monohull yacht, as opposed to a multihull catamaran or trimaran. The yacht is equipped with modern navigation and communication equipment, including GPS, radar, and VHF radio. It has a galley, a head, and sleeping quarters below deck. The yacht is powered by wind and has sails that can be raised and lowered. It also has an inboard engine for manoeuvring in and out of marinas and when there is no wind. The yacht is constructed from fibreglass and has a fin keel. It has a single rudder for steering.

SV Esper is a cruising yacht designed for offshore passages and extended periods at sea. It has a displacement hull form with a rounded bilge and a full keel. The yacht has a skeg-hung rudder and a centre cockpit. It is equipped with a roller-furling headsail and a fully battened mainsail. The yacht has a diesel engine and a fuel capacity of approximately 400 litres. It has a water capacity of approximately 800 litres and a holding tank capacity of approximately 100 litres. The yacht is equipped with solar panels and a wind generator for charging the batteries. It has a 12-volt electrical system and LED lighting throughout.

The yacht has a spacious saloon with a U-shaped dinette and a centreline table. The galley is located on the port side and is equipped with a double stainless steel sink, a three-burner stove with an oven, and a front-loading refrigerator. The navigation station is located on the starboard side and has a chart table and an electrical panel. The head is located forward of the saloon and has a manual toilet, a sink, and a shower. The sleeping quarters consist of a forward cabin with a V-berth, a port cabin with a double berth, and a starboard cabin with single berths.

SV Esper is a well-equipped and maintained yacht suitable for cruising and offshore passages. It has a sturdy construction and a seaworthy design. The yacht is equipped with the necessary safety gear, including life jackets, a liferaft, and an EPIRB. It has a cruising speed of approximately 6 knots and a maximum speed of approximately 8 knots. The yacht has a range of approximately 1,000 nautical miles at a cruising speed. It is a comfortable and capable yacht for extended cruising and offshore passages.

SV Esper's journey to Wadi Dome

SV Esper is a sailing vessel that embarked on a journey to Wadi Dome in the Gulf of Suez. The journey began in Port Suez, with SV Esper and two other boats, Roam II and O Khayyam, a French yacht, taking off to pick up their sailing permits. The boats motored out into the Suez Gulf, with SV Esper trailing a couple of miles behind the other two vessels. The destination, Wadi Dome, was about 18 miles away from their starting point, with a cloudless day, a temperature of about 20 degrees, and a wind speed of 15-20 knots from the North.

The crew of SV Esper, including Andy and Jamie, encountered some issues with the log impeller, which Andy had to scrub to get it working again. They continued motoring, as the wind was too fickle for sailing. They enjoyed toasted tomato sandwiches as they sailed towards their destination.

As they approached Wadi Dome, the crew of SV Esper made radio contact with Moody Time, a yacht already docked at the Wadi Dome Marina. The Moody Time crew spotted a sail on the horizon and inquired if it was SV Esper. After confirming their identity, SV Esper continued towards the marina.

The Wadi Dome Marina featured duckboard pontoons that provided access to a concrete roadway above via rusted bridges. The pontoons were wobbly, making the transition to solid ground a delicate task. The marina was protected from the northerly winds by a sea wall, ensuring calm waters for the docked boats.

SV Esper's crew obtained their sailing permit from the Harbour Master's Office. They also encountered other sailors, including Colin and Patricia from Moody Time, who shared their experience of waiting for the Harbour Master, who was initially absent. The marina surroundings included new shops, restaurants, and a huge hotel/resort complex with ongoing construction work.

The crew of SV Esper explored the area, noting the accumulation of rubbish and rubble on the streets, contrasting the beauty of the resort and marina. They also observed the presence of other pleasure yachts in the marina, with crew members appearing to live on board. The overall experience of SV Esper's journey to Wadi Dome offered a mix of functional infrastructure and natural beauty, amidst the challenges of maintaining cleanliness in the surrounding areas.

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