Off The Cape.

All went well until the ship passed the "pitch of the Cape" on July 4th, when she met with a strong north-east gale which gradually increased in violence, causing the ship to take on board heavy seas which smashed the skylights and carried away the poop rail on the starboard side. The gale continued with great fury, and everything movable on deck was swept away. During the height of the storm the ship laboured heavily, and it was found necessary to lash the men to the wheel in order to keep the ship steady, while oil bags were constantly kept out both fore and aft.

The seas were now terrific, breaking over the ship, washing out all the petty officers' compartments, sweeping the galley and forecastle and doing great damage everywhere. All the skylights, poop rails, topgallant rails and bulwarks were swept overboard. The force of the gale nearly swept two officers and two men overboard, together with the man at the wheel. As there was no appearance of the storm abating Captain Fox decided to heave the ship to the wind, a feat of great difficulty. This, however, was successfully accomplished, and with the aid of a plentiful supply of oil the effects of the sea were slightly moderated. The crew now urged Captain Fox to make for port, as they considered the ship was not in a fit state to proceed. Captain Fox then made for Algoa Bay, which was reached on July 9th.

After repairing damages she sailed again on September 18, and met with west and south-west winds across the Southern Ocean. After passing Cape Leeuwin the ship again encountered severe south-east gales. She passed the Snares on November 3, and Cape Saunders on November 6th.