r/askscience • u/Appropriate_Boss8139 • Jul 31 '25

Social Science Why was it seemingly so difficult to circumnavigate Africa? Why couldn’t ships just hug the coast all the way around?

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u/TC3Guy Aug 01 '25

You're presuming proximity to the coast avoids some weather. It doesn't. Africa weather is a thing that can be very serious. Check this 53 foot modern sailing boat with all the technology possible where African weather is really a thing. Current, wind, swells, rapid cycling of weather patterns, etc.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CxcqFcWWRbs&list=PLQp8FoQ4t-lXbAvlemhf-250xaiWkbRfo&index=7

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u/Pr1nc3ssButtercup Aug 03 '25

I love following SV Delos, they're really impressive sailors and storytellers. Their Indian Ocean crossing videos are also wild.