 She sailed from Simon 's Bay at 06 : 00 on 25 February 1852 with between 630 and 643 men , women and children aboard , the exact number being in some doubt . In order to make the best possible speed , Captain Salmond decided to hug the South African coast , setting a course that was generally within 3 miles ( 4 @.@ 8 km ) of the shore . Using her paddle wheels , she maintained a steady speed of 8 @.@ 5 knots ( 15 @.@ 7 km / h ) . The sea was calm and the night was clear as she left False Bay and headed east . 
