She sailed from Simon's Bay at 18:00 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 of the shore. Using her paddle wheels, she maintained a steady speed of . The sea was calm and the night was clear as she left False Bay and headed east.