CAPE AGULHAS TO CAPE TOWN

CHARTS: SAN 120, 119, or SAN 56 or BA 2083, 2082
DISTANCE: 125 miles.

The coastline around Cape Agulhas is low, with occasional small coastal ranges, increasing in height towards Danger Point and Cape Hangklip. The shoreline is mostly rocky with low reefs or rocks extending more than one mile to seaward, off most of the major headlands, viz., Cape Agulhas, Quoin Point, Danger Point, Cape Hangklip, Cape Point, Olifantsbos, Slangkop, Duikerpunt (North of Hout Bay) and Seapoint. Many of these are invisible in fine weather, but break badly in rough weather. Keep well clear of the southwesterly reefs and 'Bellows Rock' off Cape Point, as well as the coastline north of Hout Bay to Green Point.

West of Cape Agulhas there are a few harbours and anchorages that may provide shelter. (Noted below)

A point to remember! ... Because of the topography of Table Mountain, the Cape Flats and the Hottentots Holland Mountains ... if a strong southeaster is blowing (and this is the prevalent wind in the summer season), there is a funnel effect over the Flats from False Bay out across Table Bay. Winds can quickly get up to over 40 knots. The best advice is to hug the coast as close as one can from Green Point onwards. As soon as the rocks off Hout Bay are passed, and 'Green Point' light comes into view, start closing the coast and pass Green Point light at a safe distance off.

There are a number of small fishing harbours on the coast westward of Cape Agulhas, and there is considerable fishing activity from vessels offshore.

Harbours and possible anchorages:

• East of Danger Point is a possible anchorage, often used by fishing vessels in strong southerly gales. Note the islands and rocks to the east. The position is shown on chart SAN 120 and BA 2083. 
• Gansbaai, north of Danger Point, is a busy fishing craft harbour and could provide shelter. The approaches to Gansbaai are fraught with dangers, and local advice via VHF radio from either a fishing vessel or Fisheries Control should be sought before entry. However, in strong southerly gales this would not be recommended. (Chart SAN 120).
• Hermanus, in Walker Bay, another busy fishing harbour, tries to discourage yachts, except in emergencies, as in storms there is a heavy surge. The harbour is situated at the SW end of the town, and the 286 metre South Breakwater encloses the small harbour. Advice via VHF radio should be sought before entry. See photo on following page.
• Pringle Bay, north of Cape Hangklip, is an anchorage also used by fishing craft to ride out storms. 
• Hout Bay, a harbour run by the department of Seafisheries has a yacht marina, an active yacht club and welcomes visitors. (See chart SAN 1015). 

False Bay, Hout Bay and Cape Town follow below.

LIST OF DANGERS:
(Mostly more than 1 mile offshore)

MAJOR LIGHTS:

FALSE BAY
Charts SAN 1016 or BA 636

The foregoing section was written for those not intending to enter False Bay, but to round Cape Point and head north. However, a rather delightful stopover exists in False Bay - the False Bay Yacht Club. After rounding Cape Hangklip, an almost direct approach can be made for Simons Bay. However, there are two main dangers within the Bay, Whittle Rock and Roman Rocks, as well as a number of dangers closer to the South African Naval dockyard (see 'dangers' section). There is also a marina in Gordons Bay in the northeast of False Bay.

Roman Rocks Light

LIST OF DANGERS: 

MAJOR LIGHTS:

Simonstown

Simons Bay. All berthing space comes under the control of the SA Navy and administered through the False Bay Yacht Club.

False Bay Yacht Club occupies the area to the south and west of the East Dockyard's west breakwater. The club operates a slipway and a walk-on marina and has recently added a third Pontoon.

HOUT BAY

The harbour of Hout Bay, between Cape Point and Cape Town, is considered by many cruisers to be an ideal stop over. It is the largest fishing port in the Republic, controlled by the Department of Seafisheries. From the south a direct approach can be made to the middle of the bay, from a point about a half mile to seaward of Chapman's Point (note that rocks extend off this point).

A night entry into Hout Bay is not recommended without local knowledge, as the weak breakwater lights are difficult to distinguish against the many other lights. Brightly lit fishing craft are often moored inside the two moles.

Entry into the harbour is between the two 370m long breakwaters, viz., South Mole and North Mole (see "Major Lights"). Be aware of busy periods in the sailings of fishing vessels. Hout Bay harbour master is contacted on VHF Channel 16. The yachting marina is at the northern side of the harbour.

The marina can take vessels up to 15 metres and has water and electricity on pontoons. There is 24 hour security.

The Hout Bay Yacht Club building is outside the harbour and offers most yacht club facilities. Visitors are welcome. It is advised to make an advanced reservation for a berth, especially during the summer cruising season. (See "Useful Contacts"). 

• The course from Cape Point to Table Bay in a fresh strong south easterly wind changes gradually from a broad to a close reach and the strongest winds, off the mountains, are likely to be experienced when one nears the turn into Table Bay, coming hard on the wind. The wind strength can be judged by the clouds pouring off the mountains.

If Cape Point is rounded in these conditions and at such a time of day that would bring you into Table Bay after noon, one would be well advised to make for Hout Bay. Alternatively, you could heave-to, wait, and so time your arrival in Table Bay for dawn when it would be much calmer!

An alternative would be to head for Victoria and Alfred Dock, where there is a new marina next to the Cape Grace Hotel. To get in you have to call V & A Control (VHF Ch 71) for the Bascule Bridge to be lifted. 

 

ARRIVAL AT CAPE TOWN

"The Fairest Cape" - Cape Town.

Cape Town is one of South Africa's oldest settlements and the harbour below Table Mountain is visited by all manner of vessels. A "traffic separation scheme" has been introduced (shown on most charts), and craft are advised to monitor VHF Channel 14, for shipping movements. If one intends to enter or cross a lane, Cape Town Port Control (VHF Ch.14) should be consulted.

On approach to the harbour, radio Cape Town Port Control (VHF Ch. 16) to request permission to enter. The harbour entrance is clear and well lit. Follow a course of about 200º through the outer harbour, turning to port once inside Duncan Dock. The yacht basin (Royal Cape Yacht Club) is in the south easterly corner. Once inside turn to starboard and tie up at the floating fuel dock, to be advised of a mooring. The first two piers at the entrance are reserved for visitors and if unoccupied, may be taken advantage of.

The yacht club can assist with customs and immigration formalities. Facilities at the club include showers, toilets, fuel, ice, bar, restaurant, 24 hour security, small chandlery, etc. A new marina constructed in the rejuvenated Victoria and Alfred Dock also offers berths to visiting yachts. It is advised to enquire in advance regarding space and costs (see 'Useful Contacts'). Cape Town itself is about a 20 minute walk from the RCYC.     

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