Gordons Bay Sailing and Cruising Guide

Gordons Bay Sailing and Cruising Guide.  Gordon’s Bay lies in the northeast corner of False Bay at the base of the Hottentots-Holland Mountains. The town occupies the coast between Strand to the north and the Steenbras and Kogelberg shoreline to the south. Two separate harbours serve fishing vessels, yachts, rescue craft, naval training vessels and local powerboats. The Old Harbour contains Gordon’s Bay Yacht Club, fishing berths, naval facilities and the National Sea Rescue Institute base. Harbour Island lies approximately 0.7 nautical mile northwest of the Old Harbour and operates as a separate marina complex.

False Bay is enclosed by the Cape Peninsula to the west, Cape Hangklip to the southeast and the Strand shoreline to the north. The bay is less than 80 metres deep and contains offshore reefs, shoals and sandbanks that alter swell direction and height. Surface circulation is controlled mainly by wind rather than tide. Long-period southwest swell reaches the eastern side of the bay after refraction across the entrance and Rocky Bank. Gordon’s Bay remains affected by swell, sand movement and mountain-generated wind changes despite its position inside False Bay.

Gordons Bay Sailing and Cruising Guide - History

The Gordon’s Bay coast was occupied before European settlement by Khoekhoe communities using fish, shellfish, grazing land and fresh water from the mountain streams. Shell middens, stone tools and occupation remains occur along the False Bay, Steenbras and Kogelberg shorelines. These sites record repeated use of the coast for food collection and tool production. Archaeological material remains protected under South African heritage law and cannot be removed from beaches, dunes, caves or exposed coastal deposits. There is no public archaeological excavation inside either Gordon’s Bay harbour.

The settlement was first known as Vishoek, meaning Fish Bay, and functioned as a fishing station on the northeast shore of False Bay. It was later named after Robert Jacob Gordon, a Dutch military officer, surveyor and explorer active at the Cape during the eighteenth century. Construction of the Old Harbour began during the late 1930s to provide a protected base for fishing and small craft. Maritime training developed beside the harbour after the establishment of the General Botha shore-based training institution in 1948, followed by the South African Naval College. The stone anchor and letters GB on the mountain above the harbour refer to General Botha and remain a navigation reference when approaching from False Bay.

Gordons Bay Sailing and Cruising Guide - Ocean Currents and Tidal Flow

The Agulhas Current flows southwestward outside False Bay and does not run directly through Gordon’s Bay. Warm-water eddies and coastal intrusions can enter False Bay from the south, but they do not establish a dependable current for passage planning. Surface flow inside the bay changes with wind direction, duration and local topography. South-easterly wind normally establishes clockwise circulation through the main bay, while northwesterly wind can reverse the circulation. A local counter-rotating eddy can form near Gordon’s Bay in the wind shadow of the Hottentots-Holland Mountains.

Tides are regular and semi-diurnal, with two high waters and two low waters during each lunar day. The spring range in False Bay is approximately 1.8–1.9 metres, while the mean neap range is approximately 0.6 metre. Tidal streams in the open bay and at the harbour entrances are weak compared with wind-driven flow and wave-induced drift. Tide height remains critical at the Old Harbour because the entrance and internal basin contain less than 2 metres at mean low water in several areas. A yacht drawing 1.8 metres or more requires a high-water entry window and current confirmation of the entrance depth.

Gordons Bay Sailing and Cruising Guide - Weather

Gordon’s Bay has a winter frontal pattern and a summer high-pressure pattern. Cold fronts cross from west to east between April and September, producing falling pressure, northwesterly wind, rain, a westward wind shift and southwest wind behind the front. The strongest winter effect at Gordon’s Bay is the northwesterly wind blowing across False Bay toward the northeast shore. This wind generates an onshore sea at the harbour entrances and can produce surge inside the Old Harbour. Southwest swell can continue after the local wind has decreased.

Summer weather is controlled by the South Atlantic high-pressure system and repeated southeast wind cycles. Air temperature rises during offshore or berg-wind conditions and falls after the southeast wind becomes established. Low cloud can cover the mountain while the shoreline remains visible, and visibility can then reduce across the bay. Thunderstorms are less frequent at the coast than over the interior but can send gust fronts toward False Bay. Harbour entry decisions must use the sea state outside the breakwaters rather than conditions observed from within the marina.

Gordons Bay Sailing and Cruising Guide - Local Winds

The South-Easter, also called the Cape Doctor, is the main summer wind in False Bay. At Gordon’s Bay it blows from the mountain and shore toward the west or northwest, placing the harbours on the lee side of the Hottentots-Holland range. The water close to the beach can remain flat while stronger wind operates farther offshore. Gusts descend through the mountain valleys and can change direction within the harbour approaches. A black south-easter carries low cloud, rain or reduced visibility and cannot be treated as a dry summer wind event.

The North-Wester is the main winter harbour wind. It blows across the full width of False Bay and generates an onshore sea against the Gordon’s Bay shoreline. A sustained northwest gale can make both harbour entrances unsafe and can load mooring lines inside the Old Harbour. Berg winds arrive from the inland sector before some fronts or coastal lows and produce dry air, increased temperature and reduced visibility from haze or smoke.

Gordons Bay Sailing and Cruising Guide - Approaches

From the west, approach across northern False Bay with Gordon’s Bay and the Hottentots-Holland Mountains ahead. The coast between Macassar, Strand and Gordon’s Bay shoals gradually over sand, with depths reducing across a wide inshore shelf. Remain in water deeper than 10 metres until the selected harbour has been identified and the entrance lights or breakwaters are separated from the shore. Fishing vessels, yachts, rescue craft and small powerboats operate between Strand and the harbour approaches. Do not use the position of another vessel as evidence of sufficient depth because the local fleet includes craft with less draught than an offshore yacht.

From the south, round Cape Hangklip and follow the eastern shore of False Bay north toward Steenbras and Gordon’s Bay. Keep outside the 20-metre contour along the Cape Hangklip, Kogel Bay and Steenbras coast because rock ledges, isolated reefs and breaking ground extend from the shore. Long-period southwest swell is refracted toward this coast and can increase in height between Kogel Bay and the Steenbras River mouth. Rogue crests and reflected waves occur close to the rock shoreline during swell periods exceeding 13 seconds. Turn toward Gordon’s Bay only after clearing the Steenbras coastal dangers and identifying the selected harbour entrance.

Gordons Bay Sailing and Cruising Guide - Navigation

For the Old Harbour, contact the Harbour Master or Gordon’s Bay Yacht Club before committing to the entrance and maintain a watch on VHF Channel 16. The entrance is marked by the red light on the east breakwater and the green light on the west breakwater. Approach on the centreline from seaward, then favour the port side of the usable opening because a sandbank forms on the starboard side. Do not turn, stop or wait between the breakwater heads. Yachts drawing 1.8 metres or more normally avoid entry during the three hours before and after low water, and the actual time must be adjusted for the yacht’s under-keel requirement and current shoaling.

Harbour Island is entered through its own breakwaters approximately 0.7 nautical mile northwest of the Old Harbour. Obtain a berth allocation and current entrance depth from the marina before arrival because the entrance leads directly into private marina water and contains no public waiting berth. Identify the directional light and both breakwater lights before entering, then follow the marked alignment without cutting toward the beach or outer breakwater. Depths can vary with dredging and sand movement, and the marina’s current numerical depth controls over charted or historical data. Maintain manoeuvring speed until clear of the entrance and proceed directly to the assigned berth.

Gordons Bay Sailing and Cruising Guide - Lighthouses and Lights

Gordon’s Bay East Breakwater Light — D6260. The East Breakwater Light stands at approximately 34°09.799′S, 18°51.501′E. It is mounted on a square concrete tower approximately 4 metres high, with a focal height of approximately 5 metres. The structure is white with a red horizontal band. The characteristic is Fl R 2s, displaying one red flash every 2 seconds. It marks the eastern side of the Old Harbour entrance.

Gordon’s Bay West Breakwater Light — D6262.  The West Breakwater Light stands at approximately 34°09.780′S, 18°51.470′E. It is mounted on a square concrete tower approximately 4 metres high, with a focal height of approximately 5 metres. The structure is white with a green horizontal band. The light characteristic is Q G, displaying a quick green light. It marks the western side of the Old Harbour entrance.

Harbour Island Directional Light — D6239. The Harbour Island directional light stands at approximately 34°09.068′S, 18°51.372′E. It defines the marina approach sector and must be used with the current chart and breakwater marks. A directional light can show different colours or sectors when a vessel moves away from the required approach line. Confirm the current sector characteristics from the South African List of Lights before arrival. Do not follow a white sector without confirming that the vessel is approaching the intended Harbour Island channel.

Harbour Island West Breakwater Light — D6240. The west breakwater light stands at approximately 34°09.111′S, 18°51.310′E. It marks the western side of the Harbour Island entrance. The structure must be positively identified because waterfront lighting can obscure the harbour marks after dark. Verify the current light characteristic and operational status from the corrected List of Lights.

Harbour Island East Breakwater Light — D6241. The east breakwater light stands at approximately 34°09.099′S, 18°51.370′E. It marks the eastern side of the Harbour Island entrance. The light is close to the directional light when viewed from offshore, and the two must not be confused. Confirm both positions on radar and the current electronic chart before reducing the distance from the breakwater.

Cape Hangklip Lighthouse — D6280. Cape Hangklip Lighthouse stands at approximately 34°23.2′S, 18°49.66′E and marks the eastern entrance to False Bay. The station entered service in 1960. The tower is approximately 22 metres high, with a focal height of approximately 33 metres. It is painted white with a black horizontal band near the top. The light characteristic is Fl W 10s, displaying one white flash every 10 seconds.

Gordons Bay Sailing and Cruising Guide - Chart Accuracy

Use South African chart SAN 1016, Valsbaai, at approximately 1:50,000 for navigation within False Bay. The chart includes a Gordon’s Bay inset at approximately 1:7,500. SAN 136 covers Table Bay to False Bay at approximately 1:100,000, while SAN 120 covers Cape Point to Cape Agulhas at approximately 1:150,000. Small-craft charts SAN SC4 and SAN SC5 also contain Gordon’s Bay and Harbour Island insets. The harbour insets are required for the final approach.

The fixed breakwaters and shoreline are represented on current official charts, but Old Harbour entrance shoaling can change between surveys. Harbour Island depths can also change after dredging, storms or movement of sand along the northern False Bay shore. Electronic chart accuracy does not establish current under-keel clearance inside either entrance. Satellite imagery can show breakwater geometry but cannot identify depth, suspended sand or a recent dredging limit. Current Harbour Master or marina depth information, corrected charts and the yacht’s sounder control the entry decision.

Gordons Bay Sailing and Cruising Guide - Anchorages

Gordon’s Bay Roadstead. The Gordon’s Bay roadstead lies southwest of the Old Harbour and outside the entrance manoeuvring area. Select a position in approximately 5–8 metres over sand, clear of the harbour approach, Bikini Beach swimming area, moorings and naval operating water. The sand gives secure holding when the anchor reaches clean ground. Patches of weed, rock and debris can prevent full penetration, so the set must be verified under engine load.  The roadstead is protected from east and southeast sea by the Gordon’s Bay shoreline. A strong south-easterly remains an offshore wind and can place sustained load on the ground tackle while driving the yacht away from the coast. West, southwest and northwest winds cross False Bay toward the anchorage and make the position untenable. Long-period southwest swell can enter the area despite light local wind and can create rolling close to the harbour breakwater.

Harbour Island Outer Roadstead. A temporary roadstead position can be taken southwest of Harbour Island in approximately 5–7 metres over sand. Remain outside the directional-light approach, breakwater alignment, beach swimming zones and the route used by marina vessels. Holding is secure in sand where the anchor is clear of weed and discarded ground tackle. The northern shoreline shoals gradually, so adequate swinging room must be retained toward the beach.  This position is exposed to west, southwest and northwest wind. A south-easterly is offshore but can produce gusts that vary in direction around buildings and mountain terrain. The anchorage cannot be used as a waiting position during a winter front or a southwest swell event. Obtain marina instructions by telephone or VHF rather than holding close to the entrance.

Strand Roadstead.  The coast northwest of Harbour Island toward Strand contains sand depths of approximately 5–9 metres outside the swimming and surf zones. The seabed provides secure holding in clean sand. The area has no breakwater protection and remains open across False Bay from west through southwest to south. It is limited to settled conditions with an offshore east or southeast wind and low swell.  The beach shoals over a wide distance and breaking water moves farther offshore during long-period swell. Do not anchor where the yacht can enter a surf line after a wind shift or change of tide height. The area contains swimming zones, sailing dinghies, personal watercraft and nearshore fishing activity. It is not an alternative during conditions that prevent entry to the two harbours.

Old Harbour Basin. Anchoring inside the Old Harbour is prohibited unless directed by the Harbour Master. The basin contains yacht moorings, fishing berths, naval activity, rescue craft and the haul-out route. No open swinging area exists for a visiting yacht. Use only the berth, rafted position or mooring allocated by harbour management.

Harbour Island Basin. Harbour Island is a marina basin and not an anchoring area. Berths are allocated by marina management. Do not anchor in the entrance, fairway, turning space or between private pontoons. A vessel without a confirmed berth must remain outside the harbour.

Gordons Bay Sailing and Cruising Guide - Entry Formalities

Gordon’s Bay is not a South African maritime port of entry. Customs, Immigration, Border Management, Port Health and agricultural inspection are not provided as routine arrival services at either harbour. An international yacht approaching from outside South Africa must obtain pre-arrival authorisation and complete entry clearance at an approved small-craft port before proceeding to Gordon’s Bay. Cape Town is the nearest practical port of entry for a yacht arriving from the Atlantic or approaching False Bay from the west. Mossel Bay can be used on an east-to-west route where clearance attendance has been arranged. Keep AIS transmitting while operating within South African waters unless a safety or official instruction requires otherwise.  No person or undeclared goods may be landed from an uncleared yacht.  The Harbour Master can require proof of clearance, insurance, registration and safety compliance before assigning a berth.

Gordons Bay Sailing and Cruising Guide - Marina Facilities

Gordon’s Bay Old Harbour and Yacht Club. Gordon’s Bay Yacht Club operates within the Old Harbour beside the fishing, naval and rescue facilities. The marina contains approximately 119–120 moorings. The normal maximum yacht length is approximately 12.8–13.1 metres, although acceptance depends on beam, displacement, draught and available berth geometry. Larger vessels cannot assume that a berth can be created by rafting or occupying a commercial quay. Confirm the berth before entering False Bay.

Depth at mean low water is less than 2 metres in parts of the entrance and marina. Yachts drawing 1.8 metres or more normally require a high-water window and avoid the three hours before and after low water. Shoaling occurs on the starboard side of the entrance when entering. The Harbour Master must confirm the current entrance depth and the depth at the assigned berth. A nominal harbour figure does not establish a safe route for a yacht with a deep fin keel.

Water and electrical connections are available at approximately half of the moorings. Connection type and cable length depend on the assigned position. Toilets and showers are available within the club facilities, with access controlled for members and visiting crews. Wi-Fi and clubhouse access are available under current club arrangements. The club is normally closed on Monday, while harbour operations continue independently of the clubhouse schedule.

The haul-out facility uses a cable-operated cradle capable of handling vessels up to approximately 50 tonnes, subject to hull form, dimensions and Harbour Master approval. A crane is available for engines, cargo and limited lifting work.  Haul-out, crane operation and hardstanding are controlled by the harbour authority and require advance booking.

The Old Harbour has no unrestricted chandlery and no public self-service fuel dock. Working quays, naval positions, NSRI access and fishing berths remain outside the yacht club’s recreational allocation. Visiting crews must keep the rescue route and haul-out working area clear. A berth can be withdrawn or changed when harbour operations require the space.

Harbour Island Marina. Harbour Island Marina is a separate enclosed marina northwest of the Old Harbour. Berths are associated with private ownership, residential properties and managed visitor positions. Entry requires advance approval and an allocated berth. Do not enter the basin to look for space because the fairways end among private pontoons and there is no public waiting dock.

Water and electricity are available at equipped berths. Access to toilets, showers, parking, waste facilities and security gates depends on the berth agreement. Shore access passes through managed residential and commercial property rather than a public working harbour. Tender storage, maintenance work and delivery access require approval from marina management.

A dependable public depth figure does not apply to every Harbour Island berth. The entrance, directional-light sector, fairway and allocated berth must each be checked against the yacht’s draught. Obtain a current numerical low-water depth from marina management before accepting a berth. A yacht drawing more than 2 metres must not rely on a charted or historical marina depth without current confirmation.

Alternative Berthing. False Bay Yacht Club at Simon’s Town lies approximately 21–23 nautical miles west across False Bay and provides the main alternative when Gordon’s Bay has no berth or the Old Harbour is too shallow. Simon’s Town access remains subject to naval-port controls and berth availability. Cape Town provides further berthing outside False Bay after rounding the Cape Peninsula. The open Gordon’s Bay and Strand roadsteads do not replace a harbour berth during west, southwest or northwest weather.

Gordons Bay Sailing and Cruising Guide - Provisioning

Supermarkets. Checkers Gordon’s Bay Mall, Woolworths Food Gordon’s Bay and Pick n Pay Gordon’s Bay are the main supermarket outlets serving the two harbours. Checkers and Woolworths are located in the Gordon’s Bay commercial area approximately 2–3 kilometres by road from the Old Harbour. Woolworths Food normally operates from 08:00 to 19:00 daily. Checkers trading commonly extends through the normal daytime and evening shopping period, but the store’s same-day hours must be confirmed for Sundays and public holidays.

Pick n Pay Gordon’s Bay is located near the junction of Faure Marine Drive and Hibiscus Avenue, approximately 3–4 kilometres by road from the Old Harbour and closer to Harbour Island. Published hours are 08:00–20:00 Monday to Thursday, 08:00–21:00 Friday and Saturday, and 08:00–20:00 Sunday. A road vehicle is required for bulk food, bottled water and so on.

Small grocery, bakery and convenience outlets operate in the Gordon’s Bay town area and around Harbour Island. These outlets do not carry a fixed full-line inventory and cannot be treated as replacements for the supermarkets. Deliveries to Harbour Island require access through marina security. Deliveries to the Old Harbour must remain clear of naval, fishing and rescue-vehicle routes.

Markets. A community produce market operates at the Gordon’s Bay Bowling Club on Wednesdays, with a working period of approximately 16:00–18:00. Trading depends on the organiser’s schedule and seasonal supply. Products include vegetables, fruit, eggs, bread, preserves and prepared food from the Helderberg district. Confirm operation before travelling because the market can close during poor weather or outside its current programme.

The Helderberg Farmers Market operates in the Somerset West area, approximately 12–15 kilometres by road from Gordon’s Bay. It normally trades on Wednesday afternoons. Supply includes vegetables, fruit, eggs, bread, cheese, meat products and preserves from producers in the Helderberg and surrounding farming districts. A road vehicle is required.

Gordon’s Bay has no fixed daily municipal produce market. Bulk fresh produce is obtained through the supermarkets, greengrocers in Strand and Somerset West, or direct commercial suppliers. Annual and seasonal markets do not provide a dependable provisioning schedule for a yacht passage.

Fish Markets. No fixed daily public fish market is verified inside the Old Harbour or Harbour Island. Commercial fish landed at the Old Harbour remains under the control of the vessel operator, harbour management and the applicable sale and fisheries requirements. Do not enter a fishing berth, processing area or vessel without permission. 

Retail seafood is available through supermarket fish counters and licensed fish retailers in Gordon’s Bay, Strand and Somerset West. Regional species include snoek; Cape hake, called stokvis in Afrikaans; yellowtail, called geelstert; kob, called kabeljou; geelbek, also called Cape salmon; hottentot seabream; red roman, called rooi roman; and Cape Hope squid, called chokka. Mussels and line fish are also sold when legal supply and cold-chain handling are available.

Gordons Bay Sailing and Cruising Guide - Local Cuisine

Gordon’s Bay food reflects the fishing settlements of False Bay and the Cape cooking traditions of the Western Cape. Snoek braai consists of snoek cooked over coals with salt, butter, lemon or an apricot-based glaze. Hake and slap chips consists of fried hake served with thick-cut chips. Ingelegde vis, or pickled fish, is cooked fish preserved with vinegar, onion, turmeric and spices. Vispotjie is fish or mixed seafood cooked in a cast-iron pot with vegetables and stock.

Yellowtail and kob are grilled, fried or cooked over coals when legal landings are available. Mosselpot consists of mussels cooked with onion, stock, herbs, cream or wine. Chokka is cleaned and prepared as grilled tubes, fried strips or whole squid. 

Cape dishes include bobotie, made from spiced minced meat baked under an egg topping; waterblommetjiebredie, a lamb stew containing waterblommetjies; and denningvleis, a sweet-and-sour meat dish using tamarind or vinegar. Boerewors is seasoned sausage cooked over coals. Roosterkoek is bread cooked on a grill over a fire. Local agricultural supply comes from the Helderberg, Stellenbosch and Somerset West districts and includes grapes, wine, berries, stone fruit, olives, cheese and preserves.

Gordons Bay Sailing and Cruising Guide - Local Beverages

The Helderberg wine area begins inland from Gordon’s Bay around Somerset West. Named producers include Waterkloof, Lourensford and Vergelegen. Their production includes Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and blended wines. Wine is purchased through licensed outlets, supermarkets and the producers. Craft beer from Cape Town and the Helderberg district is stocked by licensed outlets, together with national beers including Castle Lager, Castle Lite, Carling Black Label and Hansa Pilsener. South African spirits include brandy, gin, cane spirit and Amarula cream liqueur.

Gordons Bay Sailing and Cruising Guide - Diesel Fuel Supplies

Neither the Old Harbour nor Harbour Island has a verified unrestricted public self-service diesel berth for visiting yachts. Do not enter either harbour on the assumption that diesel can be pumped directly aboard. Confirm any temporary or contractor-supplied bunkering arrangement before arrival. The Harbour Master or marina manager must approve the transfer location and access route.

Diesel is available from road filling stations in Gordon’s Bay and Strand. Limited quantities can be transported in approved fuel containers, subject to harbour, marina and fire-safety controls. Containers must be sealed, secured and removed from public walkways after transfer. Do not leave fuel on a pontoon, quay or beside a shore-power connection.

Larger quantities require an arranged road delivery or repeated container transfer. Harbour Island access for a road tanker or fuel supplier requires security and marina approval. Old Harbour delivery must not obstruct naval, fishing, haul-out or NSRI operations. Spill-control equipment must be positioned around the deck fill before transfer begins.

South African road diesel is supplied under national specifications, but storage and handling still affect the fuel received aboard. Take a sample from the first transferred fuel and check for free water, sediment and microbial contamination. Use the yacht’s fill strainer and primary water-separating filter. Record the grade and quantity placed in each tank.

Gordons Bay Sailing and Cruising Guide - Water Supplies

Municipal water is available at approximately half of the Old Harbour yacht moorings. Availability depends on the assigned berth, hose reach and condition of the connection point. Confirm that the selected tap is intended for potable water before filling. A harbour tap used for washdown cannot be assumed to have a clean hose or fitting. Harbour Island provides water at equipped marina berths. Private pontoons and residential moorings can have separate supply controls or metering. Obtain permission before connecting or taking a large volume.

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Gordons Bay Sailing and Cruising Guide - Marine Services

The Old Harbour contains a cable-operated haul-out cradle capable of handling vessels up to approximately 50 tonnes. Acceptance depends on hull shape, beam, keel configuration, displacement and cradle geometry. The Harbour Master controls the haul-out operation, crane use and hardstanding allocation. A crane is available for engine removal, cargo handling and limited marine work. The concrete slipway serves trailers and smaller craft. Local contractors undertake general diesel work, electrical repairs, welding, fabrication, rigging and hull maintenance by arrangement. Contractor access remains subject to naval and harbour security controls.  General marine supplies can be sourced in Gordon’s Bay, Strand and Somerset West. Specialised yacht equipment normally comes from Cape Town or Paarden Eiland by road freight.

No verified authorised Volvo Penta, Nanni Diesel, Vetus or Beta Marine inboard-engine agent is based inside Gordon’s Bay. No verified authorised Yanmar agent operates from either harbour. Seascape Marine Services in Paarden Eiland, Cape Town, provides regional Yanmar sales and service. Attendance at Gordon’s Bay requires prior arrangement and travel from Cape Town. No verified authorised Raymarine or B&G service agent is based at Gordon’s Bay. Marine Radio Acoustic Devices operates as a Simrad dealer and service provider in Cape Town.

OSASA - South African Yacht Assistance

The Ocean Sailing Association of Southern Africa (OSASA) came into being during the COVID pandemic crisis where they actively assisted entry to South Africa by cruising yachts into its various ports. It is a non-profit company created to liaise with Maritime officials to facilitate entry to South African ports at the time.  OSASA was assigned by the SA Department of Transport to handle the mandatory pre-arrival authorisation (PAN) for all incoming non-SOLAS yachts, both local and foreign. OSASA services include the following:

• Manage and update the online registration portal for incoming non-SOLAS vessels
• Manage the pre-arrival authorisation (PAN) process with the Department of Transport for incoming small vessels at the Ports of Entry
• Provide up-to-date information for cruising yachts navigating South African ports and coastal waters
• Develop and maintain a good working relationship with SA maritime authorities and port officials, and with local offshore yacht clubs and marinas
• Work with local offshore clubs and marinas to develop and enhance their facilities

Cruising yacht visitors are encouraged to contact OSASA. They are a group of willing and like minded volunteers along the South African coastline and will assist with the needs of cruising yachts. This group is known as the OSASA Port Ambassadors and will assist cruising yachts with anything that may be required. Anything from entry procedures right down to directing you to the nearest dentist or barber and anything in-between. There is a published list on the OSASA website as well as on the Sail to South Africa WhatsApp group of the individual OSASA port Ambassadors. Ports and marinas that are covered are Richards Bay; Durban; East London; Port Elizabeth; Port St. Francis; Knysna; Mossel Bay; Gordon's Bay, False Bay YC (Simon's Town), Hout Bay, Saldanha Bay; Port Owen; Cape Town (V&A Waterfront and Royal Cape YC).

Gordons Bay Sailing and Cruising Guide - Local Etiquette

The Old Harbour is a mixed naval, fishing, rescue and recreational facility. South African Naval College areas, training vessels and naval property remain restricted. Do not enter a naval berth, building, quay or training area without permission. Do not photograph naval personnel, equipment or facilities where a restriction has been given.

NSRI Station 9 requires uninterrupted access to its rescue vessel and launching route. Do not secure a tender, leave equipment or route a cable across the rescue area. Move the yacht or tender immediately when directed during a rescue launch. Fishing vessels and working crews also require access to unloading and maintenance positions.

Harbour Island contains private residential property and private pontoons. A marina berth does not provide access to adjacent homes, boats or jetties. Use the allocated route through security gates and keep deliveries within the approved access period. Do not land a tender on an unallocated pontoon.

English and Afrikaans are the main working languages, with isiXhosa also spoken in the Cape Town metropolitan area. Begin an interaction with a greeting before stating the operational request. Goeie môre means good morning in Afrikaans, and Molo is an isiXhosa greeting to one person. When communicating with harbour management, state the yacht’s name, length, beam, draught and request without informal estimates.

Gordons Bay Sailing and Cruising Guide - Summary

Gordon’s Bay provides two separate harbour systems in the northeast corner of False Bay. The Old Harbour is restricted by entrance shoaling, depths below 2 metres at low water and mixed fishing, naval, rescue and yacht operations. Harbour Island provides separate marina berthing but requires advance allocation and current numerical confirmation of entrance and berth depths. These harbour limits, False Bay weather patterns and service arrangements define the Gordon’s Bay Sailing and Cruising Guide for all you need to know.