Simon's Town

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Revision as of 21:53, 14 May 2016

Simonstown & False Bay Cruising Guide

A cruising guide for yachts sailing to Simonstown, False Bay.

Simonstown, False Bay, South Africa

GPS: 34°11.45′S, 18°25.99′E
Gallery: Panoramio

Background

Situated on the Western side of False Bay, Simon's Town owes its existence to Simon van der Stel the Dutch Governor of the Cape Colony from 1677 until 1699. The sheltered bay was discovered and surveyed by the Governor in 1687 and recommended as a safe winter anchorage for the ships of the Dutch East India Company. It was only in 1741 that the Company implemented the Governors recommendation and Simon's Town was proclaimed.

When the British first took the Cape in 1795, their ships also found refuge in Simon's Bay from the severe winter storms that known to cause havoc with ships at anchor in Table Bay.

Simon's Town, with its long association with the naval forces of the Dutch East India Company, the Royal Navy and the South African Navy, has evolved into a unique and quaint village which offers the modern day visitor friendly hospitality and old world charm.

Charts

• S.A.N 1017 - Simons Town
• S.A.N 1016 - False Bay

Navigation

Details?

Communication

Also see World Cruiser's Nets

• SA Maritime Net: The South African Maritime Net operates 7 days a week, and provides weather reports from around the coast, and maintains contact with boats off the coast of South Africa and up into the Mozambique channel. There are two regular schedule times as follows:
  • 06:30 UTC: Starts on 14316 kHz for 5-10 minutes, and then moves to 7,120 kHz.
  • 11:30 UTC: Starts on 14316 kHz for approx. 30 mins and then moves down to 7,120 kHz.

Check-in facilities

False Bay Yacht Club (FBYC) lies within the South Africa's primary Naval Port of Simon's Town, which comprises the waters enclosed between the coastline and a line from Oatlands Point Beacon to Roman Rock Light house extended to Elsies Bay Beacon [SAN Chart 1017 refers] and includes the East Dockyard [the harbour] and the West Dockyard. It is under the control of the Flag Officer Commanding Naval Base Simon's Town who has delegated the Naval Harbour Master [NHM] to be the operating authority.

Vessels not registered through FBYC must obtain permission from the NHM to enter the Naval Port. The NHM, callsign "BULLNOSE", VHF Channel 17.

Arrangements may be made in advance through the Secretary of FBYC on telephone +27 21 786 1703.

A courtesy swing mooring is available for visitors to pick up as an emergency overnight mooring in bad weather.

GPS - S 34º 11.323', E 18º 25.966'

In an EMERGENCY contact John Leslie +27 82 351 8099.

Marinas

False Bay Yacht Club

• False Bay Yacht Club. Telephone: +27 21 786 1703, Email
  The False Bay Yacht Club was founded in 1958 and moved into its present modern clubhouse in 1984. The club is situated centrally in Simon's Town and within walking distance of most amenities. Visitors are welcome and can be accommodated on either swing moorings or the walk-on marinas. False Bay Yacht Club is becoming a cruisers' favourite due to the picturesque setting and very friendly members. False Bay is an ideal sailing Bay, although beware of the summer South Easters.copyright FBYC
  • Total of 220 berths Maximum length: 15 metres
  • Five visitors berths can accommodate large boats with a maximum weight of 18 tons & 22 metres LOA
  • Electricity: 220v and 50Hz
  • Fresh water
  • 24 hour CCTV security
  • Hard standing area with a capacity of 10 - 15 boats
  • Sling-lift carrier with a lifting capacity of 16 tons
  • 24 Hour Electronic Security system

Anchorages

List details of all safe anchorages in the area.

Routes to/from Simonstown

Popular routes, timing, etc.

Tourism & things to do ashore

List places of interest, tours, eateries, etc.

Marine stores

Submit addresses and contact details of marine related businesses that are of interest to cruisers.

Offshore Islands

List Islands

References & Publications

Publications, Guides, etc.

Friends

Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.

Forum Discussions

List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)

Links

Comments

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