With two World Rallies arriving into South African ports during November and December, OSASA is advising sailors to have a Plan B in place, as demand is high in most of the popular ports including Richards Bay and Cape Town.

Published 3 weeks ago

Source: OSASA

Limited Berth Availability

With two large rallies coming in (to South African ports) again this year, it is very important that cruisers have a Plan B in place. As with the 2023/2024 season, significant pressure on berth availability is expected. The demand is expected to be greatest in Cape Town, with several marinas and clubs already fully booked.

The 20+ strong fleet of the World ARC arrives in Richards Bay between the 14th and 20th of November and will depart after a week for Cape Town. They will berth at the V&A Waterfront, and are only expected to leave around the first week of January.

The Oyster World Rally, also with over 20 yachts, will arrive in Durban from around 27 November. After a week, they will also head to Cape Town and are expected to leave in the second week of January. These two rallies alone will flood Cape Town marinas with up to 50 guest vessels!

Alternative locations also face high demand

As alternatives, consider False Bay Yacht Club (Simon’s Town, already under significant booking pressure), Hout Bay Yacht Club (western shore of the Cape peninsula), and Gordon’s Bay (non-OSASA affiliated and tide-restricted) as alternatives. To check out, consider Saldanha Bay as a departure point, instead of the Port of Cape Town.

OSASA have a ports webpage for more information.

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About OSASA

The Ocean Sailing Association of Southern Africa (OSASA) was formed by a group of seasoned ocean cruising yachtsmen during the severe restrictions imposed worldwide during the covid-19 pandemic in 2020, specifically to represent the interests of recreational cruisers sailing around the oceans of Southern Africa and in its coastal waters. OSASA has developed a strong relationship with the South African Government maritime authorities and has become instrumental in facilitating the documentary requirements for DoT by creating the online portal that is now mandatory for Pre-Arrival Authorisation Notification by ALL vessels – both local and foreign – coming in from international waters.
Find out more at https://www.osasa.org.za/

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Related News:

• South Africa:  New Ports of Entry

Related Links:

• Clearance Rules for Entering South Africa
• Customs Rules for Entering South Africa
• Ocean Sailing Association of South Africa (OSASA).

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