Charts: SAN 120, 119, or SAN 56 or BA 2083, 2082

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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, i.e. Cape Agulhas, Quoin Point, Danger Point, Cape Hangklip, Cape Point, Olifantsbos, Slangkop, Duikerpoint (north of Hout Bay), Seapoint.

Many of these are invisable in fine 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. (see "Southern African Cruising Notes" for full details).

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 (prevalent 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 on. 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.

Note: The course from Cape Point to Table Bay in a fresh to strong southeasterly 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 Cape Grace Hotel.

To get in you have to call V & A Control (VHF Ch 71) for the Bascule Bridge to be lifted.

For full details, list of dangers, lights, harbour approach, photos, etc., as well as details on False Bay, Hout Bay, and Cape Town see "Southern African Cruising Notes" by Tony Herrick http://www.cruiser.co.za/tony.asp