Durban Harbour

Yacht Basin, Esplanade, Durban
P O Box 1734, Durban, 4000
Tel: 031-301 2176 Fax: 031-305 4514
Cell: 082-451 5867, Radio Channel 16

DURBAN MARINA

Durban Marina, whose contact details are set out above, operates the International & Visitor's Jetty and the walk-on Moorings. The Marina is situated in the heart of the city, within walking distance of all the amenities a visitor may require. A listening watch is kept on Channel 16 during office hours. Please report to the Marina Office on arrival, and complete the necessary formalities for you stay in Durban. The Marina Office will advise Portnet's Small Craft Control Department of your arrival and will assist you with immigration and custom formalities.

Marina Charges are:

International & Visitor's Jetty

- Monohulls R2,60 per metre per day (January 2002)
- Multihulls R4.50 per metre per day (January 2002)

Walk-on moorings are available to rent on a daily, weekly or monthly basis.

All charges are inclusive of water usage.

There is security in force on the Marina, and keys to the security gates may be obtained from the Marina Office against a nominal key deposit. If you are leaving your yacht unattended for any length of time, please let the Marina Office know and make sure they, or someone else, has a key available in the event of an emergency.

ROYAL NATAL YACHT CLUB.
Showers, toilets, bars, ice, restaurants and take-away, library, function room, swimming pool, mail held by arrangement. Temporary free membership period, thereafter visiting membership. Visitors are very welcome at this friendly yacht club.
Tel: (0)31 301 5425, Fax: (0)31 307 2590

POINT YACHT CLUB.
Showers, toilets, bars, restaurant, lounge, function room, mail held by arrangement, fax facilities. Temporary free membership for visitors. Workshop, slipping up to 12 tonnes - ask at the club. Visitors welcome.
Tel: (0)31 301 4787. Fax: (0)31 305 1234

BLUFF YACHT CLUB.
A family orientated club situated at the south end of the harbour on the Silt Canal. A limited number of chain moorings are available. A canteen is available, operational hours being 08h00 - 16h30 each day except Friday when the hours are 08h00 - 14h00 and 16h00 till late for the seafood evening. Braais are held on Wednesday and Saturday evenings.

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A few excerpts from the free booklet "Welcome to Durban - a sailors guide". Available from Cruising Connections.

DURBAN:
Introduction: Durban is probably the best port in South Africa to get boat work done, obtain marine supplies, charts, spares, re-stock the galley and in fact almost anything one could desire.

The yacht basin and 'International Jetty' are situated right in the heart of the city with Victoria Embankment and Fenton Road (South Africa's Sailing Lane) containing many of the marine shops, interesting restaurants and food stores to tempt you. These are the first two streets that you will came across.

Welcome:
Durban is the Sunshine City of South Africa, the Rainbow Nation. There are few places in the world where you can get off your boat, walk across a road and be in the city. Add to this a clean harbour, mild climate, friendly people and moorings placed so that the city does not intrude. No wonder Durban has become a favourite stopover for yachts from all over the world.

Durban is spread around a broad lagoon , which is well protected from the prevalent NE and SW winds. The harbour, entered by a narrow channel has a long history dating back to 1497.

It is a major tourist city with hotels, restaurants and entertainment catering for every taste. It is a great place to relax, refit and provision.

Durban's climate is sub-tropical throughout the year with high humidity levels at certain times and you will find that most restaurants and hotels permit casual wear with the exception of those that are very upmarket. Most yacht marinas are secure, however as with anywhere in the world being seen as a tourist makes a traveller vulnerable.

Follow these basic precautions to ensure your visit is a trouble free one.
Never pull out your passport or money in a public place;
Avoid displays of jewellery, cameras and other valuables.
It is not advisable to carry large sums of money.
Steer clear of dark and isolated areas at night.
Stay in groups and stick to well lit and busy streets.