Charts SAN 127, 126 or SAN 58 or BA 2085
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(Click on the SAN Marine Charts and Books
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Distance = 134 miles.

The coastline runs roughly SW in the North to almost westerly closer to Port Elizabeth.

In the northern area the beach is mostly sandy, backed by high ground, with rounded, grassy hills.

The coastline is rugged in areas with grassy plains intersected by ravines further south.

The shores of Algoa Bay, between Woody Cape and Cape Recife is flatter and generally sandy.

The city of Port Elizabeth lies at the western end of the bay. A number of rivers are open to the sea and, after rain, or when the rivers are in spate, a strong current carries topsoil some distance seaward.

It is suggested that boats heading for Port Elizabeth keep to the seaward side of Bird Island and surrounding rocks, at least a 2 mile berth should be given.

Note also the rocky foul ground, Ry Bank, 10 miles east of Cape Recife and Dispatch Rock 2 miles offshore between Cape Recife and Port Elizabeth.

The positions of these three DANGERS are:

Bird Island ...................... 33 deg 50' S; 26 deg 17' E
Riy Bank ......................... 34 deg 00' S; 25 deg 52' E
Dispatch/Roman Rock ....... 33 deg 59' S; 25 deg 42' E

Note on Bird Islands: Approx. 33 miles ENE of Port Elizabeth (chart SAN 1025, or BA 2085) there are three recognised anchorages in the vicinity of these islands, but all would be considered unsafe in severe weather. Great care should be taken in the approach to this group, as there are many surrounding rocks.

The best anchorage in the group, to offer shelter in SW winds, is in Stag Bay, to the east of the group. It is clearly marked on the chart.

For the FULL list of DANGERS see "Southern African Cruising Notes".

Note: "Port Alfred" is NOT a deepwater port and is considered an unsafe anchorage in almost any condition. However, there is a marina development in the river mouth, but the bar is shallow and the entrance is fringed with reefs. The bar can only be negotiated by shallow draft boats, and then only in ideal conditions. Latest information should be sought via VHF, before attempting to enter.

THE AGULHAS CURRENT (for this section)

As in previous sections, the greatest strength of the current is close to the edge of the continental (200m), which increases in distance offshore, from 13 miles south of East London, to between 12 and 25 miles in the south.

As the distance offshore increases, the current decreases somewhat.

Off Port Elizabeth, the westerly current drops to a few knots. Closer inshore a counter current, mainly following the coastline is more pronounced, especially in the Algoa Bay area.

Yachts on the southbound run, would normally keep in the current but when a fresh NE wind is blowing and the barometer is falling, the probability exists that a fresh to strong SW wind is on it's way and a move closer inshore would be prudent. (See separate section on Abnormal Waves).

For entry details for Port Elizabeth, photos, lights, etc., see "Southern African Cruising Notes" by Tony Herrick http://www.cruiser.co.za/tony.asp