KNYSNA YACHT CLUB

Harbour Authority

The Knysna Estuary is a proclaimed National Park and it is presently managed by the South African Parks Board. The applicable boating regulations are available from the Parks Board offices situated at Thesen's Jetty, Knysna. The small craft harbour is an entirely separate commercial venture managed by Knysna Quays. (Harbour Master - Mr Geoff Marks; telephone 044-382 7781)

Approach & Radio Procedure

The best time to enter is 1 hour before high tide. At low tide the water depth over the bars, is sufficient for boats with draughts of 1,8 - 2,0m only. If there is no swell or white water it is possible to enter on a flood tide. On approaching Knysna Heads, a visiting yacht should make VHF radio contact with Knysna Radio (c/s "KNYSNA BASE"). Mr Henk Busse is on duty day & night.

Entry under sail is not advisable. A safe entry point is 34°0545S and 23°03 57E (Chart SAN 1021). The water depth at this point is 20m MSL.

The course to follow is indicated by leading lights - flashing red light, atop a mast on Leisure Island and a lower flashing white light atop the white rock beacon on the Starboard shoreline.

The course bearing to approach is 006°(T). It is important not to deviate from this line even when in very close proximity to rocks on the Port side.

When well into the entrance aim for a point roughly 30m to the West of the front leading white rock beacon. Turn to Port and follow the Porthand shoreline.

Floating mid-channel marker buoys (red and white stripes) are installed in the navigable main channel and it is best to follow these closely.

Maintain this course until abreast of the microwave tower on top of the hill on Portside, then turn to Starboard and keep to the leading marks on the hillside below the microwave tower (red light and white light on white poles).

Proceed northwards, past Thesen's Jetty, to the Knysna Yacht Club. C Tie up at the club's floating jetty and report to the Manager.

Customs & Immigration

None

Port Facilities

None.