Charts SAN 125, 124, 123, or SAN 57 or BA 2085, 2084
BUY
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Distance: 175 miles

The two areas to be avoided after exiting the Port are Dispatch Rocks, (keep to seaward side), and Cape Recife. Dangerous reefs, rocks and wrecks litter the area to almost 2 miles seaward in all directions.

Care should be taken to avoid being caught in an inshore flow of current into Shelly Bay and all bays further westward.

Between rocky Cape Recife and Cape St Francis, the coastline flattens out to wide sandy shores, To the north the mountains provide a prominent backdrop.

Westwards to Mossel Bay, the narrow strip of coastal plain, is backed by a series of mountain ranges. Wide sandy bays are separated by rocky headlands, off which submerged reefs extend often 2 miles offshore.

Between Knysna and Mossel Bay vessels are advised to keep at least 2 and a half miles seaward of a rocky foul area.

The winds tend to follow the coastline. Ports of possible anchorages:

1) Port St Francis
40 Miles west of Port Elizabeth is a residential Marina development on the NE side of Cape St Francis. Visiting yachts are welcome. Prior reservation is urged as there is limited space. Contact the Harbour Master on VHF Ch.16 - refer chart SAN SC 9. There is reported to be good anchoring in sand in the vicinity of the marina, but NOT in strong easterly winds.

2) Plettenberg Bay (chart SAN 1022) BUY
This bay offers good anchorage in sand, except in Southeast gales. Landing through surf is often difficult. On the rocks of Beacon Island ia a modern Hotel of the same name.

3) Knysna Lagoon (chart SAN 1021) BUY
Knysna is considered to be one of the most relaxing and beautiful ports of call on the Southern Cape coast. The entry is made between the Eastern and Western heads, two steep and rocky headlands.
Emu Rock with a least depth of 1.2m over it and over which the sea does not always break, lies near the centre of the entrance. The chart is essential.
Favour the south side of the entrance. DO NOT attempt to enter through Knysna Heads in flood or ebb tide as the current can run up to 7 knots.
One hour before high tide is the best time.
DO NOT attempt to enter after a strong southwesterly blow, when heavy ground swells prevail, as these swells will break across the entrance.
Whilst in Port Elizabeth, phone the National Sea Rescue Institute, or Harbour Master (see contact numbers section on page 14) to assess conditions.
Often if the NSRI knows of your coming the may send a boat out to guide you through.
Before entering, daylight only, call up on VHF Ch.16.

An extract from a letter written by the Knysna Yacht Club re approach (written 1999).

"A safe entry point is 34deg 05'45S and 23deg 03'57E. The water depth at this point is 20m. The leading line takes a yacht on a course of 006deg true, and it is important not to deviate from this line, even when in close proximity to rocks on the portside. When well into the entrance, aim for a point roughly 30 metres to the west of the front leading light beacon. Turn to port and follow the porthand shoreline. It is best to follow the mid channel markers (red and white stripes) closely. Keep this course until abreast of the microwave tower on top of the hill (portside), then turn to starboard and keep to the leading marks on the hillside below the tower. This course leads to Thesens Jetty. Carry on northwards to the yacht club, tie up to the club's floating jetty and report to the manager."
There is a commercial marina just off the yacht club.

4) Mossel Bay (chart SAN 1020) BUY
Mossel Bay is an attractive town with a small fishing harbour. Within the harbour is a small yacht marina.
Entry is difficult in late afternoon as one is looking towards the setting sun. If entering in a strong to gale force southerly, steer well clear of the East Breakwater, as SE swell surges towards the breakwater. If the swell is big, and breaks occasionally, the advice is to ride the crest of the wave.
Before entering call on VHF Ch.16.
There are also steel mooring buoys maintained by the yacht club outside the starboard entrance to the harbour. Anchoring in sand near these buoys is reported to be excellent.

THE AGULHAS CURRENT (for this section)

This current flows roughly WSW parallel to the coast. The strongest flow is close to the 200m line. The flow in the north often results in inshore sets into bays, which may be strong, usually heralding the advent of a SW buster. (See Abnormal Waves section).

Westward of long. 24deg.E, the Agulhas Current continues in a generally westward direction spreading out over the Agulhas Bank, and weakening to a rate of up to 1 knot. The north edge of this current has a tendency to set towards the land, increasing during and after gales, constitutes a dangerous element in the navigation of this stretch of coast. An inshore easterly counter current may be experienced anything up to six miles offshore.

For full list of dangers, lights, harbour approaches, photos, etc., see "Southern African Cruising Notes" by Tony Herrick http://www.cruiser.co.za/tony.asp