Info for Visitors

Approach and Radio

Hout Bay Harbour Entrance Is At S34 03.070 E18 20.983.

Radio:

Hout Bay Harbour does not maintain a dedicated radio watch. The HBYC Marina Manager might be contactable on CH-71 (Call sign Hout Bay Marina). Alternatively, you could try contacting yachts in the marina for any advice regarding your approach and mooring – try calling “Yachts in Hout Bay Marina” on CH-71. The Marina Manager can also be contacted on +27 82 577 7735. The local National Sea Rescue base (located in the Hout Bay Harbour can be reached on +27 82 990 5964. HBYC office number: +27 21 790 3110 (not always manned).

Approach: (read in conjunction with pictures below)

A safe approach at night or in mist should proceed via the following waypoints:

HB-3 (entrance to the bay) at S34 04.106 E18 21.016
HB-2 (centre of the bay) at S34 03.207 E18 21.332
HB-1 (port turn to harbour approach) S34 02.973 E18 21.198
HBentrance (harbour entrance) at S34 03.070 E18 20.983

Notes: Vessels approaching from the North should give the mainland a wide berth past “Oude Schip” due to many submerged rocks in this area. All Vessels should note the presence of Vulcan Rock, a large semi-submerged rock in the Northern approach.

This can not always be seen. Vulcan Rock is located at S34 03.967 E18 18.582

Vessels approaching from the South should give Kommetjie a wide berth due to large waves in this area at times.

In strong winds it is safe to enter the harbour and then drop sails, engine assistance however is required.

On Arrival Proceed to your allocated mooring as arranged with Marina Manager (see Marina plan). If in doubt about mooring number, tie up in vacant berth on the South Side of the Southern Walk-on jetty and contact marina manager at earliest opportunity. All yachts must sign their vessel in and out in the yacht club register at the Marina shed.

Hout Bay does not have an emergency buoy for tying up on.

HBYC Marina can accommodate yachts up to 54′ LOA.

Useful Information

HBYC Marina Can Accommodate Yachts Up To 54′ LOA.

HBYC welcomes visiting yachts, and frequently enjoys visitors from all parts of the globe. Hout Bay is a wonderfully scenic bay, with good facilities, beaches, shops etc. It is an excellent stopover whether you are circumnavigating or simply cruising the Cape Coastline. The marina is well serviced and affordable, Walk-on moorings include 220v shore power, clean fresh water and refuse removal. Security is generally very good, and the marina is always a happy place! Newly renovated showers and toilet facilities are located on the ground floor at the back of the club house.

The Hout Bay village has many good restaurants and shops within easy walking distance, and is an easy 30 minute drive from central Cape Town. The village usually has several Uber drivers on standby and MiCity buses run frequently from Hout Bay to Cape Town (tickets can be purchased at the Caltex Petrol Station or the Hout Bay Super Spar shop in the village).

Formalities for International Yachts Arriving

If Cape town is the first arrival port in South Africa, yachts must check in with Customs, Immigration and Port Captain at Cape Town Harbour. The Skipper must report to the Customs Office within 24 hours of arrival. Customs are at the main gate of Cape Town Harbour and the Immigration office is in Room 535, 5th Floor, Customs & Excise Building, (outside the Adderley Street Customs Gate) Adderley Street. Cape Town.

When departing from South Africa for a foreign destination, skippers must clear with the following;

The yacht club, where they will receive a clearance certificate.
Immigration (as above)
The Harbour Revenue Office, Ben Schoeman Dock
And finally at Customs at the main gate where the yacht club clearance certificate is required.

Link to Noonsite for info on Hout Bay: www.noonsite.com/Countries/SouthAfrica/HoutBay.