Simons Town, South Africa – Jan 2009
We had a possible big window of six days for leaving Port St Francis, but forecasts were conflicting, so again we had plan A, B and C with possible further emergency options. There were two harbours, one of which needs calm weather to enter, and a number of headlands to provide shelter from a SW wind. So off we went, motoring west until the E wind picked up. We picked our way along the coast, and after the protective headlands ran out, we decided we might have enough weather window still to get all the way to Simonstown, our next definite stop (Elaine’s parents were coming to visit us there).We rounded Cape Agulhas, the most southerly point of Africa, on New Year’s Day. The wind was still with us but would be dying out and then turning. Still we managed to sail quite some way further before having to motor across the large False Bay to Simonstown. From Cape Agulhas onwards we saw a great many seals in the sea, with flippers or heads sticking up.
Simonstown Yacht Club Marina had one space only, which was fine although it was the very furthest space, and the pontoon was tipping over. However we got the kids off, and in the next few days discovered Simonstown, and some of the surroundings with the help of some local liveaboards who kindly drove us.
The town is small and is a distant suburb of Cape Town. It is a lot like an English village and seems rather isolated from black South Africa. There are all colours but the feeling is generally very safe. Simonstown has many essentials including a helpful pharmacy, several one-stop Indian shops, restaurants, a craft market in the picturesque seafront square, and various tourist shops. However it has no supermarket or any big name shops. To reach more shops you need either the train, or far better a car to reach the various excellent malls and medical centres etc.
Elaine’s parents arrived a week after we did, and stayed close to the Marina. By this time we had secured a closer spot for our boat. It was the first time they had seen George, and Lisa was now old enough to appreciate Grandma and Grandpa too. Daniel of course was ecstatic. We had a lovely time together, mixing simple company and some more touristy visits to Cape Town during their stay.
At the same time the children all really enjoyed their time at Simonstown Yacht Club, which is frequented by many boating kids and has a play area and swimming steps to the clear sea. We really recommend this club for anybody but especially for families. The only thing lacking was washing machines, although the laundry at 10 minutes walk did a good job at reasonable prices.
In our final week after Elaine’s parents left, Daniel was able to attend school with some of his friends, which he really enjoyed.
Dan has written some comic books and sold copies to many friends at the Yacht Club, for pocket money.