East London - Docking
For berthing contact Buffalo River Yacht Club, Peter Sahd (Commodore)
Ph: 084 504 2589 – Email: docking@cyberpage.co.za; brycclubsecretary@gmail.com
Anchorage and Moorings:
Proceed all the way into the harbor, to just before the railway bridge where the Buffalo River Yacht Club is located. There is plenty of room to anchor next to the Club in mud, or alternatively the moorings are a fore and aft mooring arrangement [33° 1’27.29″S 27°53’45.17″E].
The moorings are attached to each other so be careful not to sail between them Pick up the line as you navigate the boat alongside, then untie the knot that holds the bow lines and stern lines together. See the following image courtesy of Floris and Ivar from Sailors for Sustainability.
You can also familiarise yourself on how to pick up and leave the moorings via the BRYC Mooring Info. for Visitors.
There is a dinghy dock in front of the club.
Only very little surge enters the harbor so far up and a slight current will be experienced depending on the tide, but beware if there is a large amount of rain as the stream in the river can be strong enough to cause drag.
The harbor is safe to enter even in strong winds and provides good shelter in all wind directions.
The club hosts a festive and friendly environment and the beers are always cold!
Last updated: April 2023
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Related to following destinations: East London, South Africa
Port Navigation
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We arrived in the middle of the night but port control gave us permission to proceed to the yacht club. We had submitted an online passage plan two days prior. At the yacht club, we picked up a free mooring after consulting with harbourmaster Peter (some hours before our arrival). The moorings are attached to each other, so be very careful not to sail between them. Pick up the line as you navigate the boat alongside, then untie the knot that holds the bow lines and stern lines together. (See the picture)
The club has warm showers, a bbq area, and washing machine. We were advised not to go the (closest) supermarket on the other side of the river, but rather take an uber to the ones in Greenfield (4km, PicknPay and SuperSpar). None of the grocery stores deliver to the Yacht Club (although Spar said it would, but you need a South African ID to use their app). To clear out, submit a passage plan and pay marina fees to Peter (250 per day on mooring, 300 on pontoon). Call port control before leaving the mooring, as you might have to wait a long time.
Propane, cooking gas refill available at Gas Express. The phone number is 0727676945 or 0744798012. Sometimes a marina person will take you up by car to get your gas can fill. They can do US bottles but takes about 1/2 hour as they have to find the correct fitting. They are not used to our safety valves.
Just came to the marina. Phone for Conrad is 0633097913. Marina has only one guest dock which is used for a boat with issues get. They hope to add more docks for two more boats. Great place. Had a great Christmas as Conrad organized a small lunch for the visiting boats.
East London provides excellent shelter from all wind directions.
At the time of our visit in December 2016, the Buffalo River Yacht Club was closed due to lack of liqueur licence; with a new application in the works, they are hoping to re-open shortly. We were still able to use their showers and washing machine.
With the yacht club closed, we frequented the ski boat club on the other side of the river (just past the bridge), where we received a very warm welcome. Wayne from the ski boat club helped us get a diesel.
We did a day trip with Imonti Tours (http://www.imontitours.co.za) to the Mdantsane Township. The tour was excellent, Velile was a knowledgeable guide (he is also the owner), we learned a lot about local history, culture and current socio-economic issues. The tour includes visits to worthwhile community projects in the area. Highly recommended!
Posted on behalf of SY Starblazer:
A really friendly stop between Richards Bay or Durban on the way to Cape Town.
The Buffalo River Yacht Club has a pontoon (R150) with a few places for visitors. Also plenty of space next to the club before the bridge for anchoring (R0). A fantastically friendly and helpful club whose members arranged two vehicles to take jerry cans and 6 skippers to a truck fuel station for diesel (cheaper than car garage. R11.3 Nov. 2015).
Good bar, OK club toilets and showers. Pontoon water and power.
The local museum is excellent.
Well worth a stop and a better leg south from Richards Bay than Durban which it is a bit short.
Very well protected up to the river from all directions.
Port Control on VHF12 for entry and departure.
Easy going formalities for registering SA ‘Flight Plan’.