Charts SAN 118 or SAN 55 or BA 2082

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Distance: 57 miles

Robben Island lying 4 miles westward of Blouberg Strand, and 5 miles north of Green Point, can be passed either side. Be aware though, that the island is fringed with reefs and a buoyed wreck and sunken rock lies approx. 1 mile S by E of the island. At night the red section of the Robben Island Light covers the rock.

There is an anchorage on the N.E. of the island.

Enquire in Cape Town if planning a visit.

The coastline along this stretch is low and sandy, and often appears to merge with the sea. Dassen Island may also be passed either side. The west and south of this Guano Island is fringed with reefs. There are two anchorages in the north and east, shown on most large-scale charts.

Vondelingeiland, a proclaimed Guano Island 0.5M offshore, 4 miles south of Saldanha South Head.

Currents: (For this section)

An eddy current between Saldanha Bay and Robben Island at a distance of 4-5 miles occurs during the winter months. Outside of this, the main northerly current usually runs at a rate of half to one knot parallel to the coast. A strong tidal stream could be experienced in the Saldanha Bay entrance as well as within Langebaan Lagoon.

(See the "Cape To Carribbean" Cruising Notes by Tony Herrick for the full list of Dangers, Lights, photos, diagrams and charts for this section http://www.cruiser.co.za/tony.asp )

ARRIVAL AT SALDANHA BAY

A detailed chart is recommended for navigation within the Bay. This is a wonderful and varied cruising area, visited by many local and foreign yachts. The outer leg of the entrance channel is marked by leading lights on the low Marcus Island breakwater, in line with the light on the head of the Ore Loading Jetty, and is on a bearing of 056deg T.

The inner leg is marked by lights in line 080deg T, situated near Club Mykonos.

There is a traffic separation scheme in effect on approach to the entrance. In order to use or cross the channel permission must be obtained from Saldanha Bay Port Control. Call on VHF Ch. 16. Working channels are 10 and 12.

There are two yacht Clubs and a marina within the bay. Saldanha Bay Yacht Club is in the northern section of the bay, north of President Jetty in Smitswinkelbaai. The club has visitor's moorings available, and foreign cruising visitors are welcome. At present the first 10 days are free. It is suggested to book ahead, especially over the holiday periods. The phone number is (022) 7141036. Most amenities including e-mail are within easy walking distance from the club.

Club Mykonos is situated on the eastern shore of Saldanha Bay and is conspicuous from the entrance channel. It is entered from the south through lit breakwaters, and there are no dangers in the vicinity of the entrance which has a depth of 3.1m at MLWS. VHF Ch.16 and 71 are monitored. In addition to the usual facilities, the club offers telephone and TV connections on the moorings.

Langebaan Yacht Club is situated south of Langebaan village. The club offers most amenities and uses a converted oyster factory and it's jetties and slipway. The slip and winch are capable of hauling a yacht of up to 11 tons. The club is approached by a buoyed channel with a least depth of 3m, on the eastern side of Skaapeiland.

This southern area of Langebaan is a national park.

The area is characterised by strong winds and tidal streams which increase towards the narrows either side of the island. The club operates a tow-boat "Snippie" which can be called on VHF Ch.12. There are a few other anchorages within the park - enquire locally.

For full lists of dangers, lights, diagrams, weather details, photos, charts, etc., - available in the cruisers guide "Cape to Caribbean" by Tony Herrick http://www.cruiser.co.za/tony.asp