Update East London by MIZ MAE

Created by webmaster. Last modified on 2002-08-22 11:26:56
Contributors: Lilly Vedana &Thomas Mueller, Yacht MIZMAE
Countries: South Africa

East London being the first possible stop south of Durban, this harbor deserves a lot more attention. Even though it lacks beautiful anchorages, it is safe and one of the most friendliest harbors we ever visited.

Right here at the Ballyhoo, overlooking the yachts, you find a good quality meal at a fair price and a cold beer to celebrate the "wild coast" sailing. If you have any problems or looking for repairs, the Yachties at the "Ballyhoo" will point you into the right direction. Most of repairs can be done in town, but some specific trades like sail makers are only available from Durban.

For transport to town (make sure you know where you are going) ask the locals to catch a ride or ask for Hannes, the friendly taxi driver, who is on call 24 hrs a day.

East London being very industrial, there are few sites to see apart from the beach front, sporting some surf for the Boogie boards and a few good pubs. The rocks north of the beach are home to rare species of penguins and it was here where the oldest footsteps of mankind ever were preserved. Also a visit to the Zoo just 15 minutes to walk from the Marina was quite nice.

East London downtown is nothing to write home about and not the safest place on earth, but Hannes, the taxi driver, will show you some good, safe shopping malls. Otherwise ask the enthusiastic ladies at the "Tourist Info" for more details. They are great girls !

Other watering holes are the Yacht Club opposite the "Ballyhoo Dockside" at Latimer's landing and the East London Yacht Club at the entry of the harbor (only dinghy facilities there).

The trains and ships never bothered us, but the monthly techno party is to be avoided by anyone who's hearing is still in good condition. Suggestion: Leave your kids to watch the boat and ask Craig from the "Ballyhoo" to put you up in their B+B for that night.

The Yachties and fishermen of East London we met at the "Ballyhoo" are some of the friendliest we ever met, extremely helpful and they more than balanced for the harbor being still improved to cater better for the needs of the yachts who will certainly arrive here in larger numbers in the very near future.

Lilly Vedana & Thomas Mueller, Yacht MIZMAE,