East London - General Info
Description:
This is a river port/city on the Buffalo River on South Africa’s southeast coast. Its white sandy beaches, good weather and impressive surf make it a popular holiday destination. It is one of six designated ports of entry for foreign cruising yachts.
Entrance Notes and Cautions:
The approach is very easy and straightforward even in heavy weather or at night with East London Port Control controlling all shipping and yacht movements in and out of the port.
On approaching the main breakwater yachts must call “Port Control” on VHF Channel 12 for permission to enter the port and to proceed to the Buffalo River Yacht Club Marina.
The operating hours for this service are limited outside daylight hours. However, with prior arrangement entry can be facilitated at any hour.
Don’t pass too close to the breakwater.
Cruiser Highlights:
This is a safe stopover on the coast between Richards Bay and Cape Town. The Buffalo Cruising Club is very welcoming and friendly.
Position:
33° 01’27″S, 27°55’41″E (harbour entrance).
Last updated: September 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’.