Port Elizabeth - General Info
Where is Port Elizabeth?
Port Elizabeth (now called Gqeberha) is a large commercial port in Algoa Bay, on the eastern end of South Africa’s southern coast. It is an industrial city which covers both banks of the Baakens River.
Entrance Notes and Cautions for Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha):
The approach to the port is straightforward from easterly and westerly directions. The harbour is protected by a wall and the entrance is 300m wide and 14m deep. The water is flat and protected once inside the harbour wall.
Yachts must keep/stay clear of shipping movements at all times on approaching the port.
For emergencies contact Port Control on VHF Channel 12 or Tel.: +27 41 507 1911.
In this harbour you are close to a Manganese terminal, which in a strong wind will blow dust all over your deck.
Note: The Port of Ngquru is a commercial port next to Port Elizabeth/Gqeberha – while it is listed as a port of entry, there are no recreational boat facilities.
Cruiser Highlights for Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha):
It is possible to sit out a westerly wind here until the next suitable weather window.
Position:
33° 57’04” S, 25° 38′ 25″E (harbour entrance).
Last updated: November 2023
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Van Kalosini2
We emailed John Tudehope on our way from La Reunion to Port Elisabeth. John responded immediately, followed us via AIS and gave us extra weather information and advice.
In PE he took our lines at mooring and took us to the officials for clearance. He advised and tracked us as we passed Cape Aguhlas in a small weather window and gave us plenty of tips on safe anchorages. Great guy with a real sailor’s heart.
Call Port Control on Channel 12 before entering. You must have submitted your passage plan on https://sailingpe.co.za before setting sail to P.E.
We stayed here in April 2023. The marina still operates and John helps with allocating a berth. We sought shelter from the westerlies. In those conditions, no coal dust reaches the marina, so our boat stayed clean. There is no water on the pontoons. There is electricity. The yacht club has closed and there are no facilities. The berth was ZAR 170 per night for our 47-foot yacht. In short: it’s a good spot to sit out a westerly!
After calling the Redhouse Yacht Club, I was provided information to contact the Commodore of the Yacht Club – John, 0828543961, who was extremely helpful. He provided the link to http://sailingpe.co.za which gives a map of the club. John and Tony even met us at the dock. The club is very friendly and has 2 restaurants. Walking to the beach is easy. Coal dust is a problem.
Translation of Simon G1 comment.
The Yacht Club is now closed. Access to the pontoons is via a card.
Beware that in east winds manganese dust will cause a heavy black coating.
Also, be aware when arriving that the cement pontoons have a steel frame just 20 to 30cm above the water.
Berthing cost for a sailboat of about 45 feet is 150 Rand/night (about 10 €).
Port Elizabeth is nothing special but Cape Recife and the Addo National Park Reserve are worth visiting.
Formalities:-
Immigration (Transnet National Ports Authority) is in the large red building in the northern part of the harbour area. No appointment is necessary. The entrance is via a small gate at the bottom of the stairs opposite the main entrance.
Customs office is on the lower floor of the large South African Pavillion. If requiring a VAT refund for boat parts, make an appointment with a Customs office who will confirm the purchases and stamp the bills.
Yacht club fermé, en refection pour une toute autre exploitation mais ponton fermé plus une autres porte d’acces avec badge.
Attention aux vents d’Est qui tapissent pont et voiles de poussiere de manganese, noircissant fortement .
Les pontons en ciments entourés d’armatures acier ne dépassent pas de plus de 20 a 30 cm de l’eau donc ATTENTION aux arrivés !
Pour un voilier de 45 pieds environ 150 Rand/ nuit ( environ 10 €)
Fenetres meteo pour aller à l’est tres courtes et compliquées en hiver …
La ville n’a rien de particulier, Cap recife et la reserve Addo NP sont des bonnes idées visite autour de P.E
formalitées de sortie-entrée :
Immigration -> Transnet National Ports Authority ,grand batiment rouge dans la zone nord du port (P O Box 162, Port Elizabeth, 6000) sans rendez vous, le guichet est accessible par l’exterieur a l’opposé de l’entrée principale en bas des escaliers.
Douane -> SARS 3 chapel street ( en bas de la donkin reserve- grand pavillion sud africain) TVA – VAT refund, aller voir le guichet tout au bout a droite, prise de rdv et un douanier viendras “attester” a bord les achats et tamponner les factures
NOTE: The Redhouse Yacht Club is not accessible to sailing yachts from the Ocean, other than small sailing craft. The mouth of the Swartkops River is notoriously dangerous and too shallow for medium to large yachts to negotiate