Wind gusts of over 120 kph put coastal infrastructure to the test in May, and it didn’t end well for many yacht owners in Cape Town and along the coast.
About 20 boats were damaged in Simon’s Town during the height of the cut-off-low system that wreaked havoc across a broad swathe of the country. Boat damage ranged from “cosmetic to moderate harm to the hulls”, according to a False Bay Yacht Club incident report. “Bows were most frequently damaged as vessels rode up against or knocked into the marina structure. Sterns were damaged due to vessel-to-vessel collisions. Many ropes snapped, fenders burst, and several cleats were torn off as a result of the severe conditions,” the report states.
However, the marina escaped major damage, with only one floating finger walkway damaged and one breakwater section affected by anchor block movement due to underwater surge.
The primary causes of vessel damage were identified as incorrect use of mooring lines; inadequate or worn ropes; absence or insufficient deployment of fenders; and vessels not being properly secured.
“New measures will be introduced to ensure members comply with updated requirements for appropriate ropes, mooring lines and fenders, aiming to prevent similar incidents in the future,” the Club says.
Damage was also reported at other marinas, although RCYC said they escaped jetty damage. “We did however have several boats that got damaged due to dock-lines not being tight enough or breaking,” reports marina manager Jakes Manten.