Can compromise not be found to keep club open?

I FIND it incomprehensible that the Algoa Bay Yacht Club has had to close.

And not even a whimper that I am aware of from our metro council!

Squabbling over rentals and a million or two – is this the price we put on South Africa’s international image, the price we put on expanding Port Elizabeth as a tourist venue, the price for the enjoyment of our local boat community and yachtsmen, the price of the visual attraction of a harbour, and a bay full of life and movement?

The port and city authorities should be paying the local yacht club for providing these facilities, not the other way around!

Port Elizabeth is the only safe harbour between East London and Knysna, and is essential for small boats trafficking up and down our hostile coast.

More and more international yachtsmen sail these days, and spend their euros and dollars, apart from commending their opinions on South Africa as a tourist venue.

They demand club facilities and if not available, will spread the word that Port Elizabeth is a venue to be avoided.

Sadly, in this benighted country of ours, one hopes this is not just another bigoted scenario by petty officials who smugly want to impose their will, never mind the consequences?

Rational thought and a compromise must be found, setting aside personality differences.

The Algoa Bay Yacht Club has hosted many national and international championships such as the Hobie 16 world championships, J22 world championships and the Lipton Cup over the years.

These regattas have brought much renown to our city, never mind the income generated.

The ignominy of closing down the club building will impact negatively on the already battered national and international image of Port Elizabeth.

Surely our representatives, the mayor and his council, should intervene to bring an amicable solution to the matter, that is if they are serious about Port Elizabeth’s future?

I remember the huge sign advertising the envisaged waterfront plans for Port Elizabeth erected some 20 years or so ago.

Port Elizabeth was touted as the water world centre for South Africa.

Without a thriving yacht club this will be just pie in the sky!

What will happen to the yacht club building and precincts? Will it now be left to deteriorate into another derelict structure adding to the eyesore the harbour already is?