EXPLORE DURBAN’S PORT
For a rare chance to have a peek inside the hi-tech vessels that patrol South African waters, you had best get down to the Durban port today and tomorrow for the Durban Port Festival. The festival showcases the activities at the Durban port, and one of the highlights includes visiting the navy vessels. Pictured here in the foreground is the SAS Isaac Dyobhay, an offshore patrol vessel based in Durban. Behind that is the SAS Protea, a hydrographic vessel based in Simon’s Town. The SAS Oaleshewe (not pictured), an offshore patrol vessel based in Durban, will also be part of the navy exhibition. Food stalls, displays and activities for the kids and musicians will all be part of the festival.
STANDING aboard a beautiful yacht is like something out of a movie scene. With a crisp white deck and endless blue seas, few things are as indulgent and luxurious.
For Durbanites though, this coming weekend is a chance to at least be a part of a movie set – and view some of the most beautiful yachts and boats to grace local waters.
The 13th Durban Boat and Lifestyle Show, from June 24 to 26, is southern Africa’s biggest boating event to be held in and around water. But what is it about yachts and life on the ocean make it synonymous with luxury, success and power?
The term “yacht” originates from the Dutch word “jacht” which means “hunt”. In the early 1600s, the Dutch Navy used what was then called a light fast sailing vessel to pursue pirates and unwanted visitors in their waters. It was in 1660 that the yacht became a status symbol, after it was selected by Charles II of England to take him to England from the Netherlands. Since then it has become associated with the rich and famous.
Today, there are hundreds and thousands of yachts worldwide that are either wind or motor-propelled and cover a wide range in size and price.
At the moment the largest private motor yacht in the world is Azzam, a super-yacht 180m long, built at a cost of over R90 billion, commissioned and owned by Khalifa bin Zayed al Nahyan, president of the United Arab Emirates. Azzam carries a submarine and her own missile defence system.
While Durbanites may not get to see Azzam, they can see the luxurious 13m yacht, the Fairline Squadron 42. It may be a tad smaller but will be getting its fair share of the limelight at this year’s show. The craft will be showcased by Boating World, a dealer in luxurious new and previously owned yachts.
“We are happy to bring the Fairline Squadron 42 to the show this year, it is a floating palace,” said Derrick Levy, chief executive of Boating World. “It’s a European-designed and manufactured yacht that is all about exclusivity, elegance and performance.”
According to Statista.com, a total of 29 739 boats were sold in the US in 2015, with 6 505 of them measuring between 10m and 13m in length, and 1 839 measuring between 14m and 16m.
“In the Durban and Richards Bay area, our deep-sea game fishing and luxury cruiser, the Australian-made Riviera, is very popular and several models will also be on show.”
Levy has sold a number of boats and quite a few yachts in his time, and offers the following advice when it comes to buying your vessel.
Know what type of boat or yacht you are wanting to buy and the main reason for its use.
Always go for quality rather than quantity. The bigger the boat, the more expensive the maintenance.
If the boat is less than 10m in length always use petrol as opposed to diesel.
Consult a surveyor before you buy and make your decision after you have read the surveyor’s report.
It’s not all about boats at the show, the lifestyle section features luxury vehicles, tow cars, SUVs and 4x4s, caravans and outdoor equipment.
Admission for the Durban International Boat and Lifestyle Show is R70 for adults and R40 for children over 12 and senior citizens. Children under 12 are free. Tickets will be available at both entrances of the show. Gates open from 9.30am until 5pm on Friday June 24 and Saturday 25, and from 9.30am to 4pm on Sunday.
For more information, visit www.durbanboatshow.co.za or call 031 266 9828.