It’s open cruise season!
KNYSNA - Sailing season is up and running in Knysna after the Knysna Yacht Club held its annual opening cruise on Saturday 4 September.
The tradition of a sail past the KYC clubhouse on the Knysna Waterfront marks the beginning of sailing season, and is typically held in September each year. It sees a fleet of local vessels sail past the clubhouse and offer a salute to KYC's commodore, who in turn salutes the captain of the vessel along with its occupants.
Set for the first Saturday of the month, the event was treated to some stunning weather that offered perfect sailing conditions. KYC commodore Mike Jacobs was flanked by the club's bar manager, Patrick John, as they eagerly awaited the vessels.
The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) Knysna Station 12's Eileen Medway craft was the first to make its way past the KYC clubhouse, followed by the dignitary boat. After them came the Seahorse swimmers and then the canoes, that were in turn followed by the cadets of the Sea Cadet Training Ship Knysna. The keel boats were next, then the dinghies, and the power boats concluded the day's proceedings. KYC has a packed season lying ahead of them, but is heading into it at full speed with its sails wide open.
KYC president Albert Lombard and his wife Joan (right) enjoy the dignitaries’ boat with skipper Colin Foster at the helm.