On the radiant morning of Saturday, 24 May 2025, the Port Owen Yacht Club commenced its annual Closing Cruise with an air of anticipation that hung delicately over the clubhouse and marina as one-by-one boats started brightening up with burgees, flags, and even a few Jolly Rogers and pirates’ hats. 
At the clubhouse, members gathered, their laughter mingling with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and tea, complemented by an assortment of biscuits that beckoned like sirens to sailors. Ex-Commodore John Nosworthy presided over the skippers’ briefing, his voice a steady anchor amidst the burgeoning excitement that rippled through the crowd. The sail past was momentarily delayed by low water levels in the marina; however, this minor inconvenience did little to dampen spirits.
Enthusiastic community members lined the shore, perched on balconies and jetties alike, eagerly awaiting their chance to witness a spectacle that would soon unfold upon the shimmering waters of the Berg River. 
It was a magnificently calm and sunny day, with promises of a light breeze picking up across the ocean a little later – just what the skippers ordered for a sail past with a bit of sailing in the Bay.
As more than sixteen boats – some gracefully sailing while motorboats powered along (well, they were all really motoring, but stay with me here) – glided into view, a vibrant tableau emerged against nature’s canvas.
Waiting on the POMA holding jetty at Rooibaai was club commodore, Bruce Quayle, dressed in full foul weather gear as he had received a heads-up that he might be at the receiving end of buckets of water and the spray of water canons. But he came prepared, not only with the lovely Jeannie holding an umbrella, but also a very sneaky Ed (Traitor Ed!) next to him armed with a bucket tossing water at the passing sailors. 
According to reports, Ian Mackintosh sadly suffered a casualty of one packet of his favourite Dorito chips that were drowned in the ensuing festivities. Bruce’s white rubber suit reportedly held up well (phew!). The atmosphere was electric as boats sailed past, each one adding to the joyful chaos that defined this annual event.
The promised light breeze kept perfect timing as it started to dart around sails being hoisted one by one just at the right moment: when the fleet exited the Laaiplek harbour mouth, under cheer from spectators on the harbour wall, and into the Bay.
As the sun began to dip towards the horizon, casting a golden hue over the waters, laughter and camaraderie filled the air, echoing around the clubhouse as members enjoyed the refreshing taste of a bottle of sparkling wine generously provided at a discount by Swartland Wineries to each skipper and crew, reflecting on another successful season of sailing adventures. 
The day ended off with a festive gathering at the clubhouse for Cheese and Wine evening, where the kitchen “staff” (read: ‘fellow club members’) and organizing committee truly outdid themselves, presenting a magnificent display of various cheeses, cold meats, and cracker platters adorned with fresh figs, dates, grapes, and olives. For those whose bellies were not yet celebrating this mingle of delectable tastes, some very delicious creamy butternut soup was served to warm the spirits. The cherry on top was the sophisticated selection of red and white wines from Swartland Wineries that complemented the feast perfectly. The atmosphere buzzed with laughter and conversation as members savoured each bite and sip while reflecting on a successful sailing season filled with camaraderie and adventure. 
We wish to thank each and every person who made this day so special: the skippers, the crew, the club committee, the kitchen “staff” and every other member who worked hard at contributing to our success, our Commodore, reluctantly Ed for his antics with the water bucket, Swartland Winery and their generous sponsorship and discount on the wine and bubbly, Spar Laaiplek, as well as Parklands SuperSpar, for their generous donations towards the cheese and food, our member donations – especially towards the wine, and last, but certainly not least: the wonderful community who came out in droves to support the event! You made this an extra special occasion that will not soon be forgotten!
THANK YOU!!
Here’s to the next one! Ahoy! 
For a full collection of photos, please visit the 2025 Closing Cruise photo album on our Facebook page and add your own photos if you were there!