AN EVENT NOT TO MISS!
PORT OWEN YACHT CLUB CLOSING CRUISE: This Saturday, 24 May 2025 (weather permitting)
Twice a year, Port Owen and Laaiplek are treated to the most spectacular sail past events when as many club members as we can fit onto the river, sail (well, perhaps motor, but who wants to split hairs?) their yachts in formation out the POYC marina, down the Berg River and out onto the Atlantic ocean via the Laaiplek harbour mouth: the POYC Opening Cruise and Closing Cruise, signalling the official opening and closing of sail season.
Along the way, they slow down for a salute of our club Commodore at the POMA holding jetty at the famously beautiful Rooibaai with its wooden jetties, pedestrian benches, and rustic old boats for spectator value.
This year, we celebrate the annual POYC Closing Cruise on Saturday, 24 May 2025.
The day kicks off with coffee & tea at the clubhouse at 10:00am, followed by the Skippers Briefing, generously lead by ex-commodore John Nosworthy, at 11:00am, whereafter the whole town is invited to come and watch the yachts line up in formation to make their way down the river towards the Laaiplek harbour at 12:30pm. The day’s activities will wind down at the clubhouse with cheese and wine at 17:00 for an 18:30 start at R80 pp – please book with Marius by latest on Thursday so that he can ensure the carafes don’t run dry.
Spectators will be able to see the yachts, fully kitted out in flags galore and waving crew, from several viewing points along the marina and the river. Make your way to the marina walkway, the point at the Western canal entrance, Rooibaai jetties, or the Laaiplek harbour mouth and join in the festivities.
Rumour has it that the Club Commodore, Bruce Jeannie Quayle, will be dressed in full foul weather gear as he got a heads-up of possibly being sprayed by water-canons from the passing yachts instead of the traditional salute at the POMA holding jetty at Rooibaai! 
Come join in the fun!
Members are requested to kindly let our club manager, Debbie, know of your attendance so that John can slot you and your boat into the formation.
If you are not yet a member of Port Owen Yacht Club, get in contact with Debbie today so that you can join in this fun when the opening cruise takes place next year! Simply email her on info@portowenyc.co.za or visit our website and download a member’s application form here: https://www.portowenyc.co.za/membership-form/