Sailing the Knysna Heads

Hey there! Have you ever thought about sailing? It’s a great way to see South Africa’s coastline from a whole new perspective. I recently had the incredible opportunity to spend a day at sea around the Knysna Heads, in the beautiful Garden Route.

Check out this awesome photo I took during my adventure!

Photo by Theresa Lozier

Imagine being out at sea, with the smooth, navy blue water stretching out before you. It’s like a work of art, with the waves rising and falling, creating this mesmerizing rhythm. And to add to this magical scene, the autumn sun starts to set, casting a golden glow across the sky and reflecting in shimmering starbursts on the water.

As I breathe in and soak in the view, I can’t help but admire the sandstone cliffs that rise above us. There’s this quaint fisherman’s shack perched on top of one of the cliffs, giving it a touch of solitude. And then there are the sandy beaches that line the edges, inviting us to come and explore.

Wow, this place is amazing! The land is mostly covered in beautiful fynbos and milkwood trees. It’s like a big, cozy blanket spread out over the hills. But there are also some spots where the land looks completely different, with bare hills rising up from the sea like knuckles.

The person in charge of our yacht is incredibly experienced. His name is Theo Beens, and he’s a yachtmaster who has sailed an unbelievable 42,000 nautical miles to 55 different countries. Right now, we’re sailing near Knysna, which is known for having one of the top 10 sailing spots in South Africa. It’s also the only place in the world where Lloyds of London won’t give insurance because it’s so dangerous. They even say that many marriage proposals happen here, which shows that some people are willing to face danger for love, right?

As I hand out life jackets and pour glasses of bubbly, I can’t help but gaze into the depths around me with a sense of wonder. Night swimming here is absolutely amazing, especially when you realize that there’s a whole world beneath you that you’ve never even seen before!

I look out into the distance, searching the horizon for any signs of mythical sea creatures, grateful for the solid teak deck beneath me. The truth is, I’m not an experienced sailor with a deep understanding of maritime knowledge. I’m just someone who dreams of sea adventures, even if it’s just for a few hours of bliss.

As I gaze out over the lagoon, the sky dances with vibrant sunset colors. Platters of delicious finger foods are passed around the Outeniqua, and everyone aboard is in a joyous mood – and for good reason. It appears that another marriage proposal has taken place at the back of the ship, yet thankfully, we have safely returned without anyone falling overboard. She said yes.

Things You Should Know

• Remember, no shoes are allowed on the deck. Please place your shoes in the basket before boarding the ship.
• It’s a good idea to bring a light jacket with you, as the windy conditions can get quite chilly, especially during a sunset cruise.
• If you tend to get seasick, it’s important to take precautions. When the wind is light, the ship tends to bob more, so be prepared.
• Don’t forget to bring a hat and sunglasses. The west-facing sunset cruises can be quite bright until the sun finally sets.