Gordon’s Bay Yacht Club

Gordon’s Bay Yacht Club has been the home of water sports in the Helderberg since 1966. Sitting on the edge of the blue waters of False Bay, with a beautiful mountain backdrop, GBYC is the perfect place for anyone that loves the ocean.

If you are not sailing around the bay, join us for a drink in the bar, put a chop on the braai (this one is for members only) or try our signature beer-battered hake and feel like part of the family!

Happening in and around gbyc

South Africa’s Neuschäfer named Female World Sailor of the Year

15 November 2023 – SA Sailing have sent their congratulations to Kirsten Neuschäfer after the Gqeberha sailor was named female 2023 Rolex World Sailor of the Year at the prestigious awards ceremony in Malaga, Spain last night.

Neuschäfer was chosen out of a shortlist of four finalists, all nominated by leading figures in the sailing world, after writing her name into the history books by becoming the first woman to finish first in the solo Golden Globe Race, a journey around the world reliant on no modern technology. She also came to the rescue of a fellow sailor during the course of the event. 

According to World Sailing, due to other commitments, Neuschäfer was unable to attend the ceremony in Malaga but in a video message, she said: “It’s such an incredible honour to be a nominee among such amazing, acclaimed and iconic sailors, but to win this award, to be given this recognition by such an esteemed panel of judges and by the public means so, so much to me. Thank you to everyone who has believed in me and cheered me on.”

President of SA Sailing Michael Robinson once again hailed Neuschäfer’s remarkable achievements, saying: “We are so proud of what Kirsten has achieved and send our heartfelt congratulations on adding this prestigious award to her already significant list of accolades.

“Kirsten accomplished what no South African sailor has done before – winning a round-the-world race, and what’s more she did it without the use of modern GPS systems and single-handedly.

What a remarkable woman she is.

“This award is just reward for all her efforts and we wish her all the very best in whatever challenge she next sets for herself as she personifies that true South African spirit that anything is indeed possible with hard work and a great deal of determination.

“We are immensely proud,” said Robinson, adding that this is the first time a South African sailor has claimed an individual accolade at the prestigious World Sailing Awards.

Meanwhile, Tom Slingsby was named male 2023 Rolex World Sailor of the Year for the third time at the World Sailing Awards 2023 after guiding his Australia SailGP to a third consecutive title, ensuring he is still the only skipper to have won the SailGP trophy. He was also skipper of American Magic, winner of the inaugural event of the 2024 America’s Cup.

The Magenta Project, which advocates for gender diversity across the sailing industry won the 11th Hour Racing Sustainability Award. The AC40 was named Boat of the Year, 11th Hour Racing won Team of the Year, Dick Rose was presented with the Beppe Croce Trophy and the Andrew Simpson Foundation won the President’s Development Award.

Anything That Floats 2023

The Club’s annual Anything That Floats race, which is held in aid of NSRI Station 9, was once again a huge success, in spite of the massive waves that came crashing over the harbour wall and caused havoc in and outside the Club.

The competitors were in high spirits and impressed everyone with their amazing self-built floats – laughter and team-work were the order of the day!

The title of Anything That Floats WINNER went to “Team Charlie”, built and manned by the NSRI Station 9 Crew, although the NSRI Station 9 Trainees gave them a run for their money on “Spirit of Tango”! (Good to know the Crew are still a tad better than the guys and gals they’re training!) In third place came GBYC’s very own “Aquaventer” (v2) – they also won the prize for the oldest crew on the water. “Poolsafe 1” came in 4th place, followed closely by another GBYC team called “Yvonne Joubert”, a very creative team who also walked away with the prize for the most original/creative float. In 6th place were the determined ladies of “Property.co.za”, whose efforts were rewarded with a prize for the most endurance during the race.

This year, Jack’s Diving Chest sponsored a “dud-trophy” for the team that floated the least – this dubious distinction was awarded to the Pink Ladies from “Footsteps”. Special thanks to the two Girl Guide teams who proved that age is but a number!