About Gordon’s Bay Yacht Club

Gordon’s Bay Yacht Club (GBYC) was founded in August 1990 to foster, develop and encourage aquatic sports in the Helderberg region. Historically, the primary focus has been on yachting; however, there is also a sizeable interest in power boating.

The Club is situated at the Old Harbour in Gordon’s Bay. There is a walk-on marina with mooring space for 119 vessels, up to a maximum length of 42 ft (12.8m). The opening of the harbour mouth features a sandbar, which can be avoided by use of a channel. Vessels with a draft of 1.8m or more are generally advised to avoid entrance three hours either side of low tide.

The Club boasts a fully equipped Clubhouse with a bar and restaurant (known as the Galley) and is home to the most spectacular sunsets on False Bay.

GBYC strives to foster a fraternal spirit amongst outdoor enthusiasts interested in boating. We educate members of the community on sea-based recreational activities, with a primary focus on yachting. The Club is home to the Sailing Academy GB, and also regularly hosts training such as skippers courses, provided by other marine education bodies.

GBYC provides an extensive keelboat racing programme, as well as day and overnight cruises, to its members. At the same time, we welcome visiting yachts from South Africa and Abroad.

GBYC is affiliated to both South African Sailing (SAS) and the Ocean Sailing Association of Southern Africa (OSASA). It also has reciprocity agreements with several South African and international yacht clubs.

GBYC shares the Gordon’s Bay Old Harbour precinct with other organisations and stakeholders, including the South African Navy and the local commercial fishing community. The slipway, hauling facilities, and crane are owned and operated by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), who are represented by the Harbour Master.

The Club is currently engaged with Government departments and local stakeholders in implementing the vision and objectives of Operation Phakisa, particularly its emphasis on the Ocean’s Economy. GBYC has been instrumental in identifying local economic development opportunities that are of benefit to the local maritime community and are active participants in the Gordon’s Bay Harbour User’s Committee (HUC), a forum that strives to develop the harbour’s amenities for the benefit of all the communities which it serves.