VISITING yachts are pouring into Richards Bay for the summer sailing season, with crews keen to explore the area and work on their boats, spending plenty of cash as they do so.
No fewer than 47 yachties attended a presentation at the Tuzi Gazi Waterfront on Thursday evening, where sightseeing and tourism opportunities were presented through the City of uMhlathuze’s Community Tourism Organisation.
The internationals hail from all over the globe, including Holland, Germany, France, the UK, America, New Zealand Australia and Finland.
The yachties, many of whom fly their families in to join them, are loving what they have seen so far.
British couple Chris and Lorraine Marchant raved about their township tour of eSikhaleni, while others were overawed after visiting the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Park.
With the Tuzi Gazi Marina moorings almost full and more boats on their way, the focus now shifts to the Zululand Yacht Club.
Having already welcomed a number of visiting yachts, the Club is preparing for the arrival this week of a fleet of 20 boats participating in the ARC (Atlantic Rally for Cruisers) race – the largest transatlantic event of its kind in the world.
‘Each boat will have around 10 crew on board, and they will also want to get around during their stay so that will put tens of thousands of rands into local coffers,’ said ZYC Commodore, Rod Banwell.
‘Added to this are the numerous yachts that enjoy a longer stay, doing repairs and other necessary work, and employing local labour to do so.
‘Many of them choose to extend their stay, especially to spend Christmas in our warm climate.’
Banwell believes locals sometimes do not appreciate the City and surrounds as much as do the visitors.
‘We live in an incredibly beautiful and exciting part of the world, with a wonderful climate and endless outdoor things to do.
‘These visitors buy into that and collectively pump millions of rands into the economy each year.
‘For our part, we make their stay as warm as possible, and we appreciate that the authorities make their entry as painless as possible.
‘These people will leave here and become ambassadors for our City and region. They will take home fond memories and leave behind their much-needed cash.
‘Since they do not stay in fancy hotels, much of their spend filters down to arts and crafts and rural communities, while restaurants are also big winners.’
