MOSSEL BAY NEWS - After its long journey from 1956 to 2016, the Mossel Bay Yacht and Boat Club has run into stormy winds of change which threaten its survival as a viable entity and it seems to be on the verge of losing its reason for existence.
In this regard former club commodore Ron Lareman quoted the esteemed Anthony le Jeune as follows: "Clubs cannot afford to change too much - and need to provide at least a semblance of exclusivity - where man goes to be among his own kind."
This "own kind" has no racial connotation, but refers to sport practices such as golf, tennis, bowls and includes among many other superb entities in Mossel Bay, the MBYBC.
The club's central focus is to be a viable entity that succeeds in establishing a kind of togetherness - a club that was envisaged and organised by people and further developed by people, for its people with a focus on love for the aquatic sports, sailing, angling, diving, and also socialising to name but a few.
The most important yachtsman that visited Mossel Bay? Why, captain Bartholomeu Diaz in the year 1488 AD of course! Who could blame him for choosing one of the most beautiful sites along the Southern Cape coastline?
- The town is situated only 45km from George Airport;
- The harbour has safe mooring facilities;
- Mossel Bay's climate is very stable;
- The town has excellent tourist facilities backed by a very friendly community
- The club has a safe, comfortable launching site.
- International yachtsmen
Heinz Schwab on the Yacht Inschallah (meaning: God's will). This remarkable German who sailed around the world three times retired in Mossel Bay. When asked why he chose Mossel Bay to retire, he answered as follows: "I saw many beautiful places in this wonderful world. God has created a few places more special than others and one of these is Mossel Bay. I call it the Bay of Heaven".
Another colourful personality is the American, Ardell Lien (on his yacht named Catalyst). After he underwent heart and kidney transplants he sailed around the world to demonstrate to people that it was possible to lead a normal life after a transplant operation.
The club is absolutely unique in its diversity of programmes which include: sailing, angling, diving, safety at sea, community involvement and social activities – to mention but a few.
The lub is at the forefront of outreach programmes. In this regard the earlier development programme from 2002 to 2005, in which 80 learners received training, was hailed by a member of government as being in line with the ideals of the Sports Commission. Presently the sailing programme has international impact and magnificent development for the youth is being done by Rob and Elfie Holden. Alan Knott-Craig from Vodacom was also particularly pleased to support an organisation that makes a special effort to encourage youth from disadvantaged communities to experience yachting, boating and diving under its auspices.
If one compares the current club to its humble beginnings more the six decades ago, the development has truly been spectacular and the facilities compare favourably with the best on the international scene. Natie Myerson, an esteemed past president, remarked: "After a visit to the USA I had the opportunity to visit four boat and sailing clubs and I am proud to report that none of these clubs can be compared with our club's people, friendliness and spirit."
Sustainability
The fact that this paradise at the sea has already existed for 60 years proves its sustainability. It will furthermore be sustainable for another six decades if it is not smothered by massive lease loads paid to the National Port Authority.
On the strength of the history noted above, we trust that the present authorities come to realise the historical and cultural importance of the MBYBC to the town and community here. We owe it to our next generations to preserve this truly magnificent institution.
In this regard we believe the Port Authority should not ask what the MBYBC can do for them, but rather what the Authority can do to uphold one of the town's most valuable assets. The answer is threefold, namely that the:
- Port Authority should pay the non-profit-making club to be there and cancel or lessen the monstrous monthly lease of R125 000;
- The municipality and business sector of Mossel Bay should give more assistance to the club as they also reap the fruits generated by the entity;
- The new owners-to-be should realise that a top class entity such as the MBYBC is much more than a catering establishment; and
- The club members should now stand up and demand!
ARTICLE: LOFTUS HEUNIS
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