What started as the annual Anything That’s Floats race in aid of the NSRI is fast turning into a really special day that will be incorporated into a “Heritage Day Harbour Festival”.
The host, the Gordon’s Bay Yacht Club (GBYC), is making every effort to have it back on the annual calendar following Covid-19 delays in September, and not traditionally early in the year, has created the most amazing opportunity.
GBYC Commodore Jana Loubser had driven the idea of getting the harbour users involved in the event.
“I felt quite strongly that we’re all part of this amazing harbour and should therefore all be involved,” says Loubser. “Not only is this a day to give back to NSRI Station 9 – because that’s still a core objective of the day – but it’s turned into a wonderful opportunity to work together, get to know each other better and celebrate one of the most special days on our holiday calendar as a broader community.”
John Pretorius, member of the Harbour Users Committee and proud fisherman, reminded all of a significant heritage site right here – Hendon Park, which has one of the last remaining shell-midden dunes – Dune 111 or Sandkop – along this part of the coast.
A little history lesson unfolded, and Pretorius shared the fact that Hunter-gatherers, ancestors of the San, lived on the dune between 2 700 and 3 220 years ago. They left behind a “midden” or dump, which includes the bones of animals they hunted and shells of shellfish they collected. This site was exposed by archaeologists digging in the area in 1967.
Pretorius also pointed out that fishing is a significant part of Gordon’s Bay’s history. In the early days of the Cape Colony, the little bay was referred to as “Vischers Baaij” (1673) and “de Vishoek” (1676) because it was a place where fresh water, fish and game could be found. Subsequently it was also called Vishoek, Vissershoek and Fish Hoek (long before that town on the other side of False Bay took on the name), before the name Gordon’s Bay was finally settled on.
Creating a more current context, the small bay across from Zest restaurant was called “De Combuys”.
Farmers from the surrounding area in Helderberg bought their fresh fish there and the tree on the Church Square parking area was called the “Trekboom” as it was used by a spotter who directed the fishermen on where to cast their nets.
To celebrate this amazing part of our history, the Heritage Day celebrations will start at 09:00 on Saturday 24 September, with a visit to Hendon Park and a procession from there to the Old Harbour.
It’s an opportunity for all of us to learn a little about the local history and to celebrate individual heritage and hosts are encouraging anyone that attends to wear traditional clothing – no matter where they hail from.
The procession will reach the Old Harbour at about 10:00 when the festivities will begin. The day includes the exciting races on “Anything that Floats”, a host of stalls selling food, drinks and a multitude of goods, boat rides across the harbour and hopefully a great vibe. Thirsty Oyster will be open on one end of the harbour with music and their usual Heritage Day revelry and the Yacht Club will be hosting the activities on the water, on the other side of the harbour.
There are so many ways to get involved – join the procession, enter the race (multiple categories), host a stall to sell your wares, spectate or bring your family and friends for a great day out! Walk-in access to the harbour is free for all. Parking is limited and will be R20 per vehicle for the day.
- For more information on the day: www.gbyc.co.za/atf or email anythingfloats22@gmail.com.
