The Gordon’s Bay Yacht Club (GBYC) officially launched the 2026 sailing season on Saturday (17 January) with its traditional Opening Cruise.
The event, which combined time-honoured maritime ritual with a touch of unpredictable weather, saw a strong turnout from the local sailing community.
The festivities centred on a ceremonial “gate” established in the middle of the bay, perfectly positioned between the Gordon’s Bay Harbour entrance and the Harbour Island entrance. The gate was formed by two iconic vessels: Commodore Abrie Erasmus’ power cat, Kwela, and Old Brown, the club’s resident vintage Bridge boat, skippered by Gys Liebenberg for the day.
At 13:00, a procession of 18 yachts made their way through the gate. In a spirited display of nautical tradition, each crew offered a formal salute, waving and cheering to Erasmus to signal the official start of the club’s sailing calendar. In a resonant exchange of respect each passing boat received a celebratory toot from the Old Brown.
Following the salute the fleet set a course in a westerly direction, sailing towards Strand Beach. The conditions initially provided nearly perfect sailing, featuring medium winds and flat, calm seas.
The day concluded on a high note as Vice-Commodore Ken Newton addressed members, giving a short speech that officially declared the 2026 season open.
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