Wind-surfing
Remember the time when you felt you had sufficient ability to windsurf competently on flat water and were ready for the challenge of the ocean?
The only place to go was, and still is, Vetch’s basin. It is usually protected from strong swell activity, has consistent easterly wind and, most importantly, is safe. Even with these benefits it was still a difficult process to master, yet once you felt proficient you could venture outside of the reef, enjoying greater swell activity and experience, with 700 metres of water across Addington, improving your confidence levels with each session.
As with various other water sports, the Vetch’s basin has always been the only area where it is possible to learn to ocean windsurf in absolute safety.
The proposed small craft harbour shall change and destroy this wonderful windsurfing facility. The 5 metre breakwater on the inside of Vetch’s Pier, the proposed 24-storey hotel alongside the reef, several 4-storey apartments on the North Pier and more apartments and shops positioned virtually on the water’s edge shall all contribute to a wind shadow bubble over the entire Vetch’s basin. This wind shadow will result in unsuitable windsurfing conditions as well as a total loss of space.
To quote the MD of Durban Point Development Company “windsurfing shall be an unfortunate casualty!”
Help us save Vetch’s (for future generations of potential windsurfers) by supporting the Save Vetch’s Association.
MIKE LARMONT