By Terry Gilman
By Terry Gilman
The History of Zeekoevlei Yacht Club
How it all started
In early 1932, a pivotal general meeting took place with the ambitious goal of establishing a formal club. Nineteen passionate individuals convened on the veranda of “Skipper’s,” though progress in the early stages was slow. A modest wooden structure was built, complete with a sail locker at its rear. The club’s foundation gained a significant boost when Vice Admiral Tweedie offered his endorsement, and Lady Tweedie graciously performed the official opening ceremony. At just 20 years old, Elkan Green was appointed as the club’s first secretary, marking the beginning of what would become a vibrant and enduring community.
Expansion and Milestones: The Growth of the Fleet and the New Clubhouse
The club continued to flourish and rapidly expanded, soon boasting a fleet of approximately 20 boats, ranging from canvas sailing canoes to a handful of scows. As the years progressed, Redwings from Table Bay joined the fleet in growing numbers. Elkan Green introduced an Uffa Fox International dinghy, and plans for the Sharpie were set in motion, leading to the formation of a significant fleet.
In the spirit of progress, “Pop” Bongers designed a new clubhouse, which was constructed by the dedicated members of the club on the site where the swimming pool stands today. The clubhouse was officially opened on February 12, 1934, by the Governor-General, the Earl of Clarendon. To ensure his access, a path was initially cut through the bush leading to Peninsula Road. However, it was later discovered that the Earl could not walk the distance, prompting the widening of the path to accommodate his car. This path, now known as the “Governor’s Walk,” remains a prominent feature of the club to this day.
Resilience and Growth: The Journey of Our Yacht Club
.In the early days, the Vlei would often dry up during the summer months, leaving only narrow channels for sailing. However, the winter of 1942 brought catastrophic floods to the region, prompting the construction of a channel to the sea and the building of a weir to regulate the water levels. This weir was later raised by over a meter to better manage the fluctuating conditions.
In 1939, a weed known as Potamogeton began to infest the Vlei, significantly hindering sailing activities. To address this, a fund was established, and an underwater weed-cutting machine was brought in from America. Mounted on a barge, the machine cut the weed a meter below the surface, but despite these efforts, the problem persisted. The struggle continued until, as mysteriously as it had appeared, the weed began to wither and die. While many theories emerged, it is believed that the chemicals sprayed by the local authorities played a key role in its eventual demise.
By 1954, the club had experienced significant growth in both membership and boat ownership. To accommodate this increase, an adjacent property known as “Skipper’s” was acquired, providing space for a junior clubhouse, boat parking, and an unofficial pub. During this period, the club’s main boat classes included the Flying Dutchman, Sharpie, Goodricke, Finn, Sprog, Andy, and Dabchick. Dinghy sailing reached its peak in the 1960s and early 1970s, and in 1971, the Optimist dinghy was introduced as a popular training and racing boat for junior sailors.
By 1979, the Vlei had become severely silted, leading to the introduction of a dredger to pump out the accumulated mud, a measure that proved reasonably successful in restoring navigable conditions. However, on the early morning of Wednesday, March 2, 1983, tragedy struck when a fire broke out in the thatched roof of the clubhouse. By dawn, the once-iconic structure had been reduced to smouldering ruins. In the wake of this loss, generous donations flowed in from far and wide to support the rebuilding effort. Remarkably, just one year later, on March 24, the new clubhouse was officially opened by the Chief of the Navy, Admiral Dries Putter, almost 50 years after the original clubhouse had first opened its doors.
A Legacy of Collaboration and Growth: The Formation and Expansion of ZVYC
In the early 1860s, a number of rowing clubs, ranging from six to ten in total, were formed and began competing in Table Bay for the prestigious Table Bay Victoria Trophy. Among them, Alfred Club was established in 1864, operating from various locations around the Vlei. As the only club to survive from this early era, and with a history of its own, Alfred Club was incorporated into the ZVYC in 1986, adding to the club’s rich heritage.
In 1991, a significant collaboration took place when Bishops and SACS rowing clubs joined forces with ZVYC. Together, they constructed dedicated sheds to house their boats. That same year, the Western Cape Radio Sailing Club also became part of the ZVYC, further strengthening the club’s diverse sailing community.
Environmental Stewardship: Addressing Challenges and Preserving the Vlei
With the expansion of urban development, the Vlei’s catchment area has grown considerably, leading to increased runoff of fertilizers, manure, and pollution into the waters. This long-term environmental challenge is currently being addressed by the local council. Additionally, in the early 1990s, the Vlei faced an increasing problem with the spread of Water Hyacinth. In response, a ‘draw-down’ process, involving the opening of the weir for two to three months during the winter, was introduced. This initiative allows the council and Rondevlei Nature Reserve to remove the invasive plant using mechanical means. Furthermore, the winter rains, combined with the open weir, help flush out the Vlei, reducing silt build-up and ensuring cleaner water for the season.
