SA Navy comes to Knysna
Knysna will this year enjoy a ‘double whammy’ for the Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival, when two naval ships will enter the Knysna Heads on two separate days.
The first arrival, a mine-hunter of the South African Navy, SAS Umkomaas under the command of Commander ’Shoes’ Nsikinya, escorting two inshore patrol vessels, will rendezvous with Knysna NSRI volunteers off the famous Knysna Heads on Monday, July 4, at approximately 16:00.
The commanding officers will board an NSRI vessel to make a reconnoitre run through the Heads, and if the weather is judged suitable, will enter the Heads at about 17:00.
The ship will berth at Thesen’s Jetty, and the two VIPs will berth at the Marina at Knysna Quays, courtesy of Harbour Master Herbie Köstens and MD Peter Mees.
Should it be judged that the weather is unsuitable for entry on Monday afternoon, an attempt will be made at 07:10 on Tuesday, July 5, and should that be judged dangerous, again on Tuesday evening. It is absolutely imperative that the vessel’s captains be confident of making a safe entry before they commit to the attempt.
Second ship
Then on Friday, July 8 SAS Umzimkulu, having completed sea trials following a spell in the dockyard, will line up for entry into the Heads at about 09:00, under command of Commander Francois Roux. She will berth at Thesen’s Jetty south of SAS Umkomaas.
It is a significant part of the training of naval officers that they pass safely through Knysna Heads… twice! That is, in and again out.
It is challenging to an officer trained to stay out of white water to deliberately enter it. It requires careful prior planning and knowledge of depths over the bars, tidal height and flows. The way in is close to the cliffs of the Western Head towering above the vessels a stone’s throw away, not toward the wider open spaces of the middle of the Heads approaching the dangerous eastern side.
The passage through the Heads is regarded as one of the five most dangerous approaches to a harbour or anchorage in the world.
It is a proud entry in the CV of a South African naval officer that he or she has taken a ship safely through the Knysna Heads.
Ships open
During their visit the ships’ crew will enjoy complementary membership to the Knysna Yacht Club, including the use of the KYC ablutions. All vessels will be open to the visitors from 10:00 to 17:00 on Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, July 6, 7, 9 and 10. The ships will not be open to the public on Friday as the crew will be preparing to host a cocktail party for the mayor, deputy mayor and various local personalities who have rendered special assistance to the Navy for its visit.
Importance
The chief of the South African Navy, Vice Admiral Johannes Mudimu, and his senior flag officers view the visits of the Navy to Knysna as important for three broad reasons.
It is the wish of government that its armed services not only defend the nation, but also contribute to the local economy of regions within the nation, to assist in the generation of jobs. By supporting the Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival, the Navy is helping support the tourism industry during a historically low season.
Further, the ships’ companies visit crèches in the poorer areas of town to assist with sprucing up the properties, repairing and painting play equipment, and various handyman jobs the play schools are in need of. This is a community support activity that the chief of the Navy is particularly committed to.
Source: The Knysna-Plett Herald