Pilot to Enter or Leave Knysna Lagoon RSA

Knysna Heads has two dangerous bars to cross. Best attempted at low slack water and less than 3m swell. However, once in the Lagoon it is well protected and with good amenities.

[@smacksman1]

Most of the clips were taken in 2004 prior to sailing back to the UK. It's only taken me 15 years to get round to doing this! More videos to come of that voyage. Uploaded again as someone commented that the volume was too low.

[@wires2115]

going through the Heads, can be dangerous even at slack tides, the high seas of up to 8m (25 foot) that we have experienced here, but slack tide is your best chance... the thing about this launch area is it is calm wwhen you go through and rough as hell when you need to go home ! The safest route can be seen by the ski boat in this clip but with a easterly wind in Decembers that course through the heads often changes , heading out sw/ then turning se/ as you hit the outside to face the 3m choppy seas. anyways good too see some coverage of one the most dangerous navigating areas in the world,..ps : i was the first ski Boat to launch here at 8 pm at night, doing night fishing Commercially for many years ,the boat name A1, commercial skipping catching King-klip and hake at night. Regard's Johan :Skipper A1

[@smacksman1]

Thanks for the input Johan. I think you highlight the difference between being on the water for a living and being on the water for fun. I would check local knowledge before heading out. 8m seas would keep me in the yacht club bar!

[@P61guy61]

Thank you for posting. The devil is in the details and you have done a good job of demonstrating how much someone should research their course to ensure safety. That is a daunting place to enter.

[@smacksman1]

Tricky to get in but a wonderful place to stay.

[@harryrissik3310]

Fascinating how steady the magnetic declination has remained in this area!

[@smacksman1]

Yes. I only checked it out because there is such a huge declination down the coast to the west. GPS has made such a huge difference to navigation.

[@slickrick765]

It's unfortunate you had to use the clip from Indonesia of the boat being destroyed by a big wave leading one to believe that's knysna. Nothing like knysna or the heads.

[@smacksman1]

True. I included that clip just to show the power of a breaking wave. I confirm the clip was not shot at the Heads.

[@Michael-vf7vq]

I do say jolly good video old chap!

[@smacksman1]

Haha! Thank you

[@bubblesandbiscuitspawspa]

Can you recommend a sailing school for a newbie? Currently leaving in the US. Looking to sail the Med next summer. Thank you for sharing your knowledge!!

[@smacksman1]

Pop into your local sailing club. I'm sure they will help you with local knowledge and maybe let you crew for them Good way to learn.

[@bubblesandbiscuitspawspa]

@@smacksman1 Thank you!!

[@CheersWarren]

Hi Rodger Here the Wynns go to Kynasa on a flying visit kzbin.info/www/bejne/aHm5g6OubMSDia8 Hope your doing well Cheers Warren

[@smacksman1]

I have followed their channel since they started sailing.