Save ItSpeaking of South Africa, many Anarchists will have sailed off the coast of Durban, a city that boasts warm water and good sailing breeze. Classes that have held events here include 505's, Lasers, Hobie Cats, Finns, Fireballs, J22's and Mirrors. We even have a Flying Tiger here!
Since South Africa entered the Americas Cup with the Shosholoza Team, sailing is enjoying much greater publicity in the country. However, this great venue is under threat from a greedy bunch of property developers who are exploiting loopholes in the law, in order to grab land and evict the Watersports clubs that currently exist at the launch site known as Vetch's Beach. There is indeed a public outcry. If this is allowed to happen the development of sailing will take a huge knock; so much so that it is predicted that Hobie Cats will disappear from Durban forever. Sound good? We don't think so either. Send comments to savevetchies@gmail.com.
The Water Rat10/30/07
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Monday, October 29, 2007
The Mercury today ( 29 October 2007 )
Vetch's Pier area will be lost to our children
October 29, 2007 Edition 1
The controversial proposed development of Vetch's Pier should be given continued prominence.
As a life member of the Point Yacht Club, I was involved in developing the club's beachsite at Vetch's Pier and enjoyed my sailing days off that beach, but the way things are going, no future generations will have the same pleasure.
Big money and the apparent complicity of the municipality are determined to make this so.
It is the intention to develop a small-craft marina at Vetch's Pier. Having been associated with the present well-protected yacht marina in the Bay from inception and observed the wear and tear, and occasional storm damage, I consider a marina in the more turbulent Vetch's Pier area is condemned to failure.
Heavy swells would rapidly create maintenance problems, not to mention storm damage.
Who is to bear the cost of maintaining this marina for the wealthy few?
No doubt the ratepayers would be expected to pick up the tab and by so doing, subsidise the property developers and owners who wish to deny the public the free use of Vetch's.
Ken Leigh
Kloof
October 29, 2007 Edition 1
The controversial proposed development of Vetch's Pier should be given continued prominence.
As a life member of the Point Yacht Club, I was involved in developing the club's beachsite at Vetch's Pier and enjoyed my sailing days off that beach, but the way things are going, no future generations will have the same pleasure.
Big money and the apparent complicity of the municipality are determined to make this so.
It is the intention to develop a small-craft marina at Vetch's Pier. Having been associated with the present well-protected yacht marina in the Bay from inception and observed the wear and tear, and occasional storm damage, I consider a marina in the more turbulent Vetch's Pier area is condemned to failure.
Heavy swells would rapidly create maintenance problems, not to mention storm damage.
Who is to bear the cost of maintaining this marina for the wealthy few?
No doubt the ratepayers would be expected to pick up the tab and by so doing, subsidise the property developers and owners who wish to deny the public the free use of Vetch's.
Ken Leigh
Kloof
Friday, October 26, 2007
Front Page of The Mercury Today ( 26 Oct 07 )
New Durban harbour plan prompts public outcry
26 October 2007, 05:37
Durban water sport and community groups have voiced strong opposition to the latest version of the Point small craft harbour plans, with some groups calling for the scrapping of what they claim is an unworkable and profit-driven "concrete dream".A second group, made up of the Durban Ski Boat Club, Point Yacht Club and Durban Undersea Club, has adopted a more conciliatory approach to find a solution. However, members of this group appear to be having serious doubts about whether a compromise can be reached.The latest objections to the Point small craft harbour follow a recent public meeting at which the developers submitted revised proposals after it was advised to go back to the drawing board by the provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment Affairs.However, far from appeasing the concerns of objectors, the revised development plan - which now includes a 25-storey hotel in the middle of Vetch's Bay - appears to have sparked further opposition.In a written submission to the environmental impact assessment (EIA) consultants, veteran Durban surfer and boardsailor Mike Larmont complained that the Durban Point Development Company was so obsessed with making money that it had consistently ignored constructive counterproposals from local watersport clubs.Sailing KZN, an affiliate of the International Sailing Association, said its members recognised the need to upgrade the dilapidated sailing facilities at Vetch's Pier. The association said the upmarket yacht marina proposal would provide little more than a "pretty backdrop" for wealthy condominium owners, but do little to cater for the needs of the sailing community.Sean Fennessy, of the KZN Hobie Cat Association, said the cramped layout of the marina would turn sailing and launching into a management "nightmare", and increase the risk of boating collisions and injuries.Desmond D'Sa, chairperson of the South Durban Environmental Alliance, described the latest yacht marina plan as "an undisguised attempt to steal the heritage of Durban residents from under their noses".He said Vetch's Pier was a free and much-loved communal asset for Durban residents, but would become the exclusive preserve of the rich and famous.The Durban Ski Boat Club, Point Yacht Club and the Durban Undersea Club (under the umbrella of the Durban Point Watersports Club) also presented a joint submission containing 16 points of concern.Durban Ski Boat Club spokesman Eddie Lahee said the developers had responded on Wednesday with proposals that did not address several of the club's most serious concerns."Our approach was to find a workable solution so that we would not be pushed out of the water. We would still like to work in good faith towards finding a solution, but it's becoming a bit difficult." Lahee said the Durban watersports fraternity presently had access to nearly 28 000m2 of land at the Point, whereas at least 3 000 active members from several different clubs had now been offered less than 4 000m2 to build a joint "superclub", which they would have to finance themselves.Lahee estimated it would cost between R15 million to R20-million to build a new clubhouse, and members had asked the Durban Point Development Company (DPDC) whether they could facilitate a low-interest loan and a special concession on municipal rates to make the plan affordable.While the construction costs might be affordable for 3 000 members, there was concern that this would not be possible if 1 000 members opted out of paying for the superclub.The DPDC had proposed a multilevel boat-stacking system to save space, but ski boat club members did not believe it was a workable solution.The boating fraternity had also asked that the proposed slipway be enlarged from 20m to 75m, but the DPDC was offering a 40m-wide slipway.Larmont, representing the Boardsailing Club of Durban, accused the DPDC of ignoring constructive input and failing to investigate calls for an alternative site.Sailing KZN said the answer was to leave Vetch's pier and beach untouched - but to give watersport clubs a guarantee about their future, which would give them the financial incentive to upgrade and revitalise their "rundown and dilapidated" clubhouses.Invited to comment on the objections, project director Neels Brink responded: "How did you get hold of these submissions? I am not sure why you are calling me. You know how the EIA process works."
This article was originally published on page 1 of The Mercury on October 26, 2007
26 October 2007, 05:37
Durban water sport and community groups have voiced strong opposition to the latest version of the Point small craft harbour plans, with some groups calling for the scrapping of what they claim is an unworkable and profit-driven "concrete dream".A second group, made up of the Durban Ski Boat Club, Point Yacht Club and Durban Undersea Club, has adopted a more conciliatory approach to find a solution. However, members of this group appear to be having serious doubts about whether a compromise can be reached.The latest objections to the Point small craft harbour follow a recent public meeting at which the developers submitted revised proposals after it was advised to go back to the drawing board by the provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment Affairs.However, far from appeasing the concerns of objectors, the revised development plan - which now includes a 25-storey hotel in the middle of Vetch's Bay - appears to have sparked further opposition.In a written submission to the environmental impact assessment (EIA) consultants, veteran Durban surfer and boardsailor Mike Larmont complained that the Durban Point Development Company was so obsessed with making money that it had consistently ignored constructive counterproposals from local watersport clubs.Sailing KZN, an affiliate of the International Sailing Association, said its members recognised the need to upgrade the dilapidated sailing facilities at Vetch's Pier. The association said the upmarket yacht marina proposal would provide little more than a "pretty backdrop" for wealthy condominium owners, but do little to cater for the needs of the sailing community.Sean Fennessy, of the KZN Hobie Cat Association, said the cramped layout of the marina would turn sailing and launching into a management "nightmare", and increase the risk of boating collisions and injuries.Desmond D'Sa, chairperson of the South Durban Environmental Alliance, described the latest yacht marina plan as "an undisguised attempt to steal the heritage of Durban residents from under their noses".He said Vetch's Pier was a free and much-loved communal asset for Durban residents, but would become the exclusive preserve of the rich and famous.The Durban Ski Boat Club, Point Yacht Club and the Durban Undersea Club (under the umbrella of the Durban Point Watersports Club) also presented a joint submission containing 16 points of concern.Durban Ski Boat Club spokesman Eddie Lahee said the developers had responded on Wednesday with proposals that did not address several of the club's most serious concerns."Our approach was to find a workable solution so that we would not be pushed out of the water. We would still like to work in good faith towards finding a solution, but it's becoming a bit difficult." Lahee said the Durban watersports fraternity presently had access to nearly 28 000m2 of land at the Point, whereas at least 3 000 active members from several different clubs had now been offered less than 4 000m2 to build a joint "superclub", which they would have to finance themselves.Lahee estimated it would cost between R15 million to R20-million to build a new clubhouse, and members had asked the Durban Point Development Company (DPDC) whether they could facilitate a low-interest loan and a special concession on municipal rates to make the plan affordable.While the construction costs might be affordable for 3 000 members, there was concern that this would not be possible if 1 000 members opted out of paying for the superclub.The DPDC had proposed a multilevel boat-stacking system to save space, but ski boat club members did not believe it was a workable solution.The boating fraternity had also asked that the proposed slipway be enlarged from 20m to 75m, but the DPDC was offering a 40m-wide slipway.Larmont, representing the Boardsailing Club of Durban, accused the DPDC of ignoring constructive input and failing to investigate calls for an alternative site.Sailing KZN said the answer was to leave Vetch's pier and beach untouched - but to give watersport clubs a guarantee about their future, which would give them the financial incentive to upgrade and revitalise their "rundown and dilapidated" clubhouses.Invited to comment on the objections, project director Neels Brink responded: "How did you get hold of these submissions? I am not sure why you are calling me. You know how the EIA process works."
This article was originally published on page 1 of The Mercury on October 26, 2007
Monday, October 15, 2007
The Mercury 15 October 2007
Point concerns still not addressed
October 15, 2007 Edition 1
The public meeting, convened by the Durban Point Development Company (DPDC) on September 29 to inform the public of changes to the plans for the proposed small-craft harbour at Vetch's , was well attended by those who oppose the destruction of Vetch's Beach. Unfortunately, neither City Manager Michael Sutcliffe nor the DPDC's Neels Brink showed up.
The presentation failed to clarify any previously contentious issues. These include the fact that the developers maintain they have found loopholes that entitle them to ignore the draft Integrated Coastal Management Bill laws that prohibit the purchase of land below the high-water mark, and questions about the viability of the proposed combined watersports club.
One of the presenters provided hugely inaccurate statements about the developer's perception of the use of the beach. In their study they stated that no bathers swam off the beach to the south of Vetch's Pier!
New questions that remain unanswered are the wisdom of building a 25-storey hotel on an island at the foot of Vetch's reef, and the practicality of sailing craft operating in an area that will be covered with massive wind shadows formed by buildings and breakwaters.
Despite the fact that there is almost zero support among the boating community, and very real concerns that the rate-paying public are going to have to absorb massive costs, the city and the DPDC seem hellbent on trying to persuade both the public and authorities, that their plans have merit.
It is becoming increasingly obvious that environmental and social issues, and the public's interests, are being marginalised.
If the public allows this trend to continue, future access to Durban's natural treasures is in jeopardy.
The Water Rat
Durban
October 15, 2007 Edition 1
The public meeting, convened by the Durban Point Development Company (DPDC) on September 29 to inform the public of changes to the plans for the proposed small-craft harbour at Vetch's , was well attended by those who oppose the destruction of Vetch's Beach. Unfortunately, neither City Manager Michael Sutcliffe nor the DPDC's Neels Brink showed up.
The presentation failed to clarify any previously contentious issues. These include the fact that the developers maintain they have found loopholes that entitle them to ignore the draft Integrated Coastal Management Bill laws that prohibit the purchase of land below the high-water mark, and questions about the viability of the proposed combined watersports club.
One of the presenters provided hugely inaccurate statements about the developer's perception of the use of the beach. In their study they stated that no bathers swam off the beach to the south of Vetch's Pier!
New questions that remain unanswered are the wisdom of building a 25-storey hotel on an island at the foot of Vetch's reef, and the practicality of sailing craft operating in an area that will be covered with massive wind shadows formed by buildings and breakwaters.
Despite the fact that there is almost zero support among the boating community, and very real concerns that the rate-paying public are going to have to absorb massive costs, the city and the DPDC seem hellbent on trying to persuade both the public and authorities, that their plans have merit.
It is becoming increasingly obvious that environmental and social issues, and the public's interests, are being marginalised.
If the public allows this trend to continue, future access to Durban's natural treasures is in jeopardy.
The Water Rat
Durban
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