This is Part 2 of my Mini-Series: Durban Harbour: Life Before the Giants Arrive.
If you missed the first post in this series, you can find it here:
The theme for today is to focus on the operational side of the marina, including local research, customs, and other activities in the background.
When talking about Durban Harbour, the first thought that enters your mind is to see all the ships up close.
Yet, the harbour has strict security measures in place, and it's not easy to enter the harbour. You need to have a permit to prove that you are entering for business or work. Otherwise, you need to show your documents as a passenger to board a ship, or at least confirm that you are there to pick up or drop off passengers.
There is one area of Durban Harbour that is open to the public, though, and that is Wilson's Wharf. This is where you will find the yacht clubs and all the privately owned yachts.
At first sight, you would think "fun in the sun", pleasure, relaxation, and a day out on the ocean on a yacht.
But not all boats at Wilson's Wharf are here for leisure. Some carry out the unseen work that keeps Durban's busy port alive.
Marine Research and Customs.
Marine Research and Customs boats symbolize a purpose beyond recreation at Wilson's Wharf in Durban Harbour.
In this photo, you can see the Phakisa, a research boat belonging to the South African Network for Coastal and Oceanic Research.
According to this post, Scientists to float new boat, published 8 years ago in iol.co.za, "The newly-built RV Phakisa, custom-made for scientists, will enable them to use a craft more effective than ski-boats, which cannot carry heavy equipment. It will also be a 10th the cost of KwaZulu-Natal scientists’ other alternative - research ships - for which bills go up to R100000 a day."
You will find more interesting information about the Phakisa in this online PDF from the SANCOR Newsletter.
Here is another image of the Phakisa, standing right behind it. Next to it is the Wabelana, another research boat.
Next to the two research boats is a Customs boat, also ready to go out on the water when needed.
Layered Life Inside the Harbour
At first glance, you get the feeling of leisure when you enter Wilson's Wharf.
First to catch your eye are the luxury yachts.
Nobody can blame you for noticing this and for getting that typical, relaxed holiday feeling. Leisure is key, and as far as you can see, yachts and boats are lying side-by-side.
But with leisure comes business.
Yes, everyone enjoys having some time for leisure and, well...most people I know also love going out on the water. But a boat that is not constantly in use is an expensive item.
This is where the business comes in...
Wilson's Wharf is home to several charter companies. You have a wide choice of companies and boats to choose from. Whether you want to go on a cruise, rent a boat for a private function on the water, go deep-sea fishing, or whale watching, these companies can cater to your needs.
We enjoyed a cruise on this particular boat a while back.
However, as mentioned, many companies offer a wide variety of boats to choose from.
Durban Harbour: Reflecting Durban's Identity:
Spending time in Wilson's Wharf, you experience how Durban Harbour reflects Durban's identity, a blend of industry and calm.
During the golden hour, you can enjoy the beauty of the rising sun over a peaceful scene with yachts in the marina
As the warmth of the sun embraces you, stroll around and investigate various charter companies to plan your adventure/s.
Or check out the boats if you want to go on a relaxing cruise.
When you return from your adventure or cruise, you might feel like having a fitting meal at Pirates Arms after your time on the ocean.
Or if the kiddies still have a lot of energy, let them enjoy the play area at SPUR while you enjoy your meal.
If you feel like having dinner in a more elegant atmosphere, why not visit 9th AVE Waterside?
And all of this is available to you inside Wilson's Wharf
Yet, while you are spending your time at leisure, the industrial side quietly moves along in the background without you noticing (unless you are paying attention to it...)
Reflection.
Moving around in Wilson's Wharf, each boat here has a story — some of science, some of service — all part of the pulse that makes Durban’s harbour breathe.
The majority of boats that you can see still have an ongoing story, but there was also this one (during my last visit), whose story is now history, and this looks like it was a sad story...
But there is also the beautiful, educational side, where you can learn about the history of the harbour and the boats that served in this harbour. You will find this in the Maritime Museum right next to Wilson's Wharf.
Thank you for reading my post! I do appreciate it!
Note: In a few weeks, these calm waters will mirror the hulls of great ocean liners — but for now, the marina belongs to the quiet.
I plan on doing a series of at least three big Cruise liners visiting Durban during November. Watch this space.
The location pin for the pin shared in this post is at 9th AVE Waterside in Wilson's Wharf.
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