GUARANTEED TO FLOAT YOUR BOAT
Loved by sybarites and puritans alike for its dramatic scenery, Langebaan is peppered with boatloads of fun.
The only Hobie Cat Sailing School in South Africa, run by Shannon du Plessis, Colin Whitehead and Jaco du Plessis, is based right here in Langebaan. So, adventurers should queue up to discover the rush of this sport in high-performance catamarans.
Like it daring? Sail away suspended in a trapeze harness from a cable attached to the high point of the sailing mast and brace yourself parallel to the ocean to provide counter-balance to the wind in the sails. Wind patterns on Langebaan Lagoon pump winds of up to 60 km/h through the sails, adding to the exhilaration.
Hobie experiences can be scheduled on a 16ft Hobie (one passenger with a school-qualified skipper) at a cost of R1 100/ph for a minimum of 2 hours. A bare boat (no skipper) can be rented at R600/ph (Hobie 14) or R750/ph (Hobie 16) for a minimum of two hours. Experience is required and knowledge of rigging the boat is absolutely compulsory.
Beginner courses and intermediate courses are offered with equipment, sailing, instruction and course material. This form of wind racing is ideal for youngsters able to handle the lightweight vessel. It’s an intense speed expedition bar none.
Adrenalin junkies seeking wind, waves and water should check in at Hobie Cape, 52 Main Street, or phone Shannon on 083 412 2871, info@hobiecape.co.za. So, throw away the bow lines, sail away and catch the trade winds in your sails!
Beer vibes
After a morning of sailing, parched throats can be quenched at the Black Eagle Brewing Company, 4 Suffren Street, Shop 7 Queens Cottage. It’s a gem of a craft brewing company, and you can while away the afternoon sipping the brews, playing scrabble and nibbling on snacks, street food, sushi or full-on Asian dishes from the neighbouring restaurant.
Named after Langebaan’s Verreaux’s eagle pair, also called black eagle, owners Hugo and Elmien Roux transformed an old fish house dating back to the early 1900s into an intimate venue with a huge presence. Hugo said, “Here, you’ll always find good vibes!”
Since 2014 they’ve been brewing up a storm, adding their own twists to classic beer styles: Salt of the Earth, Vonkel, Weskus Brekfis, Winterweizen, Fisker, Baas van die Plaas, Moedersmelk, Love Potion and Black. Jokingly named after the town (aka Larniebaan) Larnie Lager was by far their most popular beer, said Hugo. “It’s a 4.2% easy-drinking beer that’s available throughout Langebaan.”
To book: 072 8848299, cheers@bebc.co.za