On the Arts Round Up Commander Leon Steyn, of the South African Naval Museum and the Submarine Museum SAS Assegai, gives us an overview of what's happening at both museums in Simon's Town and tells us about their latest acquisition - the racing yacht Voortrekker.
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Commander Steyn reports that the museums are doing well and the since opening just over a year ago, the Submarine Museum has had over 40 000 visitors. The museums are very popular, especially over weekends and public holidays. The two museums well worth a visit, with so much to see, on a walk through Simon's Town.
A new acquisition is the historic racing yacht, the Voortrekker.
The corner stone of any museum is its collection and it's significant if you can add something amazing like the Voortrekker, given its association with most famous South African yacht racing person, Bertie Reed. The Voortrekker was built originally in 1968 to take part in the OSTAR Race across the Atlantic (from Plymouth, England, to Newport, Rhode Island). It came in 2nd and 1st on handicap. The Voortrekker lead the inaugural Cape to Rio Yacht Race in 1971. This cross Atlantic race is a well known institution here in Cape Town today. It puts us on the map in terms of ocean racing.
The yacht was only removed from the sea and taken to the Submarine Museum on the 7th July - a day's work to accomplish. It's now at the museum where it is going through a process of preservation and restoration, before it will become open to the public. This will take some time. Also there's a lot of history behind it, and as an historian he is looking into Bertie Reed and other people associated with the yacht to provide more relevant information. They are hoping that this will be done within 6 months and that the Voortrekker will be open to the public by December. Currently, being on site, you can see the vessel and have your photo taken in front of this famous yacht!
In the coming months they will keep fine-tuning their displays and making sure that you will enjoy your visit.
To visit the SA Naval Museums the entry is free, while SAS Assegaai submarine cost R80 for adults, R60 for seniors, and R40 for children 12 and under. Bookings for submarine tours can be made by calling 021 787 4786 or E This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (recommended for weekends or groups of 10+)
WHAT: SA Naval Museum & Submarine Museum SAS Assegai
WHERE: SA Naval Museum & Submarine Museum SAS Assegaai, King George’s Way, Simon’s Town, Cape Town 7975
WHEN: Open seven days a week from 09h30 – 15h30
BOOKING: Bookings for submarine tours can be made T 021 787 4787 or E This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (recommended for weekends or groups of 10+)
INFO: Submarine Museum T 021 787 4787 E This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | VISIT | SA Naval Museum T 021 787 4786 E This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. VISIT | See also SA Naval Museum & Assegaai Submarine Museum update by Commander Leon Steyn | See MapMyWay
