El Capitan

El Capitan is the boat the company is named after, and the one we put first-timers on. She is a Butt Cat 840: 8.4 metres of twin-hulled deep sea fishing boat, twin 150hp Suzukis, and a hull shape that does something specific: it carries you across False Bay chop instead of through it. She works out of Simon's Town, and if someone in your group is nervous about the sea, this is the boat to book.

What she carries

Eight guests, plus skipper and deckhand. That is not a marketing number; it is what her SAMSA certificate allows, and we do not exceed it.

The deck is set up for a day rather than an hour. Full shade over the seating, a head, cold storage for what you bring, and enough room to move around without stepping over anyone. On fishing days the same deck takes rod holders and a tackle station.

Where she is allowed to go

El Capitan holds a Category B Local General Safety Certificate, registration DTC 14098. In practice that means up to 40 nautical miles offshore, anywhere between St Helena Bay and Cape Infanta, in day or night operations with a qualified skipper aboard.

Forty miles is a long way out. Most charters use a fraction of it, but it is the reason she can run an overnight fishing charter and a birthday cruise in the same week.

What she is used for

• Private charters and occasions: birthdays, anniversaries, the family WhatsApp group finally agreeing on a date
• Inshore charters: trolling and reef fishing inside False Bay, lines off at 12h00
• Family days: calmer routes, kid-sized life jackets aboard, no rush
• Overnight fishing charters: her longest and most serious day

Booking her

Every charter includes the skipper, fuel, all safety equipment, and water aboard. On fishing days, rods and tackle are aboard and included. Champagne, a catering platter or a photographer are add-ons you choose upfront; the platter is quoted per head when you book, and there is nothing extra to settle at the dock.

If the weather turns, the skipper makes the call and you choose: full refund, or move the date. We firm that up 48 hours ahead, not on the morning.