El Fresco

El Fresco is the smallest boat we charter and the one people are most often surprised by. A 520 Supercat: 5.2 metres, twin 50hp Hondas, based in Simon's Town. She takes four guests onto sheltered water that the bigger boats have no business in.

What she carries

Four guests plus skipper. That is the whole point of her. Four people on a small boat is a private day in a way that ten people on a big one never is, and the shallow draft opens up the quiet corners of the bay.

Where she is allowed to go

Category C, registration DTC 11569, up to 15 nautical miles from shore. She is our inshore boat, and we run her in daylight hours only.

In practice she works the sheltered water of False Bay: short runs, calm corners, and back well before the light goes. That envelope is exactly right for what she does.

What she is used for

• Sheltered-water days: short runs inside the bay, the penguins at Boulders from the water, easy on and off
• Private charters: four people, one skipper, no schedule but yours
• Family days: flat water, short distances, and a boat that small children are not intimidated by
• Self-drive hire: she is one of the boats we rent to licensed skippers, daylight hours only. See rentals

Simon's Town

She works out of Simon's Town on the False Bay side, which is the sheltered coast. Boulders Beach and its penguin colony are minutes away, Seal Island sits out in the bay, and there is almost always a calm corner to find, whatever the wind is doing outside.

It is windy country in summer all the same. We watch the forecast and call it 48 hours ahead.

Booking her

Skipper, fuel, safety equipment and water aboard are included. Champagne aboard can be arranged, and a catering platter is quoted per head when you book.

If we cancel for weather you choose: a full refund, or another date.