The Durban Yacht Mole (also called the Yacht Mole or Silburn Mole) is a historic pier and small-craft harbour area in Durban Harbour, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It juts into the harbour waters from the Victoria Embankment (now officially Margaret Mncadi Avenue, still widely known as the Esplanade), roughly opposite the main commercial jetties. It serves as a key hub for yachting, recreational boating, dining, and waterfront leisure.
Location and Setting
It lies along the harbour side of Margaret Mncadi Avenue in central Durban (near South Beach/the Point area). Access is straightforward from the M4 or city centre via the Esplanade; signage points to the Yacht Mole, and surrounding roads have seen upgrades including better lighting, parking, and a traffic circle. The site offers striking views of moored yachts, harbour activity, and lights at night. Nearby landmarks include the Playhouse Theatre, Maritime Museum, and BAT Centre (a community arts venue).
History
Yachting in Durban Bay dates to the late 1840s settler era. The first official regatta occurred in 1858 (postponed from Queen Victoria’s birthday due to low water), leading to the formation of the Durban Regatta Club that year—the oldest yacht club in Africa and among the oldest in the Southern Hemisphere. It became the Natal Yacht Club (1863) and received its “Royal” charter in 1891, becoming the Royal Natal Yacht Club (RNYC).
The Point Yacht Club (PYC) formed in 1892 after a split (partly over uniforms and convenience for Point residents). Both clubs faced repeated relocation due to harbour expansion. In 1934, authorities allocated reclaimed land for yachting under joint control. Twin embankments for the Silburn Mole began in 1947 and were completed around 1950, creating safer, improved moorings that largely define the modern Yacht Mole. A floating walk-on jetty (accommodating dozens of craft) opened in 1983. The area has seen gradual development while retaining much of its character, with modern yacht designs the main visible change over decades.
Key Facilities and Clubs
- Royal Natal Yacht Club (RNYC): Africa’s oldest yacht club (est. 1858), located on the Yacht Mole (address often given as Boatman’s Road / Yacht Mole). It offers racing (keelboat, dinghy, Wednesday sundowner sails), training, social events, restaurant/bar facilities, and access to marina berths. It is open to the public for dining and drinks with harbour views. Contact: +27 31 301 5425; club@rnyc.org.za; www.rnyc.org.za.
- Point Yacht Club (PYC): Est. 1892; bay-site clubhouse at the Yacht Mole (plus a beach facility at Vetch’s Beach with a large Hobie Cat fleet). Supports keelboat racing, dinghies, other watersports, dining (Anchorage Restaurant), and Charlie’s Bar with mole views. Contact via pyc.co.za.
- Durban Marina: Manages the bulk of walk-on berths, visitor positions, and swing moorings in the Yacht Basin (hundreds of berths; typical max lengths around 20 m, drafts varying by berth, often ~3–3.5 m at low tide). Visitors should contact the marina in advance for allocation (do not occupy vacant private berths). Formalities for international arrivals involve Port Control, Customs, Immigration, etc. VHF Channel 09 is commonly used.
Other services historically and currently associated with the area include chandleries, limited haul-out/repair options, fuel, and security.
Dining and Atmosphere
A standout is 9th Avenue Marina (also referred to as 9th Avenue Waterside / 9th Ave Marina) at 2 Maritime Place on the Yacht Mole. This fine-dining restaurant with cocktail lounge occupies a landmark waterside building (formerly Café Fish, later revived). It features harbour and marina views, contemporary South African/seafood-focused cuisine, and spaces for events. It has undergone renovations and is popular for lunches, dinners, sundowners, and special occasions (bookings recommended, e.g., via Dineplan; tel. ~031 940 4628). Club restaurants and bars (RNYC, PYC’s Charlie’s Bar and Anchorage) provide more casual options with similar views.
The overall vibe mixes active yachting (racing, cruising arrivals after Indian Ocean passages), social club life, and relaxed waterfront dining. It is a local favourite for its maritime atmosphere rather than a high-volume tourist beach strip.
Practical Notes and Context
- Best experienced in daylight or at dusk/night for views and activity.
- Suitable for yacht visitors (advance marina booking essential), club members/guests, diners, and those interested in Durban’s maritime heritage.
- The broader Port of Durban remains a major commercial hub; the Yacht Mole is the dedicated recreational/small-craft zone within it.
- Recent years have seen ongoing interest in marina enhancements and even longer-term ambitions related to larger yacht/superyacht facilities in the wider port, though the Yacht Mole itself remains focused on traditional yachting and leisure.
In short, the Durban Yacht Mole is both a functional marina and a living piece of the city’s sailing history—home to two of South Africa’s most established yacht clubs, a scenic waterfront, and popular dining with genuine harbour character. For current berthing, club events, or restaurant bookings, check the club/marina websites or contact them directly, as details can change.
