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The objective of the Club is to facilitate, for the
benefit of its members, long-term, sustainable, aquatic-related activity
for family recreation and competitive sport, providing members with
associated facilities, whilst conserving the natural environment, and the
individual rights of people as embodied in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa.
Theewater
Sports Club (TSC),
is situated on a peninsula stretching into the Theewaterskloof dam,
surrounded by farmlands, majestic mountains and a variety of wildlife. We
welcome the general public to visit us, unwind, relax and enjoy the rustic
surroundings.
Theewaterskloof
dam was designed and completed in 1980 by the Dept. of Water Affairs and
Forestry (DWAF) with the aim of supplying water to the greater Cape Metropolitan
area and the Riviersonderend
Valley. It is the 7th
largest dam in South
Africa and covers an area of 5 100ha
with a capacity of 483 million cubic metres, when full.
Our
Club was founded in 1979 and from humble beginnings, has grown to be one of
the largest water sports clubs in the Western Cape. The unique location of the
Club, excellent sailing conditions, good infrastructure and the picturesque
setting has made TSC one of the most popular water sports venues in South Africa.
Aquatic-related
activities have a strong following amongst Club members and public visitors
and include keelboat, multihull and dinghy sailing, power boating, jet
skiing, water skiing, kite surfing, windsurfing and fresh water angling.
The
weather conditions vary with the seasons. The predominant wind direction in
the winter months is northwesterly and during summer the prevailing Cape South-Easters. In summer it is
generally suggested that motorized boating is practiced in the morning with
wind-required water sports more suited to the afternoons. If unsure of the
weather conditions, you are welcome to phone the office to find out the
current weather patterns before you leave home for a visit to TSC.
Clubhouse Area
Years ago an old London
double decker bus was the very first clubhouse. After a team effort by the
pioneer members, we now have our own clubhouse, regatta office, racing
bridge, youth clubhouse, administration offices, ablution facilities and
staff accommodation on the premises. The clubhouse is situated next to the
water and offers a panoramic view of the dam. This area is the heart beat
of the Club where members meet, socialize, catch up with the latest news
and relax. All organised regattas take place from here. The clubhouse
serves as a venue for various functions including parties, meetings and
training seminars. The well stocked bar will satisfy all thirsts. You can
enjoy viewing all activities on the water from the verandah. The bar and
lounge are situated in the clubhouse, and both have DSTV facilities for all
sports enthusiasts.
Cafeteria
The cafeteria, located at the clubhouse serves snacks and fast foods. The
cafeteria is also well-stocked for campers offering most of your basic
necessities, including roosters and firewood. The cafeteria is open on
weekends, public and school holidays. If you have any specific catering
requirements, please phone us. Ice is available from the bar.
Camping
A vast area on the Club premises is available for public camping. Caravan
and tent sites on grassed areas are situated very close to the water’s
edge, with numerous campsites under the trees. There are currently 7
camping sites fitted with electrical points, which are the only sites that
can be reserved. Cleaning staff ensure that the ablution facilities are
kept neat and clean. Braai facilities are provided on the public side. When
camping at the water’s edge you may anchor your boat at or near your
camp site. Visitors are reminded that no music is allowed before 10h00 and after
22h00. Any complaints in this regard will be taken up by Club management
immediately. Our aim is for you to enjoy your visit and you are encouraged
to report any untoward behavior immediately so that the necessary action
can be taken.
Sailing
TSC is affiliated to South African Sailing (SAS), which governs all sailing
in South Africa.
TSC is proud to have hosted many national regattas that are attended by
sailors from all over the country. The large dam area and the wind patterns
are ideal for sailing activities. The racing bridge is situated on the
point of the peninsula and from here spectators get a good overall view of
the sailing courses. TSC are the current holders of many yachting
trophies and we have won the prestigious Lipton Challenge Cup four times in
the last six years!
Youth sailing
TSC has a comprehensive sail training programme, offering training in the
Elementary, Intermediate and Advanced levels by top class accomplished
coaches. We have a well established community sailing program which has been
running for six years, focusing on creating water sport experiences for
previously disadvantaged youths. This has proved to be very successful and
a few youths have made it to the top level in sailing. We are proud of our
children’s achievements and place great emphasis on their development (both
personal and sport).
Motorised water
sports
The dam offers ample space for all forms of motorised boating. Recently PWC
(Personal Water Craft) were allowed access to the dam. We strongly advise
all visitors to study the contents of the Water Safety booklet before
venturing out on the dam. All rules and regulations pertaining to
powerboats, sailing boats, etc are mentioned and you will also find a map
of the dam in this booklet, indicating certain demarcated areas.
Angling
Fresh water angling at the Club has a high profile. The following fish are
present in the dam: black bass, rainbow trout, carp, barbel, blue gill and
kurpers. A freshwater angling license is compulsory and is available from
Nature Conservation. Anglers wishing to fish the top reaches of the dam
(beyond the road bridge) must obtain a permit, as this is a proclaimed
Conservancy area. For more details contact the staff at the Club. Visitors
are reminded that no angling is permitted in any of the inland ponds.
Nature
Conservation
TSC has a strongly entrenched conservation ethic and we place great
emphasis on conserving our natural environment we are so blessed with. We
have implemented a policy regarding the eradication of invasive alien
vegetation and we encourage our members to plant indigenous trees and
shrubs. We have been busy with the eradication of foreign plant invaders,
replacing them with indigenous trees and fynbos. We appeal to all our
visitors and guests not to disturb any vegetation or wildlife.
Birdlife
During the quieter periods the avid bird watcher will be rewarded by
sighting many of the following birds: Sacred Ibis, Fish eagles, Hawks,
Lanner falcons, Kites, Sunbirds, Herons, African Hoopoes, Aquatic waders,
Cormorants, Gulls, Kingfishers, Blue Cranes, Egrets, Hamerkoppe and
Egyptian geese, to mention but a few. Many Sacred Ibis have made our
peninsula their home and the Sacred Ibis has been adopted as the Club’s
emblem.
Water
Safety/Rescue Service
As the appointed agent for DWAF, the Club is responsible for water safety
and rescue in the area from the road bridge to the dam wall. A water
safety/rescue service is available all year round. All craft that venture
onto the Theewaterskloof dam need to be registered. You can register your
boat at the entrance gate. You will then be issued with a safety booklet, a
registration disc and the Rescue Service telephone number sticker, which
must both be affixed to your boat in a prominent position. When launching a
boat, please conform to the signs and water safety rules as published in
the booklet. In the event of any emergency on the water you may call the
following number for assistance: 083 713 0626 (Rescue
Service) or 028-840 1334 (Club Office)
Membership of
the Club
We have a vast membership, with most of our members residing in the greater
Cape Metropolitan area, the Overberg and
the Winelands. There are various membership categories. Speak to the staff
for more details. You can also find membership information on our website:
www.theewaters.co.za
Public Access
and Camping Tariffs
R32.50 per person per day
R32.50 per person per night
R70.00 per campsite per night (with electricity supply)
R20.00 craft entry fee (canoes/windsurfer/kitesurf/boards)
R30.00 craft entry fee
R100.00 boat registration fee (valid for 1 year - May to April)
Free - Children under 10 years
Specially negotiated rates are available for groups. Enquire at the Club Office for more details.
Important
Telephone Numbers:
Villiersdorp
Police:
028-840 8000 or 10111
Villiersdorp Medical
Centre:
028-840 1145
Ambulance:
028-840 1159 or 082 695 7458
Fire
Brigade:
028-425 1907
Weather
Forecast:
082 231 1643
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