AEOLIANS RECIPROCITY
Current club reciprocity provides for Emmarentia Sailing Club sailing members to gain access to a great sailing venue. Club members now have access to their club facilities on the following basis.
Each 1st weekend of the month sailing is available at Aeolians club.
- Saturdays from the Club, mainly in dinghies with 4 Dolphins, O9ers, Oppies and Lasers.
- Sundays keelboats sailing in the Middle of the Dam series, as well as dinghies sailing from the Club shore.
1st weekend of the month, accommodation by arrangement.
Facilities :-Club has a Clubhouse, ablution facilities, a kitchen with gas range, deep-freeze and fridges and a well-stocked ice-cold fridge behind a bar counter. Camping / 4 sleeper rooms by arrangement. Braai available at both lunch and dinner and the
Where is Aeolians :-On the west bank of North Bay, Vaal Dam offers access to sailing on the finest inland SA sailing waters, particularly extensive at this time as the Dam is at 100% capacity as of March 2021 – and likely to stay around these levels for some months.
How to get there : -The journey time is approx. 1hr20min from Johannesburg following Google Maps (Aeolians Club) to the turn-off. Thereafter, just follow the gravel road, always heading to the water. Inside the Club gate, take the left-fork marked “Aeolians” and carry on to the Clubhouse on the left, next to the water.
Contact :-Barrie Jones 083 468 1189 or email barriej3.icon.co.za to arrange accommodation/camping, club boat hire, access and arrange to help crew keelboats.
Boats:-Own boats may be brought and Aeolians club boats on a first come first serve basis. Keelboat crewing by arrangement. Should there be no wind (seldom) picnicking alongside the water is very special.
Risk:-Taking to the water will be at each skipper’s own risk as there will not be a Club rescue craft available unless a regatta is running.
Fees:-A small donation R30-R50 per vehicle is asked to help defray kitchen and cleaning costs. Boat hire fee R100 per boat
Review:-From personal experience over a number of years at 505 Regattas, I can heartily endorse this great opportunity for club sailors to experience good wind on a wide expanse of water. The sailing is great, the location is accessible and the Clubhouse lounge, kitchen and bar are very convivial when people are around. Please join me in enjoying this great venue. -- Andrew Arthur