The Victoria and Alfred Waterfront has deservedly become one of South Africa’s top attractions; not only to local and international tourists, but to Capetonians as well. Its remarkable combination of historical interest, preserved artefacts and cutting edge modern attractions is complemented by its unique positioning at the foot of Table Mountain, as well as its status as a working harbour.
There can’t be too many places on earth where one can buy the latest fashions, wear them to a cocktail party in a preserved 18th century military battery, take a cruise on a state-of-the-art yacht, then dine at a restaurant that wouldn’t be out of place in London or New York.
Waterfront Charters have been providing the yacht and powered catamaran cruising options from the V&A Waterfront for almost as long as it has been in existence, and have acquired a fleet of vessels to suit every cruising need. What they have realised over the past two and a half decades is that an offshore hour or two aboard a boat in bracing sea air admiring the view, the sunset and the incredible wildlife is the best possible way of developing an appetite. Given that the V& A has those incredible restaurants, it made perfect sense to combine the two experiences: a wonderful cruise in a yacht or powered catamaran accompanied by an aperitif of delicate sparkling wine, followed when back on terra firma by an exquisite meal in a top-class restaurant.
Waterfront Charters, in conjunction with three of the V&A Waterfront’s most prestigious restaurants, have made it easy to choose the perfect cruise and dine experience. Visitors to the V&A can round off the day with a customised choice of cruising and restaurant option. You feel like an exhilarating sailing trip on a twin masted schooner followed by a Mediterranean seafood meal. A luxury sailing catamaran sunset-cruise rounded off with an appetite satisfying succulent steak takes your fancy; or perhaps a sedate cruise to Clifton with thirty of your closest friends, perfectly complemented by Roman-style pizzas that would have gourmets weeping with delight.
Any one of the above, or combination thereof, actually. Top establishments Meloncino, The Greek Fisherman and City Grill have partnered with three of Waterfront Charters cruising vessels – Serenity, the brand-new sailing catamaran; Esperance, a classical twin-masted sailing schooner and the Southern Cross , a fun cruiser based on a sturdy trawler design – to make sure that clients have a wide range of cruising and dining options. It doesn’t have to be dinner either; there are lunchtime options available as well.
With full descriptions of cruises and meals available on the website, nothing is left to chance to plan the perfect celebration, party, office function or quite tête a tête. The V&A has many attractions, but the Waterfront Charters Cruise and Dine experience is without a doubt the best way to combine a Cape Town offshore experience with a gastronomical highlight that will round off a perfect day.
Details at www.restaurantboat.co.za; www.waterfrontcharters.co.za or visit Waterfront Charters at Shop 5, Quay Five at the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront.
