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The first of our trips for the latter part of the year is DASSEN ISLAND. It all happens over the long weekend of the 24th – 27th of September 2009.
DASSEN ISLAND trip
Dive dates: Thursday 24 September, Saturday 26 September and Sunday 27 September 2009. We plan to launch all three days, although should the weather not be favourable for the Thursday, we will roll the dive over to the Saturday. Should either Saturday or Sunday not be diveable on the Atlantic side, we will schedule some wreck exploration dives in False Bay close to Macassar. We will not be staying is Ysterfontein, as it is so close, but rather driving up each day. Launch site: Ysterfontein slipway (proceed northbound through Table View on the R27. About 30mins later turn left to Ysterfontein and continue for 9 kms to the town. Continue straight through the town and follow the signs to the slipway/harbour). Launch times: 8h30 (all days) - arrive 30-45 mins before the launch - allow additional time for traveling. There will only be one launch per day, as it will be a two-tank dive.
What to expect:One must realise that minimal wreck research has taken place on Dassen, with the result that although the location of the wrecks may be problematic and at the end of the day finding any wrecks cannot be guaranteed (although we have a few definite sites from our previous trips), should any wreckage be located not only will you be one of the first people to have discovered it, but notwithstanding the natural deterioration of the wreck, the wrecks will be in pristine condition. This should make for some really exciting dives with a purpose, but remember that given their age you must not expect any intact wreckage, but rather scattered formations. Also remember however that in terms of legislation, no artifacts may be removed on wrecks older than 60 years (which is all the wrecks on Dassen), so bring your cameras!! No salvage will be permitted. Nature of the dives: Given the fact that most dives will be exploratory in nature, you have a choice of either just buddying up and having a general look around, or those that are interested can decide on a more group focused, survey approach to hopefully searching designated areas. Having said this I do not want to make it too "course like", in the sense that fun and general exploration will still remain the primary focus. The general diving depths will also range from 3msw to approximately 15msw - very shallow. We plan to do a least two dives, with possibly even a third. Remember again that all the dives are two-tank dives, so your second cylinder must accompany you on the boat. Also bring something to snack on between dives, as well as sun block and a hat. Post dive: After dives we will probably have a quick bite to eat at a local restaurant, whereafter we will travel back to Cape Town and commence the filling of cylinders for those that will dive again on the following days.Equipment / air fills: Remember that there are NO COMPRESSOR facilities at Ysterfontein, nor can equipment be rented there, so it would be best to arrange to take all necessary gear, but more specifically at least a cylinder for each dive, up with you for the day. We have limited cylinders for hire which are available at R60 per cylinder. Call me to book it. Cost: The cost is R300 per diver for the trip, regardless of the number of dives you actually do. To get your money’s worth, it naturally makes sense to do at least two dives. All other costs are excluded and are for your own account, i.e. travel, equipment, air, food, accommodation etc. Booking: We have already taken several bookings, but in light of the info supplied in this e-mail, can all those that provisionally booked kindly re-confirm exactly which days they wish to dive. Similarly the booking of cylinders will be on a first come first served basis.
Weather: All dives are naturally weather permitting, however as we realise that most people will be driving up from Cape Town, we will sms all the divers for the first launch at 6am to confirm (we will be driving through on the mornings regardless). Should we confirm we expect the divers for the first launch to make their way up there for 7h45 - 8h00. We will however do a final evaluation when we arrive at Ysterfontein prior to launching for the first dive, with the result that if conditions deteriorate on your way up, we may have to call the dive then - it is a chance we take, but stand a good chance to get some great exploratory diving in! |
