The Knysna Yacht Club

About Knysna Yacht Club

The name Knysna is a Khoi word that has been translated to mean "place of wood", "fern leaves" and "straight down" an obvious reference to the famous Knysna Heads. The Heads must be one of the most eye-catching geological features along the southern African coastline. They flank a deep channel through which the sea pours in, flooding the wide and spectacular lagoon at the mouth of the Knysna River.

Founded in 1910, Knysna Yacht Club is renowned for its hospitality and world-class facilities. Sailors passing through the Heads have a safe navigable lagoon in which to moor their yachts while visiting Knysna and the surrounding region. The lagoon is a playground for holiday makers where one can enjoy water sports, sailing, sunset cruises and lagoon fishing
Asche's Cabin
Asche's Cabin is annexed to the Knysna Yacht Club and is ideally situated on the Lagoon. The cabin consists of two bedrooms, lounge, kitchen. dining area (open plan) and full bathroom. It is fully equipped and bedding as well as towels are provided.


Hisory of Asche's Cabin
The Yacht Club was founded on the 31st August 1910 in a meeting at the Knysna Magisterial courtroom held by the Assistant Magistrate, Aschelon de Smidt, together with ten prospective members.

Asche de Smidt designed the Club burgee, which remains unaltered to this day, and the first clubhouse was built for the sum of £176.10 and all credit goes to the contractor, as this same building, after 89 years remains much in its original form alongside the present Clubhouse. The external timber is in fact yellowwood.

Asche de Smidt maintained strong links with the Yacht Club and was Commodore for a total of fifteen years ending 1948; he was president from 1948 - 1950.

As membership grew over the years, the need for a new clubhouse was evident. The present Clubhouse was built in 1971 at the cost of R14 000.00, whilst the old Clubhouse was converted into a cottage for the Club Manager, where previous Managers resided until 1992.

It was decided to renovate the cottage and let it out as holiday accommodation to assist with Club funds.

An official opening of the cottage was held in December 1992 and it was only fitting that the cottage should be named after the founder, Asche de Smidt; the opening ceremony was performed by Asche's daughter, Elaine Steytler.