With Jessica now going to occupational therapy twice a week, the opportunities for Chantelle and I to slip out for a coffee or lunch during the week are now few and far between. However, we did catch a break last Friday and managed to slip out for a bite to eat at the famous Bertie’s Moorings restaurant at Harbour Island Marina here in Gordon’s Bay.
International sailing legend Bertie Reed (1943-2006) is considered one of the best sailors that South Africa ever produced. During his life-time he sailed about 170 000 nautical miles competitively, of which over 100 000 was single-handed – including three solo circumnavigations of the globe, the first South African to ever do so!
He is also remembered for his brave rescue of fellow South African John Martin, whose yacht sank after hitting a submerged iceberg in the Southern Ocean during the 1990/91 BOC Challenge. This heroic deed (and example of outstanding seamanship in extreme conditions) was rewarded with the Wolraad Woltemade Decoration, the then highest South African civilian award for bravery.
Anyway, he and his family established Bertie’s Moorings back in 1994. The family-run restaurant/pub is centered around a hand-crafted oak barrel bar (made by Bertie himself), and can seat around 120 people. The drawcard has to be though the large deck overlooking the water!
The restaurant plays host to lots of live music gigs, and caters for big sporting event screenings as well.
We made the most of the good winter weather, and tucked into a portion of classic fish and chips, while Chantelle gave their ‘white pizza’ a shot. (Update: both were good!)
And then, because all good things come to an end, we paid our bill and went back to work!
Related Link: Bertie’s Moorings