Delivered on the occasion of the salute by the Honourable Order of Hout Bay Artillery for the sail past to mark the opening of the 2010/11 sailing season by the Commodore of the
Hout Bay Sailing Fleet
"They defended our shore with hot round shot and grape
When the enemy tried to invade our fair Cape.
Now we’re a Republic, no longer at war
Friendly fire honours those who come to our shore.
The sailors of Hout Bay now we also toast,
They brave the South-Easter (or so they do boast)
So may our libation bring winds that are fair
Neither typhoon or flat calm – the sailor’s nightmare.
Fine ships and our cannon we bequeath to our sons
The spirit of Hout Bay, the boats and the guns!"
Gunner Jeremy Hele
