The future of Three Anchor Bay’s prominent boat sheds is uncertain after eviction notices were served to current occupants following the death of the previous leaseholder.
The sheds below the Sea Point promenade, which have stored kayaks and surf skis for nearly 30 years, are home to local tourism business Cape Kayak and dozens of recreational paddlers.
Occupants had initially been expected to vacate by the end of April.
The issue has sparked concern among Cape Town’s kayaking community, with around 30 paddlers gathering at the boat sheds this week alongside City officials and Ward 54 councillor Nicola Jowell.
Three Anchor Bay boat sheds face uncertain future
The dispute centres around the death of tenant Arthur Fincham more than a year ago.
According to the City, the lease now needs to be cancelled, as there are no formal agreements with the current occupants.
Kayaker Andrew Siddle said the boat sheds are about more than just the local paddling community.
“I guess at one level this is about a bunch of inconvenienced kayakers, but it’s also about jobs, local economy, tourism, and local character,” Siddle told The Atlantic Sun.
City promises ‘fair’ leasing process
Fincham’s ex-wife Tracy Rauch, who runs Cape Kayak, said she had been operating from the Three Anchor Bay site for two decades.
Rauch confirmed receiving an eviction notice issued by the estate lawyer of the previous leaseholder.
“I’ve been operating here for 20 years, maintaining these sheds, paying rent, and running a business that creates jobs and draws tourists,” she said.
Rauch added that attempts to formalise the lease in her name had been unsuccessful.
The City says it is now working on interim arrangements, which could include extending the vacating period at Three Anchor Bay.
“Discussions are ongoing with the estate’s legal representatives to ensure a lawful and fair process,” Jowell said.
Mayoral committee member Francine Higham confirmed the City plans to launch a competitive leasing process for the 12 sheds.
“There is a great deal of interest in the leasing of these boat sheds,” Higham said, adding that the process would aim to allocate them “fairly and equitably.”
