This past weekend was the annual SA Navy Festival at Simon's Town, a coastal town nestled on the False Bay side of the Cape Peninsula, half an hour from the City of Cape Town. Simon's Town is also the main naval base for the SA Navy. And it is this weekend that the naval section of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) is on display.
There are tugboat rides in the bay, tours of the SA Navy's brand-new Valour Class Frigates and new submarines, as well as other ships. There are also cannon firing, firefighting and dog show displays. The public are also treated to search and rescue displays and many exhibitions on the history of the navy.
Being a fan of anything maritime I decided to head out to Simon's Town yesterday. It was a family outing as my parents came as well, along with a couple of their friends from the Island of Tristan da Cunha in the South Atlantic Ocean. It was great to be back amongst ships and the sea. Here are some photos from this fun day trip. 
SAS Protea, the navy's hydrographic survey vessel. She is known as the "White Lady" of the fleet and is a very pretty ship.
SAS Isandlwana and SAS Mendi, two of the four Valour Class Frigates.
South African Air Force (SAAF) Super Lynx helicopter as carried by the frigates.
Tug showing its firefighting skills.
South African Air Force aerobatic team Silver Falcons in action.
Simon's Town and the naval base from across the bay.
