Writer Dr Robin Lee
One of the obvious features of Hermanus history is the large number of famous and well-known people who visited the town during the 20th century. Some came only once, for instance the internationally known English woman pilot, Amy Johnson, who rested for a few days at The Marine after her record-breaking solo flight from London in the 1930s.
Other famous people didn’t settle here for any length of time but visited repeatedly. Sir William Hoy is the best example of this. He relaxed here from his work as General Manager of the South African Railways for many years. He loved the fishing and the serene atmosphere of the little village, and stayed at The Marine Hotel on every occasion.