Q&A with awesome sailor, Mike Kavanagh from Ray of Light

I managed to catch up with Mike Kavanagh ahead of the upcoming Vasco da Gama to Port Elizabeth. 

This is what he had to say to the questions I three at him...

Family? 

Married to first mate Heidi and have been blessed with a wonderful son, able seaman Sean.

How many of them sail? 

Heidi and Sean are avid sailors, as are most of our family members. Heidi was born a von Bredow. Some of our family are sailing on the Fast 42, Nemesis in this race. My cousin Graham Cross just dropped anchor in Brazil on a lovely boat called Onyx that was built by my grandfather Harry Cross and finished by my uncle John Cross.

Which area do you live in? 

Oslo Beach, Port Shepstone in KZN

How did you get into sailing? 

I started sailing with my grandfather and uncle as a little boy, on a Flying Dutchman built by my Grandfather. Later, when I was 10 years old, we built a Dabchick during the school holidays, a boat I still own. The dabbie still has a scar from one of the steel marks on Emmarentia dam that I hit while staring at the girls on the windsurfers. In the good old days we used to sail for fun, very little racing. Maybe we should be doing more of that these days. I was privileged to crew on the family Stadt 23, Umoya on Vaal dam when not playing cricket, hockey or golf, which was seldom as a scholar.

What are your achievements in sailing? 

I like to think of myself a good seaman, thanks to the influence of Alex Cousins of Yachtmaster Ocean Sailing School. I have always been competitive in sports and have worked hard to improve as a racing sailor, being largely self taught by applying knowledge gained from a library of ‘go fast’ books, tested on Ray of Light and smaller Flying 15’s and J22’s. For me a notable achievement was being consistently competitive in the Cape Town club sailing scene with a fun loving mixed crew of old and young, men and women, physically and mentally challenged, novices, a couple of French girls and some elderly Hollanders was very rewarding. We enjoyed taking line honours in last year’s Vasco but were disappointed to miss out on handicap, so will be looking to improve this year. I was privileged to be part of Stuart Ritchie’s crew on the Beneteau First 40, BMA that took line honours and the handicap win in the 2011 Vasco. It was that experience that showed me what had to be done to Ray of Light and her crew to convert her to a club racer from a world cruiser. We have been improving our skills and the boat since then and now that we are Durban based, have wonderful close racing on the water and on handicap with Bellatrix (formerly BMA). One more achievement is to have survived a 360 degree roll on a Stadt 23 named Dejavu in a regatta offshore PE in the 1998 while we were debating whether or not to wear life jackets, we were struck by a breaking wave just outside PE harbour. I trust our arrival in PE this year will be less eventful. 

What other class of boats have you / do you sail? 

Apart from Ray of Light we have a lovely wooden decked classic Flying 15 called Femme Fatale that has a long history of sailing in Durban and Saldanha. We try to upset the carbon fibre speed machines in Durban from time to time. We also enjoy fishing on our little ski boat Sport’s Captain.

Best memory or moment that stands out for you so far in sailing? 

Sailing in the Southern Atlantic ocean was unforgettable, with spectacular bird life. Another highlight was watching a marlin chasing our lures while doing 15 knots downwind with the kite up when leaving the Canary Islands. Moments later we crash gybed as the helms person was distracted by the marlin and consequently had to head back to the Canaries for repairs. Returning Ray of Light to Cape Town from Luderitz, jury rigged after being dismasted (due to the failure of a rather light Sparcraft France factory fitting) in the 2012 Governors Cup, with my wife Heidi and 4 year old Sean was memorable. The week long slow motor beat with storm jib and a dabchick sized main into a building south easter while standing watch with my little boy was something to be cherished, as was the tuna we caught far offshore. Vasco 2014 was special as we had Heidi’s dad Pieter and sister Sigi on the crew with us. With Sean it was three generations. Vasco da pigeon joined us 25 miles offshore as we approached and entered to Durban harbour. Fancy a pigeon finding us way out at sea.

What do you most enjoy about sailing? 

I get great joy from being in God’s creation experiencing the freedom of the open ocean while being driven along by the power of the wind. The sea life is always amazing, it’s like an extended game drive! The concentration and focus needed to keep the boat sailing efficiently is a great way to get your mind off life’s other distractions and challenges. Most of all I enjoy sharing the experience with my wife and son.

What are you hoping to achieve in this year’s Vasco da Gama race? 

I would like to arrive safely in PE with the boat and crew in one piece. We have learned that despite rigorous and thorough preparation, unforeseen mishaps happen. I would like to sail the boat to its potential and perhaps catch a 20kg tuna on the way to PE or on the way back to Durban.

What has sailing taught you? 

So many things, including self sufficiency, innovation and problem solving. It has taught me practical skills like how to service a diesel engine, a marine toilet and to replace steering cables (remember to cross them!). Let’s not talk about black water holding tanks. Sailing has taught me the value of teamwork, clear communication, proper preparation and thinking ahead to anticipate what will happen next. It has made a weather man of me and taught me to work hard to fund the passion! Most of all it has allowed me to spend priceless moments with my family at sea and in the bay in a wide variety of circumstances. On a lighter note I have learned to avoid vomit flying from the weather rail and even tack naked as happened in last years Vasco when we got a little too close to the shore while I was down below trying to suit up for the night ahead and was called on deck in a hurry.

Role model in sailing? 

My Grandfather, Uncle and Father in Law who planted and nurtured the love of sailing in me.

Role model in life? 

Jesus Christ

What are you hobbies? 

Golf, fishing, garden cricket with my son

Besides sailing, any other sport you participate in / excel in? 

In the past cricket / hockey / golf, now days sailing and fishing take up most of the spare time with a little golf now and then.

Describe yourself in one word? 

Content

Where would you like to be in five years / what will you like to have achieved? 

I have no five year plan, never have. I try to live each day to the fullest and although difficult, try not to worry about tomorrow, as it will take care of itself.

Anything of interest that you would like to add:

My wife Heidi and son Sean who is now six, have done most of the 20,000 miles we have clocked up together on Ray of Light. The privilege to sail together has been immense; sailing is definitely a great family sport. It saddens me that there are not more families sailing together. I am hopeful that Heidi’s deteriorating physical condition will not prevent her from joining us for this race. We look forward to another voyage together and to sharing the experience with our good friends and crew in the Vasco 2015. We are especially looking forward to the duel with Nemesis, owned by Heidi’s sister Sigi and husband Anthony Bailes.

PYC Offshore Sailing

Point Yacht Club

Offshore Sailing

The Easter weekend was a busy patch for the more competitive sailors of Durban with three major events concluding around the country.

Down in Port Elizabeth, brothers Thomas and Peter Funke achieved their intentions of finishing in the top ten at the SAP 505 World Championships. Funke squared came eighth overall after eight races. They were the top South African finishers on the leaderboard, behind legends Mike Holt and Carl Smit from America who cleaned up with five first places.

The Robinson brothers, Ricky and Brennan representing the Royal Natal Yacht Club had a fantastic series, showing their dexterity on any sailing craft, finishing 13^th. Amanzimtoti’s Jay D’Engle sailing with Cape Townian Dewet Nel ended his regatta in 18^th.

In Durban, oodles of Hobie sailors took to the warm waters to compete in the Hobie Nationals. The bright and colourful fleet enjoyed superb conditions over four days. Race officer from Cape Town, Doug Allison got in eleven races. After a tense start to the regatta with three false starts in the opening race and a black flag being raised for the remainder of the day, the adrenaline junkies managed to roll in the results.

Taking honours in the main class, William and Lucinda Edwards from Knysna Yacht Club wrapped up with six first places and three second places concluding the four days as deserved winners. Iconic Hobie sailor and World Champion, Blaine Dodds competing with his gorgeous daughter Roxanne, tallied up four firsts and six seconds, settling for silver just two points behind the Edwards. Top local PYC members, Ewald and Ali Erasmus were in the top ten, with their seventh place overall.

Special mention goes to Aldino Gorlei, who recently celebrated his 80^th birthday, finished an impressive fifth in the Hobie 14 class.

Up in Richards Bay an impressive fleet of 14 large keelboats are safely moored after fantastic downwind sailing, they set sail from Inhaca Island in Mozambique on Good Friday in the long distance race to Zululand. Most of the entries used the event as practice for the upcoming gruelling 400 nautical mile Vasco da Gama to Port Elizabeth.

Taking line honours in the 25^th edition of the Inhaca Yacht Race, local entry from Zululand Yacht Club Zeus skippered by Don Voysey in a pacey 23 hours 16 minutes and 48 seconds followed by the Rear Commodore of Point Yacht Club, Jon Marshall sailing on Majimoto just half an hour behind Zeus. Marshall, sailing with his daughters and crewman Edrich ‘Lucky Eddie’ de Lange, were crowned handicap winners. Another PYC member, Greg Donkin helming Alkistis finished third in both handicap and across the line.

April continues to be a busy sailing season with the start of the Vasco da Gama Ocean Race on Saturday 25 April and the SA Laser Nationals taking place from Wednesday 29 April with close to 100 boats taking part.

For more info go to www.pyc.co.za.

Chatting to World Champion, Colin Dibb

SA Laser Nationals

Interview with Australian Colin Dibb

I have had the honour of witnessing Australian Colin Dibb carve up local waters at the previous SA Laser Nationals in 2012, the wizard on a Laser returns to his former hometown, Durban three years later to compete again at the 2015 edition of the Nationals.

“Growing up in Durban, I loved the summer holidays messing about in boats on Durban harbour. And the legendary PYC pie for lunch on a Saturday followed by racing. Fond memories!”

“My grandfather was a keen sailor nicknamed Skipper, he encouraged my parents to let us go sailing at a very young age. He taught us some great lessons in self-reliance.”

With a string of accomplishments that any competitive sportsman can only dream of, put Dibb on anything with a sail, he is bound to succeed. In fact, he has! The list of achievements includes representing both South African and Australia at the Laser World Championships. Dibb is a World Grand Master Champ and a World Masters Champ in the Laser class. He is also no slouch on a keelboat, windsurfer or four different dinghy classes.

“I’ve had the honour of representing both South Africa and Australia at the Laser Worlds, 10 years apart.” a relaxed Dibb states.

Having been stuck on land for a while due to a shoulder operation, the upbeat character said, “Yeah, it was just a shoulder repair. General wear and tear! The recovery is going much faster than expected but I still missed four months of summer sailing.”

“I’d describe myself as impatient, and persistent. Perhaps persistence is my strength, otherwise why would I still be trying to sail a Laser after 40 years.” he says with a chortle.

“Durban is right up there, one of my favourite places to compete. Racing downwind in heavy air. Exhilarating, fantastic! But so is spots like Fremantle, and many other places around the world. Each place has a certain charm, and challenge to it. That is what makes sailing so interesting. Every time you go out, it is never the same.”

“My sports have enabled me to travel a lot and meet some wonderful people and see some fabulous places. Sailing has taught me a lot, mostly about the environment. To be ready for any shifts or changes and that plan Bs are ok.”

Chatting about if the sport of sailing is growing in Australia, he enthuses, “The Aussie sailing scene is very strong. They have great youth development programmes and coaching makes for big healthy fleets.”

“I love gardening, especially on a free Sunday afternoon.” I hear a snigger on the line as he continues, “Just joking. Free time is something I don’t have a lot of. I put a lot of hours back into the sport that has given so much to me.”

“Without sounding too clichéd, I would have to say my proudest achievement was starting a Laser 4.7 development programme in WA. We have produced some World Champions and potential Olympians. It truly is a humbling feeling helping the future generation succeed in something I am so passionate about.”

Asked who he most admires, he stops to think, “I would have to say Laser sailors still competing in their 70s. That epitomises passion and commitment. Being active in the twilight years of your sporting life, phenomenal.”

Concluding the chat, Dibb says his favourite saying is sail like you mean it. A whole fleet of Laser sailors is looking forward to this respected sailors return so he can do just that. 

Chatting to seasoned Laser sailor, Anthony Arbuthnot

Point Yacht Club

SA Laser Nationals

Interview with Anthony Arbuthnot

A regular face on the water most Saturdays, the quietly keen Anthony Arbuthnot is gearing up for the upcoming SA Laser Nationals at the end of the month.

Arbuthnot has been a regular competitor in the Durban sailing community over a number of years, “I’ve loved sailing from a young age, sailing Dabchicks at PYC. I wore my Dad down nagging, who eventually bought me a Tack. I designed and built an 8ft catamaran, at aged 11, called the Titchcat, which I sailed extensively in the Midlands, on Punch Barlow’s farm which is now Boschhoek. The scene of some spectacular capsizes.” he admits with a chuckle.

“I have also had the honour to cruise a bit of the world. A fond memory was when we sailed to America from Durban in 1982, and arrived at night in Fernando de Noronha, an archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean. The first time we hoisted our spinnaker on our Leopard 40 in the Caribbean with my whole family on board, to the sounds of Pirates of the Caribbean soundtrack; that was a pretty surreal, fun moment.”

“Sailing is truly magical. The people involved make it so. The Laser sailors come from all walks of life and a huge spread of ages, and there is huge camaraderie amongst the men and women.”

“Besides being magical, it also teaches you valuable life lessons! Laser sailing especially teaches you great humility and that it’s no one’s fault but your own when you’re upside down, at the back of the fleet.”

Asked how he would describe himself in one word, he laughs stating, “Old!”

  

The Vause Road resident is completely entrenched in his neighbourhood, “I grew up in Vause Road, spending 20 years in our family home until I was 22years old. The last 20 years I have been happily married living in the house next door to my family home.”

“My beautiful wife of 27 years, Nicole understands and encourages my passion for the sea. I have three kids, oldest son James is 25, my daughter Alexandra is 19 and youngest, Guy has just turned 18. All of them sail on our Catamaran but none sail dinghies with me. Nicole used to crew for me on a Sprog, in the 80’s.”

Off the water, the seasoned sailor has a diverse range of activities, “Flying, I am lucky enough to have two aeroplanes and fly whenever I get the chance. And diving and the odd mountain and road bike ride. Oh yes, and cooking. I can cook up a storm.” he admits enthusiastically.

Chatting about his aquatic achievements, the eager yachtsmen said, “I have dabbled on Dabchicks, Mirrors, Tacks, Sprogs, Paper Tigers, Hobie 14 & 16s, Lasers and Flying Fifteens. Raced extensively on L26s then L 34s! Participated in a few RCOD speed attempts in the Vasco and from Richards Bay. Closest we came was on an Adrenalin, 43 Foot Cat, sailing 3 up at 28 knots average till we were hit by a Westerly off the Northern Breakwater.”

His role model in sailing is respected Henri Hiddes, “The most revered bowman in the Whitbread fleet, and the most fun guy I’ve ever has the privilege of sailing with! But in everyday life, I look up to my Dad.”

  

“I can proudly say my greatest achievement is that I am content. I am eternally blessed to have such a wonderful wife and kids, and I have the best friends a man could ask for. Hope the future years is as much fun as the last 50.”

Over the May Day weekend, let’s hope that the content Arbuthnot’s experience holds him in good stead as he takes on top national and international sailors offshore of Durban.

Chatting to up-and coming umpire Ansie Joubert

SPAR KZN Regional Hockey Tournament

Interview with Ansie Joubert

Newcastle has a rising star in hockey umpire, Ansie Joubert.

The motivated and driven sports star was recently crowned as the Most Promising Umpire at the annual Northern KZN Regional of the SPAR KZN Regional Hockey Tournament.

“I thrive on the energy that you always feel at a hockey field, there is always something happening.  I love the team spirit in hockey as well as the competitiveness.  I really enjoy the action.” the gentle Joubert states.

“I started playing hockey in Grade 1, all my friends and my sister played, so I joined them.  I have never regretted this choice.

Asked what a memorable moment on the pitch was, she claims, “For some reason the ones I remember most is playing through injuries.  One that especially stands out is playing evening league in Bloemfontein in winter, with legs cramping and ice chips hitting you as you ran, with no-one on the bench because they were all down with flu, we had to play through it.  Luckily we won that game, so it’s a good memory.”

“I am not playing hockey at the moment, but my main positions have always been left striker or left link.  However I was always happy to play where our coach needed me. I even played one game as goalie.” Joubert says smiling.

“Currently I coach Mini hockey as well as our schools under 13A team.  I have also been privileged to coach our under 13 district side for the past 3 years, this year will be the fourth.  I am lucky that I can live out my passion for hockey in a variety of ways, with umpiring now also added in the mix.”

“On the umpiring front, I have been umpiring informally since 2012, only umpiring for my hockey team while coaching. I have always been delighted to accept when other umpires offered to umpire for me.” 

Thinking back, Joubert recalls, “If I remember correctly the first time officially with the whistle, it went okay! Luckily it was not a big game.  Last year I umpired once, for our first team where I was rather a nervous wreck as I did not have a lot of confidence.  Luckily I umpired with a friend, who was willing to help me a lot.”

“This was my second SPAR tournament, last year I enjoyed supporting our team from the side lines.  At the regional this year, I was honoured to officiate in the final at Pionier High, where Ferrum beat Dundee. That would have to be the biggest game I have blown so far.”

Away from the hockey field, the motivated and driven sports start relishes aqua-activities, “Swimming is another favourite for me, I swim the Midmar Mile every year, and then I also take part in triathlons. I occasionally play tennis, scuba dive and have even tried surfing before.”

“I enjoy any kind of adventure, going out and doing new things. I also enjoy reading, drawing and travelling. I would still love to travel to Greece, hike the Inca trail in South America and then go sky-diving!”

“I had the privilege to summit Mt Kilimanjaro with my mom and a group of students, parents and colleagues from school in 2012, an achievement and experience that no one can ever take away from me. I am a farm girl, who enjoys being outdoors, being active and learning new things, whether it is surfing, skiing in Switzerland, rowing down the Orange River or hiking the Otter Trail. These experiences affirm the feeling that I have lived and hope to continue to do so.”

Continuing, the passionate teacher said, “After three years of living in London, I really enjoy the slower pace of life in Newcastle.  We have most things that we need here, it is a big town, yet everyone works well together and one can still have good relationships with people.”

Originally from Dundee, the young whistle blower works in Newcastle, and lives at the school she teaches grade 2s, “I am also head of St Dominic’s Academy’s Boarding Establishment which has its challenges but is rewarding.”

Her eyes light up as she concludes the chat, stating, “I still visit on my parents’ farm during the holidays, this is where I recharge and find my peace.”