Chatting to Nqoba Mswazi before he joins the Clipper Round The World Yacht Race

Royal Natal Yacht Club

Nqoba Mswazi

Durban’s yacht club, the Royal Natal Yacht Club bids a fond farewell to young Nqoba Mswazi as he heads off to Qingdao in China to compete in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race.

The accomplished sailor who grew up in Umgababa flies out to the port of Qingdao on the east coast of China to join the fleet of 12 Clippers that are currently sailing around the world. Mswazi will be racing on one leg in the tenth race of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race that will take about four or five weeks to sail to San Francisco.  He is one of the more experienced crew members on the yacht, Invest Africa.

Mswazi, a regular sailing personality nicknamed ‘The Machine’, competes in all of the local races offshore of Durban and has only sailed in two international races prior to his upcoming Pacific crossing. He competed in the Colorpress Vasco da Gama Race from Maputo to Durban last year and early on his sailing career he raced in the Round Creole Island Race in Reunion.

“My first international race I competed in Reunion, my mentor Sean Jones and I competed in a class that we knew little about but learnt a lot. It was the F18 class, a big hobie cat, we came third last but my passion for sailing ignited there.”

Asked what he is most nervous about his upcoming adventure, he quickly states, “The cold!”

Pic by Trevor Wilkins

Having just turned 21, he celebrated this milestone in Portsmouth when he was there for his Clipper Training. Mswazi certainly has a bright future ahead of him in the sport of sailing.

The Rear Commodore for the Royal Natal Yacht Club, Rob Samways said, “We wish Nqoba well, he will grow in leaps and bounds with this opportunity. I personally am looking forward to his return as he will be crewing on our yacht Sticky Fingers in this year’s Vasco da Gama Race. His fresh experience will work wonders for us.”

The tough 5,800 nautical mile race begins on Sunday 16 March and is a monster of a leg. Once leaving the safety of the port, the clippers will be weaving around local fishing boats offshore of China battling with the renowned fog that hovers off the coastline of China. The cold winter conditions will challenge the fleets in the first week at sea as snow will be a regular feature on the decks.

Mswazi and his team will have to read the weather carefully as they cross the largest ocean in the world. Will they sail close to the rhumb line, the shortest route that you can sail and run the risk of light winds or head north for a colder but stronger ride east.

Invest Africa’s estimated arrival is around 15 April, “I am looking forward to the privilege of sailing under the Golden Gate Bridge. The sailors that I have spoken to have talked highly about the feeling that you get gliding underneath it, the magical sight of San Francisco coming into focus after weeks at sea.” Mswazi concluded.

Royal Natal Yacht Club’s Nqoba Mswazi is going places as he tackles the upcoming Clipper Round the World Yacht Race leg from Qingdao to San Francisco.

For more info on the race, visit http://www.clipperroundtheworld.com/ or visit the Royal Natal Yacht Club site www.rnyc.org.za

Chatting to sailor Michael Dickinson

Royal Natal Yacht Club

Michael Dickinson

There is an ocean of possibilities awaiting Glenwood High’s Michael Dickinson as he prepares for the most prestigious sailing event in the country, the Ola Lipton Challenge Cup.

On the eve of his eighteenth birthday, the young man enthuses, “I started sailing with my father when I was eight years old, and I always enjoyed water sports so kept at it.”

The Glenwood High School student is extremely passionate about sailing with his bucket list consisting all of nautical to-do items, “I am hoping to get my yacht masters, compete in the 49er youth worlds, sail in a Velux 5 Oceans, oh and of course pass matric! My list gets longer and longer, but the basic aim is to sail, sail and sail some more.”

Gearing up for the biggest sailing event in the country, Dickinson comments, “The preparations have been tough with a limited budget to get the yacht up to standard and we have an inexperienced team, we have a lot of work to do. That being said, the guys have been great taking it in their stride and always having a blast, always finding a way to laugh. And the teamwork has been out of this world.”

“The whole team is really looking forward to the competition and learning something new!” the young skipper adds. The team is one of the youngest that will be competing, with an average age of 15 years and all being Glenwood learners.

Dickinson recently was awarded the Choose Life Youth Trophy when he competed in the Colorpress Vasco da Gama international yacht race, the race that started in Maputo and finished in Durban this May. “The best memory would have to be as we were coming in and watching Choose Life Pacer come across our bow at the finish line making us realise how close the race was.”

This would be the highlight of his fledgling career,” I have been to a few places mainly in the UK and a few others for racing but nothing beats sailing offshore here at home.”

“I am a sailor because I love its challenges and no one race is ever the same. My motto is to keep sailing and go extremely fast, there isn’t anything like it! The thrill of flying across the water is a huge adrenaline rush, as well as sailing is really physical and keeps you fit.” said the enthusiastic lad.

His interest off the water has him eyeing out the bulls eye. “I dabble in a bit of archery, the discipline involved is fantastic and you have to work hard to hit your target! A good life lesson.”

The matric student plans to pursue his love to the ocean, “I am hoping to study something in the field of Maritime Studies and maybe something in journalism as well!”

But for now, the sailor spends every waking moment on the water, “I pretty much sail every day after school; I enjoy sharing my passion and coach Terra's introducing other people to the great sport.”

All local eyes are on the lads from Glenwood High School, representing the youngest yacht club in the country, the Glenwood High School Yacht Club, Dickinson is joined by Gabriel Davies; Rowan Garrat; Joshua Canaan; Brendan Humphries and Eli Brophy-Tintinger.

Chatting to sailor Chris Kloppenborg

I had the opportunity to catch up with up-and-coming sailor, Chris Kloppenborg when he was on dry land.

Preparing for the upcoming SASKZN Provincial Championship hosted by the Royal Natal Yacht Club that kicks off a busy winter season for South African sailors, Kloppenborg will be taking to the waters having just completed in the Colorpress Vasco da Gama.

“The Vasco was challenging but fun! We were sailing on an L34 named Zap and it was my second time competing in the biggest blue water event in Southern Africa. The race is a gruelling event testing not only your sailing expertise but also your mental and physical strength and I am happy to say I came out with a smile on my face having learnt a lot and enjoyed the experience!” said a chuffed sailor.

“I enjoy sailing on many different crafts but I must say the most exciting to sail on must be a Hobie 16, you are so close to the water, as you carve through the waves you can hear the water rushing beneath you; it is a complete adrenaline rush!”

The SASKZN Provincial Champs has three events competing under one banner, the brightly coloured smaller zippier Hobies, the L26 yachts and the IRC racing yachts, “It is going to be interesting with all of us sailing on one course! It certainly is going to be a colourful affair. More than likely I will be sailing on the bigger boat but have a few options as to which class I will be racing in.”

The young sailor first began sailing four years ago when he joined the 57^th Durban Sea Scouts. “There are two main things I enjoy about sailing, firstly it clears my mind and when I’m sailing there’s nothing else in my head other than what I’m doing in that moment. Secondly I enjoy the challenge.”

With Youth Day falling on the same weekend as the SASKZN Provincial Championships, the 23year old sailor will be enjoying his time off studying as he relishes in his outdoor passion. “I am currently a student at UKZN studying a BComm, coincidentally the Commodore of the UKZN Yacht Club so if there are any UKZN students interested in getting involved in sailing, get in touch with the Student Union!” he adds.

Asked what his achievements are in sailing, he humbly responds, “Nothing notable.” But looking at his sailing accolades, this seafarer has completed two Vasco which is arguably the toughest ocean race in this country sailing down our challenging coastline. The international race starts in Maputo and concludes in Durban. He also competed in the Flying Fifteen Nationals in December where he came a competitive tenth in an extremely strong fleet.

“I am working on racing in a Cape to Rio; I am aiming to compete in at least one and hoping that will be my next big race. It takes place in February next year.” says a determined Northdene resident. Included on his sailing bucket list is an Equator crossing and some cruising around the Mediterranean.

Since matriculating, Kloppenborg has been studying mostly, “I joined my good friend James Egan for a few months last year in preparing his bike. James is competing in the British Superbike Series this year racing on a Stock 1000.”

When he isn’t fine tuning motorbikes, or sailing Kloppenborg has been heavily involved in Scouts, “I have been a scout for most of my life but this year I haven’t been actively involved with all my other commitments.”

For now, this fabulous young man will be scouting for wind offshore of Durban as he furthers his sailing career.

He concludes, “A perfect day sailing would entail flat seas, moderate winds with our perfect Durban winter warmth spending time with friends offshore of our city!”

Wrap up of the Colorpress Vasco da Gama International Ocean Race

Royal Natal Yacht Club

Colorpress Vasco da Gama

After a gutsy 300 nautical mile race, Bellatrix skippered by Morningside’s Gregg Hurter won handicap honours in the tough international blue water ocean race, the 2013 Colorpress Vasco da Gama hosted by the Royal Natal Yacht Club that started in Maputo on Thursday.

The Beneteau First 40, Bellatrix relished a mere 16 minute lead in the final handicap results between themselves and second placed Aquavit, an L34 skippered by Ross McGill from Durban North.

After a clean start in Maputo, Bellatrix rounded Inhaca Island in second position and enjoyed sailing with the front runners for the entire race, sprinting down the coastline. Hurter opted for sailing slightly offshore as he and the crew adored the downwind race recording speeds of up to 19knots. They blew two spinnakers during the night but continued flying their biggest spinnaker in the sky.

The front runners consisting of five yachts out of a quality fleet of fifteen were tightly bunched together speeding to arrive back in Durban before the approaching South Westerly. Bellatrix was the furthest offshore, sticking just behind Skitzo, who was rewarded with line honours after their impeccable performance. Bellatrix pushed Skitzo the entire race, crossing the line in second position 29minutes behind Nigel Miln sailing on Skitzo. Miln, the defending champion, finished the race in just under 33 hours.

Commodore for the Royal Natal Yacht Club, Richard Crockett commented on Skitzo winning line honours, “A great result from a man who is fast beginning to 'own' the Vasco race.”

Second placed Aquavit powered to the finish, sneaking in just before midnight in just under 38 hours. The young team on board worked tirelessly trimming the sails squeezing out any speed as they neared Durban.  Aquavit’s final surge to the finish line secured their second place on handicap, forcing out the smallest boat in the fleet, Sticky Fingers lead by Rob Samways from Westville who concluded the race in fourth on handicap.

Crockett enthused, “This year the race has been a cracker, I am impressed with the entire fleet and their efforts. The front runners gave all us landlubbers an exciting show as they tussled for line honours. And the rest of the guys preserved through it all, the rough South Westerly that blew up to 30knots, the windless calm on Friday afternoon.”

Continuing, Crockett stated, “Special mention to Flyer skippered by Brad Rayson and Zap skippered by Graham Rose who never gave up. Zap had battery problems and had to conserve energy so they could use their power for essentials such as GPS, navigational equipment and navigational lights. And Flyer, the last one home impressed us no end, getting battered in the South Westerly but preserved.”

This year the stats revealed that 20% of the overall crew were under the age of 25 years and there were 42 new comers to the race. One of the new trophies presented at the prize giving was the Choose Life Youth Trophy that went to the youngest member who crossed the line first, this prestigious award went to Michael Dickinson sailing on Aquavit. 18 year old Dickinson who is from Glenwood High School is fast making a name for himself in the Durban sailing community.

For the first time in the race, the organisers created a Rally Class for the cruising boats. The difference with this class was the boats were allowed to use their motors for a certain number of hours during the race. Southern Cruiser with Rhett Butler at the helm scooped this award.

A riveting conclusion to the 2013 Vasco da Gama international ocean race witnessed a battle offshore with Gregg Hurter sailing Bellatrix being crowned the champion of the toughest ocean race in Southern Africa.

All pix by Richard Crockett - taken at the start in Maputo

IRC Division, Handicap (Corrected Time): 1 Bellatrix (Beneteau First 40) Gregg Hurter 36 hours 00 minutes 56 seconds, 2 Aquavit (L34) Ross McGill 36:17:39, 3 Skitzo (Fast 42) Nigel Miln 36:40:30, 4 Sticky Fingers (Whitbread 30) Rob Samways 37:19:19, 5 Southern Storm (Pacer 37) Chris Frost 40:03:04, 6 Choose Life Pacer (Pacer 40) Luke Wagner 42:27:45

IRC Division, Line honours (Elapsed Time): 1 Skitzo 32:53:33, 2 Bellatrix 33:22:43, 3 Southern Storm 35:34:10, 4 Sticky Fingers 36:09:53, 5 Choose Life Pacer 37:32:39, 6 Aquavit 37:48:23

PHRF Division: Spindthrift (Lavranos 40) John Banfield

  

Rally Division: Southern Cruiser (Pacer 42) Rhett Butler

ENDS

Chatting to global adventurer, Paul Erskine

We managed to rein in the global adventurer, Paul Erskine for a quick profile. Erskine will be skippereing Alkistis.

Royal Natal Yacht Club
Paul Erskine

You sit in absolute awe, listening to the adventures of Paul Erskine as he chats whilst readying himself for his next challenge, the 45th Colorpress Vasco da Gama hosted by the Royal Natal Yacht Club starting in Maputo this Thursday.

“The Vasco da Gama is a gruelling contest and definitely not for the faint hearted. When I am sailing, whether it is a race along the South African coastline or a pleasure cruise around the Greek Isles, I always expect the unexpected as the weather can change in a heartbeat and the ocean is a fickle mistress.” Erskine states.

This is Erskine’s second Vasco, one of the toughest ocean races in Southern Africa, “I participated last year, that was my inaugural race and found the event challenging, exhilarating and I decided then that it would be an annual event.”

This year Erskine’s team that left for Maputo last week (Thursday 25 April) are the underdogs in the 15 strong fleet, “We are a young team, three of the team are under 25 and five of the guys, this will be their first Vasco. So it will be a great challenge for all of us but I have the utmost faith and believe we will do extremely well!”

Proudly, Erskine states, ‘’My son Caelan, and his friend Chris Walder are also part of the crew. Both of the guys are fifteen. I am really looking forward to the great father and son bonding sessions to be had at sea.’’

The adventurer is sailing on the magnificent Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 40ft yacht, Alkistis, “Alkistis came into our family in mid-2011, Alkistis is a Greek name meaning ‘Starred or name in lights’. She certainly has lit up my life.”

The sturdy yacht is not the only thing that has lit up Erskine’s life as he expects a busy month in May. In mid-May, Erskine will be awaiting his bride as he weds on the 17th, “I plan on this adventure lasting the rest of my life!” claims the smitten gentleman. 

And this man is familiar with adventure, with his first epic odyssey finding him summiting Mount Kilimanjaro in 2009. “Every adventure is memorable in its own right, whether it is climbing Kilimanjaro as a personal goal or participating in the Mongol Derby to raise funds for Fairhaven Orphanage in Durban North under the Indlela Charity.”

Erskine who grew up on a farm in Harding has made giant leaps in the world of escapades with his phenomenal bucket list, “I am a humanitarian, adventurer and philanthropist with a firm foundation in my Christian faith.” he comments. “I have been incredibly blessed to have been able to see and do what I have done.”

His bucket list includes the seven summits; seven wonders; great dives around the world and a number of one off adventures be it skiing in France and Switzerland, hot air ballooning over Magaliesberg; fox and hound hunting in Ireland or dog sledding in the Arctic Circle.

He shares with us his mantra, “As one person I cannot change the world, but I can change the world of one person by acting the life of God. Let your friends and business colleagues look up to you with respect because they see your life being lead according to great principles.” He stresses, “Make people say I want to have what you have!”

Asked who he admires, he simply responds, “Sir Rudolph Fiennes, the world’s greatest living explorer!”

And what does he pack first before he disappears on another awe-inspiring voyage, “Several things in fact – my Bible, a wind-breaker, compass and a bottle of Whiskey.” he concludes with a smile.

So this weekend, look to the horizon as we watch out for one of our local modern day explorers undertaking the Colorpress Vasco da Gama as he successfully finishes offshore of Durban.

For more info on Paul go to www.paulerskine.co.za

Chatting to sailor Chris Frost

Royal Natal Yacht Club

Chris Frost

Umhlanga’s Chris Frost will be taking to the high seas to compete in the upcoming Colorpress Vasco da Gama hosted by the Royal Natal Yacht Club that begins in Maputo this Thursday (2 May).

Frost will be competing in his ninth Vasco, the toughest ocean race in Southern Africa. “It has been a while since I last competed in a Vasco, the last time was in 2008 for the RNYC 150^th anniversary race.”

Previously in 2006, Frost and his crew set a new course record and was the first yacht across the line. As the fleet of 14 yachts line up to tackle the 2013 race, Frost’s remarkable record still stands, “We had superb conditions ion 2006 in a 25 knot north easterly until Tugela where we were hit by a 50 knot westerly front.  Before then we had an eta Durban of below 22 hours!  We shredded our main in the westerly, essentially finishing with a flat tyre. That we set a good record that has stood seven years in those conditions was extraordinary.”

“I love sailing offshore, it is far more exhilarating than dam or bay racing, and Durban is one of the best places to sail, doesn’t get better. Warm water, great swell and good wind, year round!” Frost boasts about his hometown turf.

The experienced sailor has had a busy sailing month, having just won the double in the Inhaca Island to Richard’s Bay Race, being the first yacht across the line and winning on handicap. “It was a good warm up for us for the Vasco. Southern Storm performed well in the light conditions and I am looking forward to feeling her surf down the swells this weekend.”

Southern Storm will have the same crew as the Inhaca Race, “The crew were simply fantastic, a mix of experienced yachtsman like Long John Lupton – Smith and Gerrie Boshoff who have sailed with me for years and talented youth sailors such as Gareth Elias and Tamzin Gennissen. Gareth and Tamzin are flying in from Turkey to compete.”

Frost took a year off from competitive sailing in 2012, “I took a year off competitive sailing in 2012 because the previous year, 2011 I did my international programme and felt like a break, with more emphasis on cruising to avoid burn out.”

In 2011 Frost took his yacht Prodigy to victory in the Cape to Rio Race, “2011 was a great year, we broke the course record for the Heineken Cape to Rio race, and I still hold that title, along with being the defending champion for this transatlantic race. A few months later, I competed in the New York Yacht Clubs’ Transatlantic Race to Lands’ End in the United Kingdom. We also entered the Fastnet Race that year.”

The highly decorated sailor, who has been sailing for around forty years, still has a number of events that he would like to compete in, “There are a few international races that I want to tick off, the Fastnet, Rolex Middle Sea Race; Newport Bermuda Race and the Rolex Sydney to Hobart are absolute musts.”  

Pausing, he states, “I also want to continue cruising the world’s best and most exotic sailing areas.” Each year the Frost family spend about four weeks cruising on a 60ft Catamaran named Salty Dog. “We have been lucky enough to have cruised Bazaruto, Pemba, Zanzibar, Madagascar, Mauritius, Seychelles, Balearic Islands, Malta, Greece and Turkey over the past six years.”

Asked what he most enjoys about sailing, he says, “Predominantly the competition! When we are surfing at 25 plus knots, at the front of the fleet on Prodigy IV, a Simonis Voogd Design 54, life is absolutely invigorating.” he states beaming.

The long range weather is looking good for the fleet as they all navigate their way back from Maputo, finishing offshore of Durban.

“It promises to be a cracker of a race, this year we have a quality fleet with guys from around the county crewing, so it is going to be interesting. Seeing the different strategies play out as we charge down the coastline back home.” Frost concludes.

ENDS

Chatting to sailor Jof Heathcote

Royal Natal Yacht Club

Jof Heathcote

The towering frame of Durban’s top sailor Jof Heathcote saunters along the mooring at the Durban Marina, completely at home nestled in amongst the majestic yachts.

Heathcote is preparing for the big international race on the South African sailing calendar, the Colorpress Vasco da Gama hosted by the Royal Natal Yacht Club racing from Maputo to Durban that starts next week. This is the 45^th running of the Vasco, one of the toughest ocean races in Southern Africa.

“Generally if you need navigation lights, you don’t need me. I am not too big on the long distance stuff, so that almost rules out sailing to any destination as such. I am just doing this Vasco as I haven’t done one in a while and felt like it was time to give it another go.”  he shares.

Continuing, he comments smiling “Round-the-cans racing is more my style. I like a hot shower and my bed too much.”

Heathcote was a member of the Royal Natal Yacht Club’s Lipton Challenge Cup team that pried the trophy away from the recent Western Cape domination. “Winning the Lipton Cup last year with a bunch of good mates and bringing the event back to Durban after a long absence was pretty cool and must be right up there!”

“Some of the other Lipton campaigns I have done previously were very rewarding in terms of the results we got, always with some level of handicap to the programmes.”

The quietly determined sailor admits, “Let’s just say I began sailing a while ago. I sailed my first Optimist regatta when it costs about R2 for the entry fee, and that covered 4 consecutive Saturdays, and also included lunch and a drink at the club before sailing too. I was a late developer though as I only really got remotely competitive in my mid-teens”

And competitive he has been, since his ‘late development’ he was crowned as the 5^th Sprog National Champion in December last year, ten years after he first won it. “I have been lucky enough to do lots of sailing on the SA coast and made the trip up to Mozambique quite a few times. I did one South Atlantic Race and the horrible return trip. While in Europe I tried not to sail big boats much but gained some invaluable experience sailing and competing in the UK, Spain, Portugal, France, Holland, Denmark and Norway.”

“Heaven for me would be sailing a 49er upwind in 20knots gliding across flat water. But I am looking forward to the run down the coast on Bellatrix, a Beneteau First 40; we have a fun experienced team on board. And she makes a change to the racing boats I am used to, she is very comfortable to be on and with the fine tuning that we have been busy doing should be a dream to sail.”

Counting, he claims, “I think I have done three or four Vasco’s when it used to race down to East London, and I have done two since it returned back to its original start in Maputo.”

The Vasco is renowned to be a demanding navigator’s race, “I am technically minded, so definitely appreciate the technical side of the sport, but I also really enjoy how it mixes with the art side too. Some people just feel and know what to do. Some of us have to think about it a lot. Then you throw in the athletic or fitness bit, which most sailors neglect and you have this amazing mix where a multitude of different approaches and techniques can result in success.”

Away from sailing, Heathcote used to cycle and race a lot but since being knocked down soon after the Lipton Challenge Cup last year, suffering a severe shoulder injury he rides a lot less, “The roads in Durban aren’t conducive to riding and the abundance of 4x4 drivers who run you over also put me off a bit. I suppose windsurfing is a hobby too really, as I am pretty bad at it but I aim to start trying forward loops, which is pretty high on my bucket list.” he states with a twinkle in his eye.

The young sailor had a successful undergrad year where he won a bunch of local events and was recognised for his achievements, being awarded the UKZN Sportsman of the Year, “I really enjoyed that as it felt like proof that sailing can get recognition against the mainstream sports too.”

Heathcote and his team on Bellatrix are hoping to add the title of 45^th Colorpress Vasco da Gama to their list of achievements; they will have to work hard as this year a quality fleet of 18 yachts will be lining up at the start in Maputo with the same intentions as Bellatrix.

ENDS

Chatting to sailor Jeff Rose

Royal Natal Yacht Club

Jeff Rose

Crouching at the front of the yacht, the lanky frame of Jeff Rose stashes away more cool drinks into the hold before the crew’s departure for the upcoming 45^th Colorpress Vasco da Gama hosted by the Royal Natal Yacht Club.

This will be the second time that the Durban North sailor will be competing in the toughest blue water race in Southern Africa, “Your first Vasco is always memorable but I am excited about this race as it will be my first sailing with my regular team. Our skipper, Graham Rose has put together a really good balance of eight guys.”

“Our team have been sailing together regularly for the last three seasons preparing for this moment and are now looking to make an impression in ocean sailing. We are competing on a Lavranos 34 foot keeler named Zap, a very capable boat originally designed for the testing conditions around Cape Town.”

Zap has been fitted with a new set of sails and a gorgeous new spinnaker, “We have done some training with the new sails and are delighted at the performance of the yacht. We are now just hoping we can use them to their optimum on the run back from Maputo.” Rose said with a smile in his eyes.

The wirey lad was born up in Mtunzini less than a quarter of a century ago, “We moved to Durban when I was two. I was introduced to sailing at Midmar Dam during school holidays when I was younger but rekindled my adventure with sailing about four years ago.”

“I enjoy sailing Flying Fifteens but have to admit that keelboats are my preferred medium. I am keen to do some longer distance ocean racing in the near future. One of my dream races to compete in would have to be the Rolex Sydney to Hobart Race, although the next Cape to Rio is a strong possibility.”

“Sailing for me is definitely a way of life, it has had a serious impact and once you have experienced the adventure, life will never be quite the same again.” comments a thoughtful Rose.

“We are very spoilt in Durban with world class sailing taking place all the time, right on our doorstep.” enthuses the fledgling seafarer.

Talking about life away from sailing, Rose shares, “I have managed to complete my BCom in Marketing Management through UNISA but balanced my studies with a lot of travelling.” He states.

Continuing he says, “I have visited fascinating places including China, Israel, Germany and the more conventional English destinations of the UK, USA and Australia. All of them were truly amazing, and all so different to each other.”

“There are still so many places I would like to visit but the next few,” pausing as he deliberates, “will be reached by yacht!”

For now, his passport will be stamped by our neighbours as he heads up to the start in Maputo to take to the high seas for the upcoming 45^th Colorpress Vasco da Gama.

Concluding, Rose declares, “It’s always a motivating feeling putting up the spinnaker and surfing some big swells. I sincerely hope the conditions for the Vasco will allow for us to do this.”

ENDS