Chatting to Andrew Tarboton - Olympic Hopeful

Pictured competing on Lake Garda, Graeme Wilcox and Andrew Tarboton glide through a tack as they compete on the European circuit recently. The team are competing in the 49er World Championships in the hope of qualifying for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

Pic by Elena Giolai

Point Yacht Club

Interview with Andrew Tarboton

Currently competing in the biggest regatta of their lives, two South African’s are racing in the 2015 49er World Championships on the waters of Club Nautico in San Isidro, a province just north of Buenos Aires.

Graeme Willcox and home-grown talent, Andrew Tarboton, hope that over the remainder of this week, their dream of competing at the Rio 2016 will be realised. This is a tough ask, with only 20 teams getting the chance to compete in the 49er class at the Olympics, so far half of that allocation has been filled with two teams from Oceania and eight teams from Europe already qualifying in the 2014 World Champs.

The pair of Willcox and Tarboton has been campaigning for three years, “I personally have been trying for over five years, and after one failed partnering, I teamed up with Graeme to give it another go!” explained Pietermaritzburg’s Tarboton.

Continuing, “We started with a national ranking regatta in the UK, just for fun, we both felt we did fairly well, so I asked Graeme if he was keen to campaign. We have done more of the circuit each year and have competed at regattas in Spain, France, Italy, Holland, Germay, UK, Portugual, and now in Argentina.”

Having grown up on the waters at the Henley Midmar Yacht Club, 2015 is proving to be quite an auspicious year for Tarboton, having just recently gotten engaged to Lizzie Shawcroft, 2015 also marked him celebrating his 30^th birthday, with the conclusion to his year - sailing his heart out in South America in the hopes of representing South Africa next year at the Olympics.

“We have always been pushing the main pack, but due to our lack of time on the water, we generally fall just behind the pack by the finish. Our sailing has come a long way but the competition is relentless! To give you an idea of the competitiveness here, the London 2012 Gold medalists Nathan Outteridge and Iain Jensen didn’t make the medal race last week in the tune-up race.”

“The South American Champs gave us a chance to begin tuning the boat we have chartered and getting used to it, as well as learning the local conditions, so we were trying a lot of new things and experimenting with strategies and techniques. We finished 49^th out of 53 boats.”

“In the second day of racing at the Worlds, we notched up an eighth and 22^nd today so we are hoping to build on that, stretch our legs and move up the leaderboard. We pulled up to 46^th overall out of 61 teams, a good day on the water.”

Asked what is the most difficult thing about campaigning for Rio 2016; Tarboton states, “Lack of resources! We are competing at an amateur level in a professional world, many of the regattas we do, we are the only team without a coach, and have the least practice time of anyone there!”

“And the best thing about campaigning for Rio 2016 is that we have sailed in some amazing venues all over the world. Sailing with Graeme, when we really have the boat in the groove and going well, sailing is very addictive! Graeme is calm on the helm, always in good spirits, we make a formidable team.”

“I have always loved skiff sailing and have known since I was a boy, sailing on Midmar that I wanted to sail 49ers. Carving it up in 15-18knots of breeze, in big rolling swells on a 49er, the sort of conditions we experienced in Porto is what dreams are made of. I am most at peace in life when I am on the water; sailing is a fantastic experience for all your senses, so pure and so free!”

“When we were really young, my dad Rob would race his fireball at Midmar, and in the afternoon after racing, he would come back and take my brother, my mom and I out for a sail. These memories certainly moulded my life path. I was fortunate enough to sail the 2005 29er World Champs with my dad in San Francisco Bay and we won a race. And now a decade later here I am, striving towards competing at the Olympics.”

Residing in Hamble, near Southampton in the UK, Tarboton moved to England to be close to the competitive sailing circuit, “There are some stunning venues to go sailing in Europe, and you basically choose the conditions you want to sail in and there is a venue that provides those exact conditions! It is really easy to get anywhere in Europe, and the level of sailing is always high.”

The former Maritzburg College lad states, “If I had to give advice to anyone, I would really emphasise to follow your dreams and never give up! I have embarked on this campaign because I don’t want any regrets later in life, I want to look back and say that I gave it everything I had. I changed career, moved halfway around the world and took up the challenge I presented myself with. If I were to look at the challenge now, knowing what I have learned from it, I would be more hesitant, but ignorance is bliss and so plunge head first into your dreams and work it out as you go!”

The upbeat and optimistic character enthused, “After this it is back to winter training back in the UK, before heading out to Palma, Spain, in April for the opening event of the 2016 Summer Season. Lizzie and I will get a bit of downtime which typically allows us to explore with our puppy, Roxy. We love seeing new places and learning about people, past, present and future.”

Endeavouring in the present, the determined team of Graeme Willcox and Andrew Tarboton are pushing hard in day three of the 2015 49er World Championships taking place in Argentina where they hope to reach their ultimate goal of being qualifying and competing in the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

For more info, visit http://49er.org/willcoxtarboton/ or https://crowdfunding.justgiving.com/RSA49er

Chatting to Hockey Umpire Donovan Rothman

SPAR KZN Regional Hockey Tournament

Umpire Profile: Donovan Rothman

Armed with a whistle, Margate’s Donovan Rothman is making an impact in the hockey world.

Chatting about the first time he picked up a whistle, Rothman admits, “The first time I picked up a whistle, it was in an early morning game in Pietermaritzburg, a Men’s 1st division game. The guys weren’t in the best of moods but it went ok.”

That was almost ten years ago, now the more experienced player was recently nominated as the Most Promising Umpire for the Ugu Sisonke region. Representing the Southcity Christian College, Rothman will be travelling to Durban to officiate in the finals of the SPAR KZN Regional Hockey Tournament.

This was his third regional tournament that he has been a part of. “The biggest game I have blown was the semi-final of the South African Country Districts Men’s Tournament last year; I think I did a fairly decent job.” The retail store manager from Uvongo says smiling.

Talking about what he most enjoys about hockey, he states, “I love the team spirit on and off the field.”

Continuing he says, “I don’t play anymore due to a back injury but I give back to the sport and schools by umpiring. It is nice to show the kids the other side of the game; I believe it gives them a better appreciation.”

Rothman’s wife, Kelly is a Grade R teacher at Southcity so he loves to get involved helping at the school. “I help out at a few other schools as well.” said the proud chap.

“I started playing many, many years ago, for me hockey was better than playing rugby. I just love the game!” 

The workaholic who used to play right half, nowadays clears his head by hitting the road, “I am a keen marathon runner. I find being on the road relaxing. The simple monotony of running allows me time to think and just have a break from the everyday bustle.”

Chatting about a moment that stands out for him on the pitch, he proudly shares, “I remember umpiring a game where John and Peter Wright played and they backed a call I made against their team. That simple acknowledgement was so affirming for me.”

The South Coast lad, given the opportunity, would love to officiating in an Olympic final, “If I could umpire any game in the world it would be between Germany and Holland at the Olympics. To be a part of that occasion would be such an honour and to be amidst the giants of the game, the energy, the pace and the precision would be mind-blowing.” Continuing he says, “Hopefully the Olympics will be held here soon!”

Concluding the tall athletic frame shares, “I truly believe that you have to live today as if there is no tomorrow.” 

Kalmer wins the Pietermaritzburg SPAR Women's 10km

KALMER WINS PIETERMARITZBURG SPAR WOMEN’S 10KM

It was pretty much a solo run for Rene Kalmer as she took top honours in the Pietermaritzburg SPAR Women’s 10km today in a time of 34.13 on an icey winter’s morning in KZN’s Capital.

The field of 3800 participants braved the cold as the temperature plummeted to 2 degrees earlier this morning but had risen to about 5 degrees at the start of the race.

“This is the first time I have run this race in Pietermaritzburg, and I was happy with my performance. I felt very strong. The weather didn’t bother me – we are used to these temperatures in Johannesburg.” said Kalmer who sliced off 1 minute 11 seconds from last year’s winner Jenna Challenor’s time of 35.24.

Second and third place were owned by Nolene Conrad and Sithulisiwe Zhou both also running their debut Pietermaritzburg races.

Capetonian Nolene Conrad, who has been concentrating on her marathon running, sailed into the finish in second place in a time of 35.37. “I had a good race , but it was a bit of a difficult run with all the hills. My legs were really cold and only in the last three kilometres did I feel like I warmed up.” 

Zimbabwean Sithulisiwe Zhou was over the moon with her third position in a time of 36.16. “It was fantastic.” she enthused, “I am training for the Mandela Marathon, so I am really pleased to have been able to run with such elite runners like Rene and Nolene .”

Going through the halfway mark, Kalmer looked at complete ease as she took the palm-lined avenue up the hill through Alexandra Park a good 20 seconds ahead of Conrad.

KZN’s Tanith Maxwell, running in and winning in her category (35-39), came in fourth.

“Once again there was a great spirit amongst the participants at this year’s race.” said Rob Philipson, MD SPAR KZN. “Despite the bitter cold, the mood was festive and fun-filled, clearly dispelling all myths about this being Sleepy Hollow.”

“We are encouraged that this race is growing in stature and we are attracting elite runners such as Rene, Nolene, Tanith and Sithulisiwe.” Philipson continued.

A sum of R10 200 raised from a percentage of the entry fees was donated to the race charity CHOC.

The next SPAR Women’s 10/5km in KZN will take place on Sunday August 24 in Durban and is part of the SPAR Grand Prix.

Results

10KM

Open

1 Rene Kalmer (Modern Athlete) 34.13, 2 Nolene Conrad (Boxer AC) 35.37, 3 Sithulisiwe Zhou (Phantane) 36.16, 4 Tanith Maxwell (Boxer AC) 36.43, Keneilwe Sesing (Nedbank) 37.13

9-11

1 Thabelo Tshishonga 1.25.47, 2 Tasmiyah Essack 1.33.11, 3 Kendra Visagie 1.48.04

12-14

1 Kaydie Gouws 1.46.49, 2 Kate-Lyn Gouws 1.47.52, 3 Milan Comley 1.50.06

15 – 19

1 Nontlantla Gcinia 40.34, 2 Mbali Mtshali 40.37, 3 Nomusa Xaba 42.41

35 – 39

1 Tanith Maxwell (Boxer AC) 36.43, 2 Nonsikelelo Mbambo (Natal Carbineers) 41.37, 3 Michelle Ellis 44.05

40-49

1 Suzette Botha (Eskom) 38.36, 2 Janene Carey (Boxer AC) 39.21, 3 Marilise Vermaak 43.52

50 -59

1 Janine Engels (Westville Athletics) 44.23, 2 Jenny Taylor 54.27, 3 Trish Botton (Natal Carbineers) 1.00.09

60+

1 Judith Grove (Hilton Harriers) 49.53, 2 Jane Dickson 50.24, 3 Sandra Fismer (Hilton Harriers) 50.36

5KM

1 Londeka Mweli 20.20, 2 Nombuso Ndamane 20.21, 3 Sinenhlanhla Zondi 20.33, 4 Fezeka Mchunu 20.47, 5 Sthandile Dladla 21.16

-ENDS

June 22, 2014

Chatting to young sailor Chad Stevenson

Royal Natal Yacht Club

RS Tera World Championships

Weymouth, England: 28 July – 5 August

The twinkling eyes of Chad Stevenson (13), from Durban North, sparkle as he talks about his about his burst onto the sailing scene and his next big event, the RS Tera World Championship that takes place in Weymouth, England from 28^th July 2013.

Chad first began sailing with the 57^th Sea Scouts in the late 2009 under the encouragement of his mother and hasn’t looked back. Being the first sailor in the Stevenson family, the young lad quickly advanced from  Sea Scouts to Sail Africa, where he was introduced to dinghy racing. “I love RS Tera’s! It’s fun and fast. I have a need for speed.” The sprightly sailor has competed in the Oppie Class, Hobbies but utterly loves the small one man monohull and has an impressive long list of achievements from his fresh career in the RS Tera`s.

Last year, he competed in the RS Tera World Championships in August in Italy, coming 12^th. “The conditions were trying, and being my first ever overseas big competition, it was a bit overwhelming but I loved every moment of it. Lake Iseo was awesome.”

Asked what he is most looking forward to when racing in the UK, he quickly states with a beaming smile on his face, “Not the weather!” The sun worshiper however follows this statement with, “The wind, it is going to be the best! It gets to around 25knots at this time of year. Also where the event is being held, that is where the London Olympics was held last year, so I will be sailing on the same waters and at the same venue as some of the current great names in the sport.I want to come in the top three this year.”

The determined face admits, “Would you like to know what my four year plan is?  In 2016 Rio Olympics, I will be sixteen then! And then my eight year plan is the 2020 Olympics. I am training hard and would like to thank my coaches , Rudy Mc Neal and Michael Dickinson, in helping me to achieve this. After the Olympics, I would then love to compete in an America’s Cup campaign, which is the ultimate in racing.”

The Crawford La Lucia schoolboy is a sport fanatic, competing in everything that his schedule allows, having been awarded KZN Colours for sailing and was also trying for cross county but had to stop and go sail Worlds in Italy. He also participates in hockey; soccer at school and Juventus FC, mountain biking at Mudman and the Spur Mongoose series, swimming and triathlons. “I like being competitive, it is my life. I have done extremely well in my sailing, I have mostly won every single event I have participated in. I have travelled to the Eastern Cape Provincials, Western Cape Provincials and KZN Provincials and  the SAS Youth Nationals where I dominated all the races in the RS Tera Sport class.I also won the inter-schools regatta for Crawford.”

This  young Durban sailor is looking for support and sponsorship to make his dreams become a reality. He needs to raise around R40,000 for his upcoming trip to Weymouth which will be for flights, kit, boat chartering, transport and accommodation. If anyone is able to assist, please contact Gayle from the Royal Natal Yacht Club on 031 301 5425 or Gary Stevenson on 079 555 1068 or chadsports@mweb.co.za.

Chatting to young sailor, Euan Hurter

Royal Natal Yacht Club

Ola Lipton Challenge

Interview with Euan Hurter

Catching up with Morningside’s Euan Hurter on World Ocean’s Day, the keen sailor effervescently shares his passion for his water sport, sailing.

“A perfect day sailing requires plenty of wind, the right boat and a patch of water,” begins the dashing young man.

Continuing, “Sailing is a never ending, non-repetitive puzzle and game. Whoever plays the game best comes out on top.” claims the 17year old sailor.

“I spend most of my days trying to fly through school so I can I can get out on the water!” says the zealous sportsman.

Hurter is a Grade 11 student at Clifton College, “I am currently writing exams which are going well! But I am trying to balance my demanding school curriculum with my training for the Ola Lipton Challenge Cup that is taking place during the July school holidays!”

The talented lad isn’t all just about sport; he has an extremely cultured side that he is extremely proud of. “I play the flute and I perform in a couple of orchestras.”

The six day sailing regatta is the curry cup of sailing where the leading sailors from around South Africa travel to compete for the honour of the Lipton Cup, “I think our training is going great! I am on board with a good bunch of guys who have been around the sailing scene I was brought up in. I am delighted to be a part of the team.”

“I have to say, definitely sailing Lipton at home is a major upside. Competing for the cup in our backyard is going to be a challenge but we are certainly going to give it our all to keep the cup in the trophy cabinet of Royal Natal Yacht Club.”

The young lad began sailing with his day early in life, “I have been sailing and on boats all my life! My first regatta was just crewing for my dad on a sprog back in 2006 when I was 10, but I only learnt how to sail when I was 12years old.”

Revealing what his favourite boat is to sail, Hurter smiles, “To my Dad's disappointment, I prefer our old Mount Gay 30 as the best yacht to sail on however nothing for me compares to the 49er. It's a handful to say the least but as close to sailing perfection as you can get.”

Our local talent dreams of breaking into the international circuit one day soon, “It wasn't much of an early goal but a 49er campaign would be awesome as well as maybe also joining the 505 circuit for a while. This is mainly around Europe but America could also be an option as my aunt lives just outside Boston. The goal is to achieve well internationally, not necessarily force myself into the Olympics or win at worlds but do as well as possible in what I would like to sail.”

Still being in school, the fledgling sailor has an already impressive list of sailing accolades. “My biggest achievement so far is winning the 2012 Dabchick Nationals and that is probably followed by winning the Youth Interclub Championships (Junior Lipton) on J22s.”

“I was among the PYC Lipton team last year that came fourth in False Bay. Up until then I had a few Dabbie provincials under my belt with a couple of good finishes. I was Point Yacht Club's Youth Sailor of the year in 2010 and Royal Natal Yacht Club's Youth Sailor of the year for 2012.”

With Youth Day approaching, this youthful seadog will be hard at work competing offshore of Durban in the SASKZN Provincial Championships, the first major event in the winter sailing calendar in our warm province.

On The Couch with SA Olympic Marathon Runner Rene Kalmer

1 Favourite dessert / sweet

Belgian Waffle with caramel sauce.

2 Favourite movie

How to loose a guy in 10days.

3 If you could go see any band live, who would it be?

Train

4 Have you ever arrived at an event and discovered you didn’t have your running shoes? (I know Russian Basketball captain has arrived at an international game with no shoes and a mate of mine recently went travelling with two right shoes)

No, luckily not! I have a checklist. Racers - check, running vest -check. race number - check, energy drink- check, stopwatch - check.

5 Best road trip to an event?

December 2011, my sister, Christine and I went to Zanzibar. We used local transport, daladalas (2$) instead of 50$ Taxi rides,to save money for cocktails. The highlight was when we swam with dolphins at Kizimkazi.

6 A moment that stands out for you while competing? (Can be running down The Mall in London, seeing someone in the crowd or a light drizzle as you compete against millions in China)

Running the marathon at the Olympic Games was a career highlight especially seeing all the support on route in the pouring rain.

7 What do you think about while running?

Just keep running! Just keep running!

8 Best conditions to run in?

Sunny, not too hot or humid! No wind or rain. Basically Durban in the winter.

9 If you could shake anyone’s hand and hang out with them for half an hour, who would it be?

Paula Radcliffe

10 A day in the life of an SA Marathon runner entails…

Get up at 5am to do a morning run with Christine, sometimes Irvette joins us.

Breakfast, before a 9am Pilates classor gym session at Virgin Active.

A sport massage once a week, not so pleasant experience.

An hour nap before I meet my coach Gerrie Coetzee at the track for a quality workout.

11 Best part of the London Olympics?

Th London Olympics was one big highlight. Staying in the Olympic Village with 10 000 Sport stars. The dining hall that's open for 24hours and can seat 5 000 people at a time. All the freebies from generous sponsors like Adidas and Oakley. Having a lot of family and friends in London to support me, all wearing "Run Rene Run" t-shirts that was designed by Christine. of course coming back from London with a boyfriend...

 
12 Favourite destination (Can be to compete or for holidays)

Island anywhere

13 New Year’s resolutions – did you make any and have you stuck to it / broken them yet.

Not big on New Year's resolutions or keeping them.

These are daft either or questions… 
14 Early morning catches the worm or late night owl?

Early morning catches the worm.

15 Sugar or spice?

Spice

16 10km or Marathon?

10km, especially a Spar Ladies 10km

17 Left or Right foot first

Left

18 Rugby, soccer or Cricket? (Give team names)

Rugby! Big Cheetah supporter

On The Couch with SA Olympic Marathon Runner Tanith Maxwell

Caught up with SA Olympic Marathon Runner, Tanith Maxwell after she came ninth in the Berlin 25km race. She is preparing for the upcoming SPAR Women's 10/5km Race

1 Favourite dessert / sweet?

Desserts in general are a favourite, but I guess crème brûlée edges ahead of everything else!

2 Favourite movie?

Enjoy historical movies, but I think 'atonement' stands out above the rest!

3 If you could go see any band live, who would it be?

I honestly don't know! I like music, but am not into live concerts so nothing comes to mind!

4 Have you ever arrived at an event and discovered you didn’t have your running shoes?

Not quite as bad as no shoes, but I did arrive with no liners in my shoes! It was a very hard run and the blisters were dreadful!

5 Best road trip to an event?

I think it has to be traveling down to race the 'Voet of Afrika' in Bredasdorp! Had never been there and I had quite a raucous bunch of runners that I had organized a lift with! Not the usual way I travel to events!

6 A moment that stands out for you while competing?

I think stepping onto Tower Bridge in London during the Virgin London Marathon! It's such an amazing landmark and to have the whole bridge to yourself makes it extra special!

7 What do you think about while running?

Get asked this a lot and I really have to sit and think about it! Easy runs I can think about literally anything, but harder training sessions ......well then nothing!

8 Best conditions to run in?

Being a Durbanite I like the warmer conditions! Tried to run a race in March in Poland and couldn't get my legs to function properly!

9 If you could shake anyone’s hand and hang out with them for half an hour, who would it be?

The Queen, Queen Elizabeth! Have always been an avid supporter of the English monarchy and Queen Elizabeth is a remarkable figure!

10 A day in the life of an SA Marathon runner entails…

Gosh there is not much besides eating, training and sleeping! It really does get that monotonous and boring during heavy training!

11 Best part of the London Olympics?

Have to give you two! First, walking into the stadium for the opening ceremony and the second coming down the finish of the Olympic marathon in the Mall outside Buckingham Palace! Both magical moments!

12 Favourite destination?

Love Scotland! Nothing beats training in the highlands around a picturesque loch! The weather can let you down though!

13 New Year’s resolutions – did you make any and have you stuck to it / broken them yet

Don't make New Year’s resolutions! Some friends and family tend to make for me, but I never stick to those either!

14 Early morning catches the worm or late night owl?

Definitely an early worm, fade significantly from 9pm!

15 Sugar or spice?

Sugar, can't get enough!

16 10km or Marathon?

Marathon for sure! Don't have the zippy 10km speed!

17 Left or Right foot first

Right! I'm right handed and not very coordinated!

18 Rugby, soccer or Cricket? (Give team names)

Has to be rugby, and it's the sharks all the way!

Somewhere.... It snowed!

It feels odd to be stating this as a true Durbanite, but it feels warmer today with the temperature sitting comfortably on 4degrees.

Overnight the temperature plummeted to -1. This morning at breakfast there was evidence of overnight snow with cars driving past with a dusting of fresh white snow but the pavements in my surrounds only had evidence of rain.

At each sighting of Saint Etienne, the cathedral  truly is magnificent! Cruising around Bourges, it feels good not to be harassed by traders asking where you are from but walk around in solitary silence, giving you time to admire.

The familiar streets holds the same charm as before. Rugged in their cobbledness embraced by beautiful antique buildings. The weather is warmer than my previous visit, all though it seems that there has been a lot of rain in recent weeks with surrounding fields all very water logged, paths are all slodgy so you side step into the street to avoid numerous puddles, at these moments you are never sure which side of the road you are on, where the traffic is coming from so you are stepping out into the road while nervously glancing in all directions looking for a car.

Wednesday night I had the honour of watching Bourges Basketball's final game in the Euroleague, they played bottom of the log Brno. It felt like it was a training game with Bourges trying a few new things, mostly pulling them off. All the players had winning smiles on their faces as the visiting team strained to keep in the picture. The coach, Valerie Garnier, ran several changes with almost everyone getting a good run. The newcomer to the team, Johannah Leedham from England, in my opinion was the player of the match. She was silently determined and got a number of rebounds and intercepts. One play when she was in support with Dumerc haring down the court, Dumerc drew the defender to her and tossed the ball flawlessly behind her back into the waiting hands of Leedham who effortlessly added 2 more points for Bourges. Dumerc however was named MVP, her play was impressive. Her legendary charge into the circle, holding up and floating the ball in was wonderful to see. The crowd went wild every time she got the ball, and as she had done in the Olympics, she secured the ball with only seconds remaining and crushed Brno even more as she played her trademark shot. At this point, the entire stadium was on their feet singing and cheering!

I sat inside the cathedral for ages reading Saul Williams poem, Said the Shotgun to the Head. I watched as tour parties moved through the cathedral stopping at the same spots pointing at a column or stained glass window. The tour guide rattling off something of interest and flashes disturbing the peace as the tourists all captured their memories.

I have spent the previous three days trying to sort out the car that I hired. It seems their machine is not communicating with American Express. I have spoken to Amex several times and they say that there is no evidence of Europcar trying to reserve money off my card so today in despair, I cancelled the reservation and walked to the train station researching various options of where to go as I fear I have seen almost all there is to see in Bourges. All the places I would like to get to, the timing isn't right with arrival times only giving me a brief window of opportunity to sight see.

 I currently sit in an Irish pub, enjoying a Guinness with my lunch. Pondering what to do this afternoon. I sit under a glass conservatory watching the ominous weather move across the sky disguising the blue suggesting I find a few indoor activities to keep me out of mischief for the remainder of the day.

My amusement for now is a rowdy group of men who are giving the waitresses a hard time and she is handling them expertly.

For now, bon appetite and an Irish Guinness Cheers.

Pooh says hic.