The previous 3 weekends as well as this one was rainy, windy and cool.  Although some of the ceremony took place in a light drizzle, the clouds opened up and we had a chance to capture some great images of the family during this special time.

We decided to add some of the images of the day.

“It’s important for us to be there because Mossel Bay and the Garden Route are important short-haul destinations for people in Cape Town and the Cape Peninsula,” said Mossel Bay Tourism chairman, René Bongers.

He pointed out that Mossel Bay lies exactly half way between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth on the N2, and that it’s only about four hours driving time from the Mother City.

“The Getaway show advertises itself as offering ‘a fun day’s outing for the whole family, everything you need to plan your next holiday or outdoor adventure. Experience wildlife, weekends and wonderment under one roof’ – and that description pretty much sums up Mossel Bay,” he said.

“It’s the perfect family destination.”

Mr. Bongers said that Mossel Bay will use the opportunity to emphasise its activities and attractions, and that it expected it’s ‘Things To Do’ brochure would once again be a hit with the public.

“Our first printing of the brochure was snapped up in less than six weeks, and we had to scrabble to re-print it in time for the holidays,” he said.

“A recent magazine article named Mossel Bay the adventure capital of the Garden Route, and it’s important for us to get this message across because it’s true – we’ve got everything from shark cage diving to horse cart rides, and from art galleries to historical museums.”

Mr. Bongers said that Mossel Bay will be doubling it’s marketing efforts in the Western Cape this year.

“With more than 300 days of sunshine a year, year-round beach-going weather, 60 km of beaches, easy access, accommodation for every budget, and all the attractions of both the warm Indian Ocean and the fascinating Outeniqua Mountains, it’s easy to see why Mossel Bay has been voted the Cape’s favourite holiday destination on two separate occasions,” he said.

The Western Cape Getaway Show will be open from 11h00 – 19h00 on Friday, 25 March, from 09h00 – 19h00 on Saturday, 26 March and from 09h00 – 17h00 on Sunday, 27 March. Entry will cost R50.00 for adults and will be free for children under 12. Pensioners and students will pay R30.00.

Mossel Bay will be exhibiting at stand number C17

More information on the show at www.getawayshow.co.za – and on Mossel Bay at www.visitmosselbay.co.za

ENDS

admin@visitmosselbay.co.za
Telephone: +27(0)44 691 2202
PO Box 1556
(Corner Church & Market Streets)
Mossel Bay
6500
Republic of South Africa

www.visitmosselbay.co.za

Mossel Bay:

• Western Cape Town of the Year 2010 – Rapport & Kwela Town of the Year Competition;
• Town of the Year 2007/8 – Swartland Wine Cellars Kaap Rapport Town of the Year Competition

“The baby was spotted on the game drive on the morning of Sunday the 13th of March, so it was probably born on Saturday the 12th, some time in the evening,” said the reserve’s owner, Anthony Doherty.

“Game ranger Arbri Olivier had sighted the rhinos and was busy explaining to the guests on his Land Rover how he suspected that the cow may be pregnant when to his surprise the calf showed itself!” he said.

“The inter-calving period is usually two and a half years and this cow gave birth to her first calf just over two years ago – hence our surprise.”

It’s also quite unusual to be able to see the calf at such a young age. “New mothers normally retreat with their calves into the thicket, emerging into the grasslands only in the cool of the day to graze,” said Mr. Doherty

Rhino sightings are a regular occurrence on the Reserve, which offers game drives to both resident guests and day visitors. Other wildlife on the Reserve includes lion, elephants, buffalo, giraffe, cheetah and various antelope species, while a reptile center and cheetah conservation center are particularly popular attractions.

Mr. Doherty said that the youngster – which hasn’t been named yet because staff on the Reserve don’t know whether it’s a bull or a calf – “Is a feisty little thing, a bit of a terrorist, constantly charging its mother’s legs and her horn.

“It’s suckling strongly, and appears to be perfectly healthy.

“Also, the mother has now chased away the older calf – Roxy – so that she can concentrate on the baby, and Roxy is now walking and grazing with our bull.”

Mossel Bay Tourism’s Marcia Holm said that the Reserve’s wildlife Manager, Hein Schoeman, has put an anti-poaching strategy in place under the guidance of local wildlife expert, author and owner of the Nature College, Johan Fourie.

She congratulated the Garden Route Game Lodge on the arrival of the new addition.

“Situated as it in the fynbos and between the mountains and the sea, Mossel Bay offers a very unusual mix of African wilderness experiences, as the birth of this baby rhino perfectly illustrates.

“We wish him or her a long and healthy life in the pristine environment of the Reserve.”

A short video of the calf has been loaded to YouTube – go here - or to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwivCcZyx_8

More information:

• Garden Route Game Lodge www.grgamelodge.co.za
• Mossel Bay www.visitmosselbay.co.za

ENDS

admin@visitmosselbay.co.za
Telephone: +27(0)44 691 2202
PO Box 1556
(Corner Church & Market Streets)
Mossel Bay
6500
Republic of South Africa

www.visitmosselbay.co.za

Mossel Bay: 

• Western Cape Town of the Year 2010 – Rapport & Kwela Town of the Year Competition;
• Town of the Year 2007/8 – Swartland Wine Cellars Kaap Rapport Town of the Year Competition

The group – boys and girls between the ages of 14 and 18 – will be hosted by the local troop under the leadership of Pat Farnham, and have already raised the equivalent of R60,000 which they’ll spend on a new perimeter wall and new ablution facilities powered by solar water heating at Evelyn’s Crèche in the previously disadvantaged township of kwaNonqaba.

“We’ve been fundraising for about a year and a half through activities like packing bags at local supermarket checkouts, a sponsored bike ride, running cocoanut shies at local fairs and shows, table top sales, ‘selling’ bricks (people wrote their names on pieces of paper with bricks drawn on them), selling a quilt made by my wife – and one scout even did a sponsored parachute jump,” said the leader of the Rotherham troop, David Tingle.

He said that the group will be in South Africa – and Mossel Bay – from the 2nd to the 23rd of April, although he’ll arrive a week before the time to finalise arrangements and order building materials.

The group will stay in the thatched Municipal holiday cottages on the seaside at De Bakke.

“While we’re there (in South Africa), we’re hoping to develop an ongoing relationship with the local scouts and the ‘Meet the People Cares’ charitable trust so that we can arrange regular exchange visits for future work” said Mr. Tingle.

Mr. Farnham said that the Mossel Bay Scout Troop will take an active part in the tour.

“We’ll be working on the community projects together, and we’re planning to take the visitors to attractions like the Cango Caves and possibly the Gamkaberg, as well as Botlierskop and Knysna.”

He said that the local scouts were considering erecting a wooden jungle gym at Evelyn’s Crèche.

Mossel Bay Tourism’s chairman, Renè Bongers, said that he was looking forward to welcoming the visitors to Mossel Bay.

“This tour is a powerful example of tourism’s potential as a force for good – and the fact that it’s young people who are doing the work is hugely inspiring,” he said.

“We’re sure that the youngsters will enjoy their holiday enormously, and we’re confident that they’ll leave as ambassadors for the town.”

Mr. Farnham said that both troops were hoping for additional donations of building materials or cash to inject into the project. He can be contacted on 083 752 3231 or patrick@axxess.co.za

ENDS

admin@visitmosselbay.co.za
Telephone: +27(0)44 691 2202
PO Box 1556
(Corner Church & Market Streets)
Mossel Bay
6500
Republic of South Africa

www.visitmosselbay.co.za

Mossel Bay: 

• Western Cape Town of the Year 2010 – Rapport & Kwela Town of the Year Competition;
• Town of the Year 2007/8 – Swartland Wine Cellars Kaap Rapport Town of the Year Competition

“Our pre-bookings closed at about 1,700 people, and as usual many more will buy their tickets at the gate – so we’re expecting the same size crowd as last year: between six and six and a half thousand people,” said Nomads Motorcycle Club chairman, Luderick Jacoby

The Cape Town-based club owns and organises the event.

Mossel Bay Tourism’s chairman, René Bongers, said that the Rally provides an important economic boost for the town during an otherwise relatively quiet period in the calendar.

“The Buffalo Rally is the biggest annual fund-raiser for Mossel Bay’s Round Table, so there are obvious benefits for the local charities. But such a massive influx of people all having a good time is also hugely important for the marketing of Mossel Bay as South Africa’s favourite beach holiday destination,” he said.

Mr. Bongers urged the riders to head out to explore the roads and passes of the Garden Route.

“The journalist Eugene Gunning recently reminded us that the ‘new’ Robinson Pass has just celebrated it’s 50th anniversary,” he said. (It was built by Thomas Bain in 1869, but only tarred – and shortened in the process – by the then Mossel Bay Divisional Council in the early 60s. It was re-opened by the then administrator of the Cape Province, Dr. Nico Malan, on the 4th of March, 1961.)

“It’s the only direct access road between Mossel Bay and Oudtshoorn, and it offers wonderful riding and excellent views of the Garden Route.

“But perhaps the off-road riders would prefer to explore at least the first part of the even older Attakwaskloof Pass – which comes off the R328 at Ruiterbos, and which was first crossed by Isaac Schrijver in 1689,” said Mr. Bongers.

He said that Schrijver had carved a route for his wagons along the lines of an old elephant track.

“Wherever you go in the Garden Route, you’re bound to find an interesting story or two.”

Mr. Bongers suggested that, after stopping in Oudtshoorn for lunch, on-road riders could return to Mossel Bay via the Outeniqua Pass, whilst off-roaders will enjoy the Montagu Pass between Oudtshoorn and George.

“And then you get that dramatic, sweeping coastal section of the N2 between George and Mossel Bay.

“It’s brilliant riding.”

Mr. Jacoby said that the Buffalo Rally only arranged one organised ride – the procession through the streets of the town which takes place by tradition on the Saturday morning of the event.

“We estimate that we between 4,000 and 4,500 bikes took part last year.”

He stressed that the organisers have taken particular precautions to ensure that local residents would not be inconvenienced during the weekend, and added that law enforcement would be strictly applied.

“We’ve provided more entertainment to keep the revelers within the Rally Grounds – particularly late at night – and we’ve worked very closely with Mossel Bay Municipality to make sure that traffic continues to run smoothly,” he said.

Mr. Bongers wished everyone a safe and enjoyable weekend. “We like having the riders here, and hope that, once they’ve seen all that Mossel Bay and the Garden Route have to offer, they’ll come back with their families later in the year.”

ENDS

admin@visitmosselbay.co.za
Telephone: +27(0)44 691 2202
PO Box 1556
(Corner Church & Market Streets)
Mossel Bay
6500
Republic of South Africa

www.visitmosselbay.co.za

Mossel Bay:

• Western Cape Town of the Year 2010 – Rapport & Kwela Town of the Year Competition;
• Town of the Year 2007/8 – Swartland Wine Cellars Kaap Rapport Town of the Year Competition

Ms. James is studying for her MSc. degree through the University of Pretoria’s Mammal Research Institute, and is working in Mossel Bay through the locally-based Oceans Research.

Her work is the continuation of a project that was started by fellow masters student, Edith Mertz, in January 2010.

“Edith has been investigating the behaviour and distribution of whales and dolphins in Mossel Bay, and this second study will focus on collecting data after the PetroSA desalination plant comes on line. This will allow us to make a comparison between the movements and behaviours of the animals before and after the activation of the plant, which will in turn allow us to measure the effects of the plant on whales and dolphins,” said Ms. James.

“The most important potential impact of a desalination plant is that the effluent produced during desalination and discharged into the Bay could potentially change the bottom-dwelling fauna which support the fish communities on which the dolphins feed.”

The research thus far has shown that the Bay is well stocked with cetaceans.

“Humpback dolphins are found year round and there appear to be about 50 individuals that visit the Bay; between 150 and 400 bottlenose dolphins are here most of the year; common dolphins are seen occasionally in large groups of a up to about three hundred specimens; small numbers of Bryde’s whales have been seen between January and April; and groups of about thirty humpback whales, and forty southern right whales a day visited last season. (The migratory species are generally seen from June to October.)

“Also, a pod of between five and twenty false killer whales was seen in May last year,” said Ms. James.

The position of each sighting is accurately recorded using a surveyor’s theodolite – which can be set up at any of six observation stations that the researchers have established at the Cape St Blaize Lighthouse, the ATKV-Hartenbos Resort, the Garden Route Boutique Hotel and Spa and at several private homes.

Observations are carried out on about four days out of every seven.

Both the business and conservation communities of Mossel Bay have contributed to the study.

“Fred Orban of the Oystercatcher Trail in Vlees Bay has provided logistical support and accommodation; Maracon Civil contractors has provided various materials and surveying data; and Moss Car Rentals gave us the use of a vehicle for a year – thanks to the hard work of  Rhenia Niemand of the Dana Bay conservancy,” said Ms. James.

She said that the research would shortly be extended to Vlees Bay (the first bay to the west of Mossel Bay) so that comparative studies could be made between Mossel Bay and a relatively untouched, but geographically similar ecosystem.

Mossel Bay Tourism’s Marcia Holm said that the study was of great interest and vital importance to tourism in the town.

“Mossel Bay’s economy is built on tourism, and the ocean is one of our greatest attractions.

“Especially because of the relatively long term of the study, the hard data proves that Mossel Bay is an excellent whale and dolphin-watching destination, and the knowledge that’s being built up will help planners to ensure that human impact on our ocean environment is kept to a minimum,” she said.

“Members of the public are always welcome to talk to us when they see us working in the field,” said Ms. James. “We value the opportunity to tell people about our work and the need to protect whales and dolphins in South African waters.”

Businesses and members of the public who would like to make tax-deductible contributions to research into Mossel Bay’s whales and dolphins (the organisers are particularly looking for another car for this year) should contact Bridget James (083 707 2227; bsjames@zoology.up.ac.za) or Katie Cummings (079 266 7883; k.cummings@oceans–initiative.com).

ENDS

admin@visitmosselbay.co.za
Telephone: +27(0)44 691 2202
PO Box 1556
(Corner Church & Market Streets)
Mossel Bay
6500
Republic of South Africa

www.visitmosselbay.co.za

Mossel Bay:

• Western Cape Town of the Year 2010 – Rapport & Kwela Town of the Year Competition;
• Town of the Year 2007/8 – Swartland Wine Cellars Kaap Rapport Town of the Year Competition

This will be the sixth time the Rally, which is organised by Cape Town’s Nomads Motorcycle Club, will meet in the Garden Route town.

“The Buffs is a win-win for everyone involved,” said Mossel Bay Tourism’s Marcia Holm. “It brings a huge injection of interest and visitors to the town, it’s super fun for the participants, and it raises an enormous amount of money for a good cause.”

The Buffalo Rally is managed and staffed entirely by volunteers – both from the Nomads and from the local Round Table, for whom it is the biggest fund-rising event of the year. By tradition, a large proportion of the money raised by the Round Table is donated to the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI).

Newly elected president of the Mossel Bay Round Table, Thinus van Rensburg, said that about 160 local volunteers – including a number of NSRI volunteers – would man the bar at the Buffalo Rally this year.

“Last year we raised R40,000 for the NSRI, and a further R 80,000 was spent on other community projects – all from funds raised by the Buff,” he said.

“About a 110 members of the Nomads Motorcycle Club will be coming to the Buffs this year – and although they’re involved in organising the event, they’ll be paying the same entry fee as everyone else,” said the Nomads’ Luderick Jacoby.

He said that the club has made special arrangements to prevent inconvenience to local residents.

The Rally will be centered in the De Bakke and Santos Caravan Parks – the famous municipal parks on Mossel Bay’s beachfront – but will include a concours d’elegance (which will take place in the conference room of the Mossel Bay Protea Hotel), and a mass ride through the streets of the town.

“We want to keep rally-goers in the camp site and out of the local bars as much as possible – especially late at night – so we’ve organised more entertainment than last year, with bands like Just Done, Boulevard Blues, Heywire, and Late Final, who will all perform in the campsite,” said Mr. Jacoby.

The programme will feature a number of competitions – including a lucky draw for R100,000, which will be open to everyone in possession of an entry ticket. Prizes will also be awarded to riders who’ve travelled the longest distance to the rally on a motorcycle, the longest distance on dirt, and the longest distance on the smallest bike – and to the oldest male and female bikers.

Mr. Jacoby said that special arrangements had been made for law enforcement. “The South African Police Service and the local Traffic Departments will be imposing strict enforcement of the Road Traffic Act over the Buff weekend.

“We want the Buff to be a fun and enjoyable event for us as well as the residents of Mossel Bay and, most importantly, we would like to return the following year.

“We can only achieve this with the cooperation of everyone there,” he said.

Ms. Holm said that riders who come to the Buffalo Rally often returned for family holidays later in the year.

“Events like this are important showcases for us – and, in fact, a number of the bikers who’ve been to the Buff in the past have bought property in Mossel Bay.

“We look forward to welcoming everyone in March,” she said.

More information:

• Buffalo Rally www.nomads.org.za/buffalo_rally.html
• Mossel Bay (including accommodation and attractions) www.visitmosselbay.co.za

ENDS

admin@visitmosselbay.co.za
Telephone: +27(0)44 691 2202
PO Box 1556
(Corner Church & Market Streets)
Mossel Bay
6500
Republic of South Africa

www.visitmosselbay.co.za

Mossel Bay:

• Western Cape Town of the Year 2010 – Rapport & Kwela Town of the Year Competition;
• Town of the Year 2007/8 – Swartland Wine Cellars Kaap Rapport Town of the Year Competition

Gayle Newby, 2011 Lipton Challenge Cup Project Secretary, has asked that Mossel Bay Tourism accommodation members who wish to offer special rates for Cup participants and helpers should please contact her urgently:

Cell: 082 491 1343
Tel: 044 382 3464
Fax: 086 684 8311
extraheads@iafrica.com

For more information about the event, please see the media release below, or follow the links at the end of the release:

Media Release. Mossel Bay Tourism. 27 December 2010.

Sailing’s 2011 Lipton Challenge Cup to come to Mossel Bay

Mossel Bay has been named the venue for the 2011 Lipton Challenge Cup. This will be the first time the prestigious, 100-year old races will grace the Bay that’s been hailed one of the world’s best sailing grounds.

“The Knysna Yacht Club (KYC) won the magnificent and much coveted trophy in 2010, and, under the auspices of the Lipton Trustees, will join hands with the Mossel Bay Yacht and Boat Club to organise the event in the final week of August 2011,” said KYC’s Gayle Newby.

“The Lipton Challenge Cup is an inter-club event in which the winners are granted the right to nominate the venue for the following year’s races,” said South African Sailing’s national training manager, Rob Holden, who bases himself at the Mossel Bay Yacht and Boat Club (MBYBC).

Sir Thomas Lipton gave the silver-gilt Lipton Cup to the Royal Cape Yacht Club (then the Table Bay Yacht Club) in 1909, and, in a letter to the club’s vice-president, Sir Peter Bam, explained that “I have always taken a very great interest in yacht racing and boat sailing, and my earnest wish is that this great sport should be encouraged in South African waters and particularly in regard to deep-water sailing.”

The intention of the Lipton Cup has always been to test sailing skills rather than yacht design: originally open to the so-called 8-metres, the rules were later amended to accommodate the ‘Thirty Squares’ and then the Lavranos-designed ‘Sweet Peas’ of the quarter ton IOR class, before the L26 class was introduced in 1984.

The L26 Owners’ Association rules are clear: “the intent is that all boats will be essentially equal and that racing will be a contest of sailing ability… Except where variations are specifically permitted, yachts of this Class shall be alike in hull, deck, keel, rudder and mast and boom construction, weight and weight distribution, sail plan and equipment.”

Mr. Holden said that the Lipton Challenge is South Africa’s premier sailing event. “It’s the equivalent of the America’s Cup, with almost every club in South Africa – and all the really hot local sailors – usually taking part.”

He said that, although the Club doesn’t have an L26 of its own, Mossel Bay was definitely planning to field an entry. “We might use a boat from Knysna or we may charter one like we did this year – but it will have to be sailed by MBYBC members.”

Ms. Newby said that KYC’s ‘Team Colorpress,’ skippered by Greg Davis and Gareth Blankenberg and sponsored by Colorpress’s Ryan Lotter, took this year’s Cup after six days of thrilling racing in varied wind and sea conditions.

“It was a fantastic spectacle of sailing skills, and the Mossel Bay event will surely be just as exciting,” she said.

Mossel Bay Tourism’s Marcia Holm said that she was delighted that the Knysna Yacht Club – which celebrated its own centenary in August this year – had decided to hold the event in the town.

“Having the Lipton Challenge in Mossel Bay will cement our growing reputation as a sailing destination, and we’re looking forward to hosting it, and helping where we can,” she said.

More information

• Knysna Yacht Club: www.knysnayachtclub.com
• Lipton Cup: www.liptoncup.org.za
• Lipton Challenge 2011: Gayle Newby, extraheads@iafrica.com; telephone 082 491 1343
• Mossel Bay: www.visitmosselbay.co.za
• Mossel Bay Yacht and Boat Club: www.mbybc.co.za

ENDS

admin@visitmosselbay.co.za
Telephone: +27(0)44 691 2202
PO Box 1556
(Corner Church & Market Streets)
Mossel Bay
6500
Republic of South Africa

www.visitmosselbay.co.za

Mossel Bay:

• Western Cape Town of the Year 2010 – Rapport & Kwela Town of the Year Competition;
• Town of the Year 2007/8 – Swartland Wine Cellars Kaap Rapport Town of the Year Competition

I was having my morning espresso at the usual spot, and I’d been boasting that I was about to go out onto the water for a tour of the oyster beds with Knysna Charters.

“It’s a reaction we hear over and over again, but the truth is that while Port Elizabeth is an important supplier, the Knysna Oyster Company is still actively farming about 6 hectares of the Knysna Lagoon,” said Knysna Charters’ Brad Cable.

The company offers daily boat tours to the beds at low tide. And, as I discovered, it’s a tour that’s really all about stories.

“What we’re doing is telling the history of the Knysna Oyster Company, but we’re also telling the stories of the people behind the oysters – from the old Dutch farmer who spent nearly thirty years experimenting with oyster farming in the Lagoon before finally succeeding in the mid ‘70s, to the Sedgefield family who own the concession to harvest wild oysters along our coast,” said Brad.

Even our pilot – Zamile ‘James’ Hiti – and our guide – Sebenzile ‘Warren’ Lansatyi – have their stories.

“We were both skippers on the fishing boats that used to go out through the Knysna Heads, but when the new laws came in in 2006 it became unprofitable for many of the owners to run their boats – and we were laid off,” said Warren.

“That’s when we came to work on the oyster tour.”

The result is an engaging, hour-and-a-half-long look at life on an oyster farm.

We met at the company’s jetty (directly behind 34 Tapas, and across the way from the new Turbine boutique hotel in Thesen Harbour Town), and boarded a comfortable cruiser for a gentle ride westwards – upstream – to the railway bridge and the farm itself. As an avid bird watcher, I spotted herons, African black oystercatchers, and pied kingfishers as we sailed, but the talk on the boat was all about oysters.

The difference between cultivated or Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas) and wild or common rock oysters (Crassostrea margaritacea); the use of the intertidal rack system (which allows the bivalves to feed by filtering the water at high tide, and to bask in the sun at low tide); and whether or not it’s better to enjoy your oysters au natural, or splashed with a drop or two of our local mampoer-based Nyati jjj Strawberry Chili liqueur.

Of course we had the opportunity to taste both kinds of oyster, and the boat was stocked with snacks and drinks (all included in the cost of the tour). And then there was the fun of shucking – or opening – the shells: we all donned thick welding gloves to protect our hands, and tried our best to pop the shells as cleanly, and naturally as James and Warren.

Good thing we had the gloves (although they didn’t protect us from the terrible – but inevitable – puns: “we’re having a shucking good time!”).

At the racks, James tied the boat to a pole in the water, and those of us who didn’t mind getting our feet wet (it’s only about knee-deep at this point) climbed out to examine the oysters in their mesh bags on the racks.

“They have to be shaken and moved at least once a month or they start to grow onto one another, and then you’ll never separate them,” said Warren.

Back on board, Brad explained that the company offers three different tours: a lagoon cruise to the Knysna Heads; the oyster bed tour; and a 2-hour-long sunset cruise that includes snack platters, drinks, and an introductory tasting of three oysters. “After which, you can always buy more…”

As we glided gently downstream with the town of Knysna on our port side, the Yacht Club, the Waterfront, and the forest of masts along the shore reminded me that very little has changed: Knysna is still very much a harbour town.

And, like its oysters, is still very much here.

More information at www.knysnacharters.com

ENDS

Knysna Charters
22 Sawtooth Lane,
Thesen Island Harbour Town, Knysna,
Western Cape Province, South Africa
Telephone: +27(0)82 892 0469
Fax: +27(0)86 681 8518
info@knysnacharters.com
www.knysnacharters.com

More information and Images:

Martin Hatchuel, BarefootWriter – martin@barefootclients.co.za

63 Wilson Street, Hunter’s Home, PO Box 2690, Knysna 6570
Cell +27(0)84 951 0574
www.barefootclients.co.za

Proudly Barefoot. Fully South African

It’s simple. We believe that successful marketing creates relationships – friendships – between businesses and their customers. Our job is to help you develop friendships with your clients: to make them so comfortable with you that they’ll happily walk Barefoot On The Beach with you … Because business works best between friends.

… That’s the BarefootBenefit.

More media releases at www.thistourismweek.co.za

This will be the sixth time the Rally, which is organised by Cape Town’s Nomads Motorcycle Club, will meet in the Garden Route town.

“The Buffs is a win-win for everyone involved,” said Mossel Bay Tourism’s Marcia Holm. “It brings a huge injection of interest and visitors to the town, it’s super fun for the participants, and it raises an enormous amount of money for a good cause.”

The Buffalo Rally is managed and staffed entirely by volunteers – both from the Nomads and from the local Round Table, for whom it is the biggest fund-rising event of the year. By tradition, a large proportion of the money raised by the Round Table is donated to the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI).

Newly elected president of the Mossel Bay Round Table, Thinus van Rensburg, said that about 160 local volunteers – including a number of NSRI volunteers – would man the bar at the Buffalo Rally this year.

“Last year we raised R40,000 for the NSRI, and a further R 80,000 was spent on other community projects – all from funds raised by the Buff,” he said.

“About a 110 members of the Nomads Motorcycle Club will be coming to the Buffs this year – and although they’re involved in organising the event, they’ll be paying the same entry fee as everyone else,” said the Nomads’ Luderick Jacoby.

He said that the club has made special arrangements to prevent inconvenience to local residents.

The Rally will be centered in the De Bakke and Santos Caravan Parks – the famous municipal parks on Mossel Bay’s beachfront – but will include a concours d’elegance (which will take place in the conference room of the Mossel Bay Protea Hotel), and a mass ride through the streets of the town.

“We want to keep rally-goers in the camp site and out of the local bars as much as possible – especially late at night – so we’ve organised more entertainment than last year, with bands like Just Done, Boulevard Blues, Heywire, and Late Final, who will all perform in the campsite,” said Mr. Jacoby.

The programme will feature a number of competitions – including a lucky draw for R100,000, which will be open to everyone in possession of an entry ticket. Prizes will also be awarded to riders who’ve travelled the longest distance to the rally on a motorcycle, the longest distance on dirt, and the longest distance on the smallest bike – and to the oldest male and female bikers.

Mr. Jacoby said that special arrangements had been made for law enforcement. “The South African Police Service and the local Traffic Departments will be imposing strict enforcement of the Road Traffic Act over the Buff weekend.

“We want the Buff to be a fun and enjoyable event for us as well as the residents of Mossel Bay and, most importantly, we would like to return the following year.

“We can only achieve this with the cooperation of everyone there,” he said.

Ms. Holm said that riders who come to the Buffalo Rally often returned for family holidays later in the year.

“Events like this are important showcases for us – and, in fact, a number of the bikers who’ve been to the Buff in the past have bought property in Mossel Bay.

“We look forward to welcoming everyone in March,” she said.

More information:

• Buffalo Rally www.nomads.org.za/buffalo_rally.html
• Mossel Bay (including accommodation and attractions) www.visitmosselbay.co.za

ENDS

admin@visitmosselbay.co.za
Telephone: +27(0)44 691 2202
PO Box 1556
(Corner Church & Market Streets)
Mossel Bay
6500
Republic of South Africa

www.visitmosselbay.co.za

Mossel Bay:

• Western Cape Town of the Year 2010 – Rapport & Kwela Town of the Year Competition;
• Town of the Year 2007/8 – Swartland Wine Cellars Kaap Rapport Town of the Year Competition

Swinging the magic wand behind the scenes, is local hospitality management company Zabulan, whose handle on service excellence and keen sense of detail ensured that the final touch be a Midas touch – pure gold.

With many other more established hospitality companies also vying for top honours for their hotels, the team from Zabulan whisked away the top spot with grace and integrity. “It is never a goal to beat the opposition, because then you lose focus on what your priorities are. After any project, you need to be able to look at what you have achieved with a sense of joy and accomplishment, knowing that a piece of you will inevitably always remain there,” Executive Director, Anton Perold explains.

Now as legendary as Mount Meru, the summit against which the hotel was built, Zabulan is ensuring that Mount Meru Hotel becomes a legend in its own right. Through the concept of bringing in Indian Ocean Island staff from Mauritius to add in the service and flair and combining this with the cuisines from East Africa, the Hotel offers visitors a resort feel mixed with legendary African hospitality. This has proven to be a roaring success. It has built its reputation on the belief that exclusivity and individuality are key elements of true luxury. A true citadel of lavishness and serenity for the business man, the weary traveller or the passionate adventurer, guests are ensured of the best accommodation, the finest cuisine and the service excellence you’d expect from a real class act.

When asked about their triumph, CEO Rowald Kresfelder mentioned that they were ecstatic that the hotel had, in such a short time, managed to capture the imagination and admiration of the public, guests and adjudicators alike. He added, “an award is a mere piece of paper adorned on a wall – the real challenge is an ongoing one; to make every guest feel at home, to ensure that the restaurants provide innovative and exquisite tastes and that the promise of African hospitality is more than mere legend, but the heart and soul of the hotel. I would like to believe that, if there was an award for that, the Mount Meru Hotel and its amazing staff would win hands down, every time.”

They have already made a name for themselves by taking mere myths and creating bastions of comfort and luxury, building and equipping a strong, passionate and dedicated team to carry a new torch in Africa; one of style, service and sheer opulence. Africa is a treasure-trove of opportunity and the Zabulan team is already negotiating with important players in the African Hospitality Industry to work their magic across the continent. Exciting times, but as level-headed and grounded as ever, the team, already focused on their next summit is set on making Africa’s fifth highest peak a stepping stone to the stars.

And the magic, they say, is just beginning…

More Information: Zabulan Hospitality, Mount Meru Hotel

Media Enquiries: Mariki Theron c/o Interface by Goji Cell: 0027(0)83 375 3973 / pr@mountmeruhotel.com
Mimi Finestone c/o Interface by Goji Cell: 0027(0)84 583 3144 / mimi@gojipr.net

More information and Images:

Martin Hatchuel, BarefootWriter – martin@barefootclients.co.za

63 Wilson Street, Hunter’s Home, PO Box 2690, Knysna 6570
Cell +27(0)84 951 0574
www.barefootclients.co.za

“The Dias Museum Complex, the Cape St Blaize Cave, the ATKV-Hartenbos Museum, and the Great Brak River Museum rank amongst Mossel Bay’s most popular attractions, and we felt it was necessary to provide a comprehensive guide that visitors could take away and keep,” said Mossel Bay Tourism’s Marcia Holm.

“Also, our research has shown that the Dias Museum’s Post Office Tree and the Maritime Museum’s replica of Bartolomeu Dias’s caravel are still amongst the most important reasons why tour operators come to Mossel Bay,” she said. But, she added, “When it comes to history and culture, there’s much more to see and do in Mossel Bay, so this brochure will also be used as part of our marketing campaign.”

The full colour, 16-page, Dl-sized publication includes a short description of the War Memorial at The Point, and an article on the Mossel Bay Archaeology Project.

“Although the Mossel Bay Archaeology Project isn’t a tourist attraction as such, it is related to both the Cape St Blaize Cave and the Dias Museum Complex, and it has given the town incredible exposure in the world’s media, so this was seen as an appropriate platform in which to introduce it,” said Ms. Holm.

She said that the town’s lesser-known museums are fascinating repositories of information.

“The ATKV-Hartenbos Museum tells the story of the Great Trek of 1838 – when the Boers, dissatisfied with British rule, left the Cape Colony en mass. The Museum also explores the Symbolic Ox Wagon Trek of 1938 (a re-enactment and centenary celebration of the original event), and the history of Hartenbos.

“Its displays of old wagons and its authentic dioramas paint a vivid picture of life on the open veld.

“A little further along the coast, the Great Brak River Museum and Tourism Information Centre celebrates the history of Great Brak River, which was established in 1859 – just twenty years after the introduction of photography.

“As a result, Great Brak River was photographed from the start, and the Museum houses a large collection of photographs that tell the village’s story right up to the present day.

“Then at the Dias Museum Complex, the shell museum houses the largest collection of shells in South Africa; the town’s only Braille Trail allows blind and sighted people alike to experience and learn about the indigenous plants of the area; and the peaceful field garden is a wonderful place where you can spend a relaxing hour or two in the outdoors.”

Ms. Holm said that the brochure – titled ‘The Post Office Tree, The Caravel, & Mossel Bay’s Museums’ will be distributed at the tourism information office, and at the individual museums, and will be made available through local attractions and accommodation providers.

The brochure can also be downloaded in pdf format here

More information

ATKV-Hartenbos Museum – hartenbos@atkv.org.za
Dias Museum Complex – www.diasmuseum.co.za
Great Brak River Museum – www.ourheritage.org.za
Mossel Bay – www.visitmosselbay.co.za

ENDS

admin@visitmosselbay.co.za
Telephone: +27(0)44 691 2202
PO Box 1556
(Corner Church & Market Streets)
Mossel Bay
6500
Republic of South Africa

www.visitmosselbay.co.za

Mossel Bay:

• Western Cape Town of the Year 2010 – Rapport & Kwela Town of the Year Competition;
• Town of the Year 2007/8 – Swartland Wine Cellars Kaap Rapport Town of the Year Competition

“The Craft Art Workshop is one of the most successful tourism development projects I know of,” said Mossel Bay Tourism’s director in charge of development, Koos Schutte.

“For locals, it provides full-time employment for a number of people, it provides training for people who want to develop and make use of their talent, and it provides a sales area for about 50 artists and crafters – and for visitors, it offers an opportunity to buy original pieces, and to meet the artists and crafters at work.”

He added that the collective is also a supplier of curios, accessories, and pillow gifts to the tourism trade.

The new brochure focusses on the work of the seven artists and crafters who work on the premises – leatherworker and pyrographicist Ernest Clark; artist and glass and fabrics crafter Zandra Klapwijk; bead workers Eunice Makhubalo and Mary Hasse; paper mâché artist Viuwe Batyi; and Hein Marais, who paints rock art images on board, and also produces paper mâché bowls and figurines.

“One of the requirements for artists in residence is that they must offer skills training to previously disadvantaged people, and one of the attractions of the Craft Art Workshop is that visitors can see this very worthy cause in action and meet the trainees when they visit the individual studios,” said Mr. Schutte.

Training, he said, is highlighted in the brochure. “Hein has trained between fifteen and twenty people since he joined us, and Zandra has trained about 60 people in total – so the trickle-down effect is quite extensive.”

Mr. Schutte said that the brochure would now bring the Craft Art Workshop to a wider audience. “We’d like every one in Mossel Bay to visit the centre because the products on offer should appeal to a broad cross-section of the population – from home makers to interior decorators,” he said.

Visit the Craft Art Workshop during business hours, Monday to Saturday, at 3 Market Street (next to Mossel Bay Tourism). Telephone 041 691 1761

ENDS

admin@visitmosselbay.co.za
Telephone: +27(0)44 691 2202
PO Box 1556
(Corner Church & Market Streets)
Mossel Bay
6500
Republic of South Africa

www.visitmosselbay.co.za

Mossel Bay:

• Western Cape Town of the Year 2010 – Rapport & Kwela Town of the Year Competition;
• Town of the Year 2007/8 – Swartland Wine Cellars Kaap Rapport Town of the Year Competition

The project is coordinated by the Mossel Bay Environmental Partnership (MEP) and Fred Orban of the award-winning Oystercatcher Trail.

“Many business – especially those in the retail sector – benefit from trading with members of local communities, and it’s important that they plough benefits back into those communities,” said Mr. Orban.

He said that when previously disadvantaged people acquire skills that improve their standard of living, rather than living on handouts, they begin to earn and spend more – which directly benefits the business sector.

“In this project, we take twenty kids at a time to the BushiTayl Pottery Studios in George for a day-long outing that’s both creative and educational,” he said.

“Its objectives are to teach skills and knowledge that are easy to acquire and fun to learn, to stimulate creativity, to stimulates the children emotionally, and to instill a sense of pride, self worth and achievement.”

The typical outing begins with a ride from the AGAPE Centre for Street Children in Mossel Bay to the studio in George.

“The educational aspect of the day begins almost immediately,” said Mr. Orban. “The kids are asked whether they’d like to own and operate a taxi like the one they’re travelling in – and the facilitator explains that the skills they’ll learn today will help them when it comes to earning the money they’ll need to achieve their goals.

“At the studio, they’re taught how to work with clay and to make items such as mugs, tiles, and medallions, and they’re also given time to express their own creativity by making anything they want with the left-over clay. All the products are signed by their creators, and over the next few days they’re fired and glazed before being delivered to the kids at the Centre.

“We explain to the kids that it’s important to sign or mark their creations so that people can recognise them one day, if they become famous.

“At lunch time, which is sponsored by Struisvogel Butchery, a caterer teaches the kids how to prepare their own sandwiches and hotdogs, how to wash their dishes and pack them away, and how to separate left over items for recycling – and she explains why this is done.

“On future outings, we’re also planning to teach them how to make paper shopping bags from old newspapers, which they can sell.”

The mugs which the children make are hand-painted and individualised, and are presented as trophies to hikers who’ve positively contributed to the environment of Mossel Bay during their time on the Oystercatcher Trail.

Mr. Orban said that transport is currently supplied by the Department of Welfare, but that the ideal would be to see it provided by tour operators from the private sector.

“MEP is consistently campaigning to get more businesses involved in putting skills back into the community in the way that BushiTayl Studios does, because this will ensure upliftment and self sufficiency in the future,” he said.

Mossel Bay Tourism’s Marcia Holm said that tourism has enormous potential as a force for good in the community.

“We encourage our members and members of the wider business community to involve themselves in this project both for their own satisfaction, and for the long term benefits to all concerned,” she said.

More information:

• Fred Orban – 082 550 4788
• Mossel Bay Environmental Partnership – www.mep.org.za
• Mossel bay Tourism – www.visitmosselbay.co.za
• BushiTayl Pottery Studios’ web site is currently under construction – search ‘BushiTayl’ on Facebook

ENDS

admin@visitmosselbay.co.za
Telephone: +27(0)44 691 2202
PO Box 1556
(Corner Church & Market Streets)
Mossel Bay
6500
Republic of South Africa

www.visitmosselbay.co.za

Mossel Bay:

• Western Cape Town of the Year 2010 – Rapport & Kwela Town of the Year Competition;
• Town of the Year 2007/8 – Swartland Wine Cellars Kaap Rapport Town of the Year Competition

Not content with giving us 2010 British Open winner Louis Oosthuizen, 2010 European champion Lee-Anne Pace, and 2009 Ryder Cup Wales Seniors Open winner Bertus Smit, Mossel Bay Golf Club this week announced the arrival of two very young champions: 9-year old Martin Vorster, and 8-year old Jordan Duminy.

“They played the SA Kids Golf US Qualifier at Bronkhorstspruit on the 22nd and 23rd of January, and Martin won the 9-year old’s division by 11 shots, while Jordan came second in the 8-year olds,” said Mossel Bay Golf Club CEO, Bertu Nel.

Both boys will now represent South Africa and the Mossel Bay Golf Club in the European Kids Championship in Scotland in June, and in the World Champs in the USA in August.

Mr. Nel said that the boys posted exceptional performances. “Martin played 18 holes on the Saturday and 18 on the Sunday, and carded 75 and 77, while Jordan, whose division only plays 9 holes, scored 38 and 40.”

The boys play regularly in the Mossel Bay Golf Club’s development programme, and receive training from Craig Lewthwaite, who teaches at the Club’s Junior Academy.

“They haven’t qualified for the Louis Oosthuizen Junior Academy yet, but basically they receive the same coaching.”

Mr. Nel said that the club will now help the boys’ families raise the funds they’ll need for their trips.

“I’d appreciate any help or sponsorship we can get,” said Martin’s father, Waldo Vorster.

“I believe that this achievement will motivate Martin to play and practice golf even more. He has an incredible love and talent for golf and I believe that playing in Scotland and America will give him a huge boost.”

Jordan’s father, Hilton Duminy, said, “I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mossel Bay Golf Club for their leniency and kindness towards junior golfers and thanks for going the extra mile allowing them to participate in most of the club events.

“It will be highly appreciated if Mossel Bay Golf Club could assist to make this dream for these kids to participate in these international events a reality.”

Mr. Nel said that the Louis Oosthuizen Junior Golfing Academy has already pledged R 5,000 each towards the boy’s trips.

“We’re appealing to members, and local businesses to come forward and help,” he said.

Mossel Bay Tourism’s Marcia Holm said that the Proud Mossel Bay campaign saluted Martin Vorster and Jordan Duminy.

“Proud Mossel Bay exists to honour any local citizen who’s excelled in his or her chosen field – but we never thought we’d be honouring boys of such a young age.

“Proud Mossel Bay is really proud of Martin and Jordan.”

For information about contributing to Martin and Jordan’s trips to Scotland and the USA, please contact Bertu Nel at Mossel Bay Golf Club – 044 691 2379.

admin@visitmosselbay.co.za
Telephone: +27(0)44 691 2202
PO Box 1556
(Corner Church & Market Streets)
Mossel Bay
6500
Republic of South Africa

www.visitmosselbay.co.za

Mossel Bay:

• Western Cape Town of the Year 2010 – Rapport & Kwela Town of the Year Competition;
• Town of the Year 2007/8 – Swartland Wine Cellars Kaap Rapport Town of the Year Competition

“The Knysna Yacht Club (KYC) won the magnificent and much coveted trophy in 2010, and, under the auspices of the Lipton Trustees, will join hands with the Mossel Bay Yacht and Boat Club to organise the event in the final week of August 2011,” said KYC’s Gayle Newby.

“The Lipton Challenge Cup is an inter-club event in which the winners are granted the right to nominate the venue for the following year’s races,” said South African Sailing’s national training manager, Rob Holden, who bases himself at the Mossel Bay Yacht and Boat Club (MBYBC).

Sir Thomas Lipton gave the silver-gilt Lipton Cup to the Royal Cape Yacht Club (then the Table Bay Yacht Club) in 1909, and, in a letter to the club’s vice-president, Sir Peter Bam, explained that “I have always taken a very great interest in yacht racing and boat sailing, and my earnest wish is that this great sport should be encouraged in South African waters and particularly in regard to deep-water sailing.”

The intention of the Lipton Cup has always been to test sailing skills rather than yacht design: originally open to the so-called 8-metres, the rules were later amended to accommodate the ‘Thirty Squares’ and then the Lavranos-designed ‘Sweet Peas’ of the quarter ton IOR class, before the L26 class was introduced in 1984.

The L26 Owners’ Association rules are clear: “the intent is that all boats will be essentially equal and that racing will be a contest of sailing ability… Except where variations are specifically permitted, yachts of this Class shall be alike in hull, deck, keel, rudder and mast and boom construction, weight and weight distribution, sail plan and equipment.”

Mr. Holden said that the Lipton Challenge is South Africa’s premier sailing event. “It’s the equivalent of the America’s Cup, with almost every club in South Africa – and all the really hot local sailors – usually taking part.”

He said that, although the Club doesn’t have an L26 of its own, Mossel Bay was definitely planning to field an entry. “We might use a boat from Knysna or we may charter one like we did this year – but it will have to be sailed by MBYBC members.”

Ms. Newby said that KYC’s ‘Team Colorpress,’ skippered by Greg Davis and Gareth Blankenberg and sponsored by Colorpress’s Ryan Lotter, took this year’s Cup after six days of thrilling racing in varied wind and sea conditions.

“It was a fantastic spectacle of sailing skills, and the Mossel Bay event will surely be just as exciting,” she said.

Mossel Bay Tourism’s Marcia Holm said that she was delighted that the Knysna Yacht Club – which celebrated its own centenary in August this year – had decided to hold the event in the town.

“Having the Lipton Challenge in Mossel Bay will cement our growing reputation as a sailing destination, and we’re looking forward to hosting it, and helping where we can,” she said.

More information

• Knysna Yacht Club: www.knysnayachtclub.com
• Lipton Cup: www.liptoncup.org.za
• Lipton Challenge 2011: Gayle Newby, extraheads@iafrica.com; telephone 082 491 1343
• Mossel Bay: www.visitmosselbay.co.za
• Mossel Bay Yacht and Boat Club: www.mbybc.co.za

ENDS

admin@visitmosselbay.co.za
Telephone: +27(0)44 691 2202
PO Box 1556
(Corner Church & Market Streets)
Mossel Bay
6500
Republic of South Africa

www.visitmosselbay.co.za

Mossel Bay:

• Western Cape Town of the Year 2010 – Rapport & Kwela Town of the Year Competition;
• Town of the Year 2007/8 – Swartland Wine Cellars Kaap Rapport Town of the Year Competition

“Sommige van die land se beste talent is hier, asook voortreflike gholfkompetisies, kindervermaaklikheid, ‘n kos-en-drinkgoedmark , en nie een nie maar twee Blouvlag-strande – Mosselbaai gaan kook hierdie Desember!” sê Mosselbaai Toerisme voorsitter René Bongers.

Hy sê ‘n aantal organisasies – soos die Garden Route Casino, Mosselbaai-gholfklub, ATKV Hartenbos-oord, Langeberg Mall, die Barnyard-teater en die Diaz Strand Hotel & Beach Resort – het individuele gebeurtenisse georganiseer wat, as dit bymekaar gesit word, die grootste somerprogram van enige oord-dorp langs die Suid-Afrikaanse kus uitmaak.

“Daar is inderdaad so baie aan die gang dat jy sal moet vroeg opstaan om alles in jou dag in te kry,” sê Mnr. Bongers.

Bertu Nel, CEO (uitvoerende hoof) van die Mosselbaai-gholfklub, sê dat spesiale reëlings getref word vir diegene wat saam met die, um, voëltjies opstaan. “Ons sal elke oggend (behalwe Kersoggend) vanaf 5.30vm vir spel oopwees om so veel moontlik mense kans te gee om op die baan waar jy die see van elke bof kan sien, te speel. Hy noem ook dat onlangse reën en die suksesvolle sinking van ‘n aantal boorgate gehelp het om die ‘fantastiese toestand’ van die bowwe, setperke en skoonvelde te skep. Selfs die ru-veld lyk goed.”

Hy sê dat aanvraag reeds aanbod begin oorskrei het en dat inskrywings vir die Rotariërsvereniging-gholfdag (11 Desember) alreeds vol is. “Maar daar is ander kompetisies, soos die Mossel Bay Bells Whisky Classic (17 Desember) en verskeie kleiner gebeurtenisse – en natuurlik sal daar ook vakansiegholf op elke dag van die seisoen wees.”

Mnr. Bongers sê dat die Bravo-fees een van die mees gewilde gebeurtenisse van die jaar in Mosselbaai geword het. “Dit neem in die tydelike paviljoen wat spesiaal in die Garden Route Casino-gronde opgerig is plaas, en sluit ‘n wonderlike kos-en-drinkgoedmark in wat elke aand middag 5nm oop is – so dit is die ideale manier om ‘n aand te spandeer.”

Die sewende Bravo en Egoli Musiekfees sal vanaf 18 tot 22 Desember plaasvind, en sal vertonings van elkeen se gunsteling Egoli-sterre en top Suid-Afrikaanse kunstenaars – soos Kurt Darren, Steve Hofmeyr, Bobby van Jaarsveld, Romanz, Nicholis Louw, Ray Dylan, Lianie May, Emo Adams, Karen Zoid, en ander – insluit.

Die Diaz Strand Hotel se fees sal vertonings van Gerrie Pretorius, Collin Street, Danie Niehaus, en Wasserfall insluit en sal ook verskeie kompetisies aanbied soos: Mnr Spiertjies en Mej Sandkorreltjie (17 Desember); Mej en Mnr Diaz Jnr (18 Desember); Mej Rip Curl Bikini (23 Desember); Mej Tiener (27 Desember); Mej Diaz (30 Desember); Mnr Hunk (31 Desember); en Mej Roxy Bikini (2 Januarie). Daar sal ook die noodsaaklike armdruk- en baba-kompetisies wees asook ‘n Oujaarsaand-partytjie.

Die Barnyard sal onder andere Just Jinger (11 Desember); Frank Opperman se Rooi-Kaart (13 Desember); Chris Chameleon (14 Desember); en Jan Blohm en sy orkes (15 Desember) aanbied.

Die ATKV-Hartenbos sal onder andere Heinz Winckler (17 Desember) en ‘n Mej Hartenbos-kompetisie (27 Desember) in die Walvis-saal aanbied, asook ‘n verskeidenheid vertonings by die Amfiteater  op 22 Desember (Karen Ferreira, Snotkop, Arno Jordaan, Eden, Nicholis Louw, Bok van Blerk, ens); 26 Desember (Colletts, Suzanne Renzke, Rudi & Corlea, Romanz, ens); 28 Desember (Kurt Darren, Ray Dylan, Dewald Dippenaar, Pieter Koen, Disselboom, ens.); en 30 Desember (Guillaume, DJ Ossewa, Bobby van Jaarsveld, Theuns Jordaan, ens).

Ander kunstenaars wat tydens die seisoen in Mosselbaai sal optree sluit in: Petronel Baard, Nicholas Carstens, Watershed, Steve Hofmeyr, André Swiegers, Prime Circle, Anton Goosen, en Elvis Blue, wie saam met L’loyd Cele – die man wat hy naelskraap geklop het om die Idols-kroon vroeër vanjaar te wen (en met wie hy die prysgeld gedeel het) – gaan optree.

Ander gebeurtenisse sluit in: die Mosselbaai-seiljagklub se Kabeljou Visvangkompetisie (18 Desember); straatmarkte in Mosselbaai en Hartenbos; die KANSA Sonslimstap op 17 Desember; ‘n Kers-kunsmark op 20 Desember; en die Coreen Fourie Memorial Eco-Adventure (27 Desember).

“Daar is inderdaad iets aan op elke dag gedurende hierdie Mosselbaai-somer,” sê Mnr. Bonger, en voeg by dat die beste manier om die mees onlangse inligting te kry, die dorp se internet-kalender by www.visitmosselbay.co.za is.

Mossel Bay’s programme of summer entertainment is bigger and better than ever before.

“Some of the country’s top talent, superb golf competitions, children’s entertainment, a food-and-beverage market, and not one but two Blue Flag Beaches – Mossel Bay’s going to cook this December!” said Mossel Bay Tourism’s chairman, René Bongers.

He said that a number of organisations – including the Garden Route Casino, the Mossel Bay Golf Club, the ATKV-Hartenbos Resort, Langeberg Mall, the Barnyard Theatre, and the Diaz Strand Hotel and Beach Resort – have organised individual events which, when taken together, constitute what could be the biggest summer programme of any resort town on South Africa’s coast.

“In fact, there’s so much on the go that you’ll have to get up early to pack it all in,” said Mr. Bongers.

Bertu Nel, CEO of the Mossel Bay Golf Club, said that special arrangements have been made for early, um, birdies. “We’ll be open for play every morning (except Christmas Day) from 5:30 to give as many people as possible a chance to enjoy playing the course where you can see the sea from every tee,” he said. He noted, too, that recent rains and the successful sinking of a number of boreholes have helped to create “fantastic conditions” on the tees, greens, and fairways. “Even the rough is looking good.”

He said that demand has begun to outstrip supply, and that the Rotary Golf Day (11 December) is already fully subscribed. “But there are other competitions, including the Mossel Bay Bells Whiskey Classic (17 December) and various smaller events – and, of course, there’ll also be holiday golf on every day of the season.”

Mr. Bongers said that the Bravo Festival has become one of the most popular event of the year in Mossel Bay.

“It takes place in a temporary pavilion that’s specially set up in the grounds of the Garden Route Casino, and it includes a great food and beverage market which opens at 5:00 every afternoon – so it’s the ideal way to spend an evening.”

This seventh Bravo and Egoli Music Festival will run from the 18th to the 22nd of December, and will include performances by everyone’s favourite Egoli stars and top South African artists – including Kurt Darren, Steve Hofmeyr, Bobby van Jaarsveld, Romanz, Nicholis Louw, Ray Dylan, Lianie May, Emo Adams, Karen Zoid, and others.

The Diaz Strand Hotel’s festival will include performances by Gerrie Pretorius, Collin Street, Danie Niehaus, and Wasserfall, and will also feature various competitions: Mnr Spiertjies en Mej Sandkorreltjie (17 December); Mej en Mnr Diaz Jnr (18 December); Mej Rip Curl Bikini (23 December); Mej Tiener (27 December); Mej Diaz (30 December); Mr. Hunk (31 December); and Mej Roxy Bikini (2 January). There’ll also be the necessary arm-wrestling and baby competitions, as well as a new-year’s eve bash.

Amongst others, The Barnyard will present Just Jinger (11 December); Rooi-Kaart by Frank Opperman (13 December); Chris Chameleon (14 December); and Jan Blohm and his Band (15 December).

Amongst others, the ATKV-Hartenbos will present Heinz Winckler (17 December), and a Miss Hartenbos competition (27 December) in the Walvis Hall, as well as variety shows at the Amphitheatre on the 22nd of December (Karen Ferreira, Snotkop, Arno Jordaan, Eden, Nicholis Louw, Bok van Blerk, etc.); the 26th of December (Colletts, Suzanne Renzke, Rudi & Corlea, Romanz, etc.); the 28th of December (Kurt Darren, Ray Dylan, Dewald Dippenaar, Pieter Koen, Disselboom, etc.); and the 30th of December (Guillaume, DJ Ossewa, Bobby van Jaarsveld, Theuns Jordaan, etc).

Other artists who will appear in Mossel Bay during the season include Petronel Baard, Nicholas Carstens, Watershed, Steve Hofmeyer, Andre Swiegers, Prime Circle, Anton Goosen, and Elvis Blue, who will sing with L’loyd Cele – the man he narrowly beat to win the Idols crown earlier this year (and with whom he shared the prize money).

Other events include the Yacht and Boat Club’s Kob Derby (18 December);  street markets in Mossel Bay and Hartenbos and the CANSA Sonslimstap on the 17th of December; a Kers-Kunsmark on the 20th of December; and the Coreen Fourie Memorial Eco-Adventure (27 December).

“In fact, there’ll be something on on every single day during this coming Mossel Bay summer,” said Mr. Bongers, adding that the best way to get the latest information is to check out the town’s on-line calendar at www.visitmosselbay.co.za/calendar/

Despite having fractured the knuckle on his left index finger in the semi-finals, the south-paw beat S. Stunga from the Walter Sisulu University in Buffalo City to take the title in East London on Wednesday afternoon.

“It was a challenge; I had to use my right hand a lot more, my jab,” he said. “Also my coach, Johan Prinsloo (of the Transnet Boxing Academy), wasn’t with me because he was with the national team at the All Africa Games – although I did have fantastic support in my corner from Lwandiso Kwabana.”

His USSA award was announced at a function after the match.

But these aren’t the only titles the University of Pretoria (TUKS) third year sports science student has taken this year: he was recently named the Transnet Railway Engineering Recreational Club’s sportsman of the year, and he’s won his division’s championships in both Gauteng and North Gauteng.

Asked what drives him, he said he loves the game, “And I dream of winning the world championship one day.

“I’ll be taking my professional license shortly, and fighting my first professional bout in April or May.”

He said that the grounding he received whilst fighting as a kick-boxer in Mossel Bay has stood him in good stead throughout his boxing career.

Mossel Bay Tourism’s Marcia Holm congratulated Mr. de Moor on behalf of the Proud Mossel Bay campaign.

“Proud Mossel Bay seeks to highlight the achievements of outstanding citizens in any walk of life – and it’s always gratifying to salute young stars like Adam, who are natural role models for the youth of the town.”

She said that a number of young Mossel Bay people have recently come to the fore in various sporting codes – including Louis Oosthuizen and Lee-Anne Pace in golf, Schalk Brits in rugby, Rob Holden in sailing, Shaun Joubert in surfing, Mandla Tsengwa in soccer, and Adam Morley in body boarding.

“The fact that these people represent such a wide variety of different activities is a reflection of the incredible variety of things that one can do in Mossel Bay – and adds weight to our advertising slogan, ‘Mossel Bay. Do stuff.’

“Proud Mossel Bay is incredibly proud of Adam, and we wish him every success in his professional career,” she said.

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admin@visitmosselbay.co.za
Telephone: +27(0)44 691 2202
PO Box 1556
(Corner Church & Market Streets)
Mossel Bay
6500
Republic of South Africa

www.visitmosselbay.co.za

Mossel Bay:

• Western Cape Town of the Year 2010 – Rapport & Kwela Town of the Year Competition;
• Town of the Year 2007/8 – Swartland Wine Cellars Kaap Rapport Town of the Year Competition

Ms. Weich, who grew up in the town, and now runs Mossel Bay Embroidery, said, “I snowboard for the fun of it. I tried it out on a holiday in Switzerland, and I was hooked immediately.”

She recorded the best time of any South African in the women’s giant slalom event during this year’s Quicksnow SA National Snowboarding Champs, which were held at Lesotho’s Afriksi resort.

Ms. Weich posted a third behind Wales’s Vicky Mayes and Slovakia’s Terza Luksikova – but, not being South African, Ms. Mayes and Ms. Luksikova do not qualify for national honours. Ms. Weich’s time of 75.55 compared favourably with the winner’s 64.72, and Ms. Luksikova’s 70.73 – especially considering that the next best time was 93.44.

She explained that the Quiksnow SA National Snowboarding Champs included both giant slalom and slopestyle events. “In the giant slalom, you have to negotiate a demarcated course as quickly as possible, while Slopestyle is all about tricks performed on a course made up of ‘kickers’ – which are launch and landing sites made of snow, and used to perform aerial maneuvers – and ‘rails’ – which obstacles like handrails, benches and tables that are designed to mimic the urban landscape.”

Mossel Bay Tourism’s Marcia Holm isn’t surprised about Ms. Weich’s achievements because, she said, “Karin’s also very comfortable on a sandboard – which is quite similar to snowboarding – and at 320 metres, Mossel Bay’s Dragon Dune is the longest in the country.”

Ms. Holm explained that “The Dragon Dune is situated on private property, and is therefore only accessible on tours organised by a local company called Billeon Surf & Sand.”

“Sandboarding is lekker, although it’s an incredible trek up to the top,” said Ms. Weich. “But you’re out in the sun, out in nature, and it’s an incredible feeling of freedom with the wind in your hair and the ocean in front of you.

“It’s good for the soul.”

Ms. Weich – who left Mossel Bay for a period of fifteen years – said that although she misses having the snow nearby, living in Mossel Bay is a blessing.

“After travelling all over the world, you come back and you appreciate it much more,” she said.

“Karin is a true sportsperson and a real credit to her family and the town – and Mossel Bay Tourism’s Proud Mossel Bay campaign is extremely proud that she’s managed to achieve what she has despite the fact that sandboarding is the closest we’ll ever get to snowboarding here in the coastal warmth and sunshine.”

More information:
Mossel Bay: www.visitmosselbay.co.za
Billeon Surf & Sand: www.billeon.com

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“I didn’t think it was such a big thing,” said Rob – an ISAF training scholarship graduate. “I just told my life story when I made a presentation to ISAF’s Connect to Sailing Seminar during the conference.”

According to a post on ISAF’s Conference blog (isafconference.wordpress.com), it was “the story of a six year old boy who dreamt of going sailing but could only sit and watch as wealthier children enjoyed the sport. He grew up watching from the shore but eventually, aged 25, decided enough was enough. Not one to give up, he bought himself a Hobie Cat. Having never sailed, he went to the nearest sailing club and was met with closed gates and a members only sign. Sailing was not for sale. Not one to give up, he launched from the nearest public slipway, sailed towards the restricted clubs rescue boats and caught their attention by capsizing.

“On to another club and more closed doors where no one was sailing. So what did he do about it?

“The young man set up his own sailing school to give the average kid on the street the opportunity to sail, so they could get the grin from sailing and enjoy their independence. The school started with some leaky old Optimist. They made many mistakes on the way, but still took 300 youngsters sailing.

“Fast forward a bit and how to get to the next level with a bucket load of passion but without the wider training and coaching skills. Working with the South African Sailing Association, the man became ISAF’s first Training Scholarship graduate where he gained the skills to turn his knowledge and passion in to excellent training.

“The six year old boy was Rob Holden and he still watched other children sailing, but also those he is giving the joy of sailing too.

“And today I am sure he has passed on his enthusiasm and drive to many more who will go forwards to work with ISAF and get more people afloat.”

Mike McCarthy, President of the Mossel Bay Yacht and Boat Club (MBYBC) – where Mr. Holden is now based – recently said that, “Rob has been a great asset to our club, and we are very proud to have him as a member.

“He has a passion for sailing development – not only in Mossel Bay, but in the whole of South Africa. He has also inspired others with his enthusiasm for sailing, and has given up of his own time and money to reach his dream.”

MBYBC Commodore, Mike Keet, said, “We have so much to be thankful for, especially in Mossel Bay, where the club has been blessed with the most stunning setting.

“There are only two north-facing Yacht Clubs in the world – and we are the proud owners of one of them; Mossel Bay is one of the most beautiful bays in the world – and to top this, it has one of the best climates in the world.

“But above all, we have some utterly incredible members, and as a committee we would like to give homage to Rob Holden – a truly amazing young man.”

More information
•    Mossel Bay Yacht & Boat Club: www.mbybc.co.za
•    Sail training in Mossel Bay: Rob or Elfie Holden, telephone 083 320 6362
•    Mossel Bay www.visitmosselbay.co.za

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