General

by Malcolm Osborne There was good support from the Eastern Cape at the 2019 Knysna Yacht Club Interclub Regatta, with 11 out of 26 dinghies and 6 out 12 catamarans, but just two of 13 juniors. Two Dart 18s came all the way from East London. George Lakes YC also fielded many in the senior and junior dinghies. Three races were sailed in a light, patchy south westerly breeze on Saturday. With a high tide in the afternoon, currents weren’t …

It’s been a few decades since South Africans performed with class and distinction on the world singlehanded stage, and while race from Cape Town to the Island of St Helena is anything but ‘on the world stage’, Dale Kushner was the only singlehanded competitor. Singlehanded sailing is something he has dreamt about for many years, and having completed this course he may yet set his sights higher and pit himself against the best in the world at an international level. …

FLIR Systems, Inc. today announced the Raymarine DockSense™ assisted docking system, the marine industry’s first intelligent object recognition and motion sensing assisted docking solution for recreational boating. DockSense system uses FLIR machine vision camera technology and video analytics to integrate intelligence gathered from surrounding imagery with the vessel’s propulsion and steering system to assist boat owners in tight quarter docking manoeuvring. Additionally, FLIR announced that Prestige Yachts, a Groupe Beneteau brand, will become the first to demonstrate the technology. Docking …

Seascape Marine Services in Cape Town have now added Zipwake Dynamic Trim Control Systems to its portfolio of quality marine products. Sweden’s Zipwake has teamed up with Seascape Marine Services in South Africa – a leading supplier of marine products and services representing brands such as Yanmar Marine, Hamilton Jet, Kohler Marine, D torque, Eliche Radice and Cox diesel outboards. Seascape, which is based in Cape Town, will represent Zipwake Dynamic Trim Control Systems in order to focus on the …

Raymarine have launched a completely new line of Sonar/GPS navigation displays. This new Element line features Raymarine’s new HyperVision™ 1.2 megahertz sonar technology, quad-core performance, and their new LightHouse Sport operating system. Element Sonar: Turn Up the Resolution With an unprecedented built-in 6-channel sonar, Element delivers the sharpest view of the underwater world. HyperVision™ 1.2 megahertz super-high resolution CHIRP technology takes DownVision, SideVision, and RealVison 3D sonar to the next level of precision imaging and fish identification, letting anglers identify …

by Malcolm Osborne George Lakes Yacht Club hosted the GP14 class National Championships as part of its annual New Year Regatta at the end of December. The National Championships for the Fireball class was also scheduled, but insufficient boats of this type entered. The two that did still sailed in the club regatta. The GP14 class mustered ten boats, with entrants from Johannesburg and Cape Town, as well as the local fleet. There were eight boats in both the senior …

Yanmar is highlighting the advanced technology and innovations behind its complete lineup of sailboat and powerboat engines at this year’s boot Düsseldorf show. The leading supplier of innovative engines and technology-driven marine propulsion systems is introducing its new 4LV250 sterndrive marine diesel engine to showcase for the first time alongside the popular Yanmar 6LY and 8LV series and the proven JH common rail (CR) series of sailboat engines. Offering exceptional acceleration, fuel efficiency, quiet and virtually smoke and odour free …

This is always a pleasurable time of the year as it’s when I get to announce the Raymarine SAILING Mag Blog Sailor of the Year. This award is made in conjunction with MDM Marine Services who are the local RSA importers of Raymarine sailing electronics. Sincere thanks to them for their on-going support and sponsorship of the cash prize the winner receives. It is also appropriate at this juncture to thank the anonymous judges who evaluate the nominations each month …

Stuck for a Christmas gift idea for the yachtie in your life? Victorinox, manufacturers of the original Swiss Army knife, solves that problem with two different and very versatile sailing knives. Recently released is the new Navy Camouflage Collection with 3 different options of a small, medium and large pocket knife in a navy camouflage look. With these knives one will be able to tackle any situation. The small knife comes with a blade; nail file; screwdriver; scissors; key ring; …

by Richard Crockett In this country we are starved of modern boats, both dinghies and keelboats, and as a result once a class is established with good numbers there is huge resistance to change and especially change to other classes. It’s a pity as on occasions a really good new dinghy class comes onto the international market and instantly makes a huge hit. The Melges 14 is one of these, with the good news being that Alex Schon has seen …

Malcolm led a team of South Africans to the FarEast 28 worlds in China in October. The team was made up of crew from his Cape 31, Magic, which he recently launched in Table Bay with the desire to join in the tight and competitive racing that is provided. His team were made to work hard and learn the FarEast 28 very quickly, as most teams have their own boats, and even brought their own sails! Malcolm showed his class, …

FLIR has launched its next-generation Raymarine VHF radios. The compact Ray53, full-sized Ray63 and the multifunction Ray73 with AIS are all full-function VHF marine radios with Class D Digital Selective Calling (DSC). Each new VHF model is equipped with a built-in GPS receiver and connection point for an optional GPS/GNSS antenna, which improves the GPS reception when the radio is mounted below deck or in an enclosed pilothouse. Designed to complement the modern style of Raymarine Axiom multifunction displays, these …

Unique technologies and product updates harness the benefits of augmented reality, drone integration, and advanced MFD integration to open up new possibilities for boat owners. Leading the industry in bringing a new era of navigation and awareness capabilities to boat owners through the most innovative developments in marine electronics, Raymarine is bringing together its game-changing range of technology advancements at this year’s METSTRADE. Its unique product range for 2018 includes the new award-winning Raymarine® ClearCruise™ AR (Augmented Reality), Axiom® XL …

This Simonis 26 Micro Multihull is designed by Alexander Simonis, and has a Cat C safety certificate. She was manufactured by Maxim Yachts (Glynn Buckle) in Durban. Construction is GRP, with a “Balsa” core, with carbon / kevlar reinforcing in high load areas. Dagger boards & rudders manufactured with epoxy & carbon fibre. Aluminium Rotating Mast by G-Wind. Details Launched 2005 LOA is 9 metres Inventory Mainsails x 2. 1 is carbon + with stack pack Jib x 2. 1 …

Stefano Marcia is a worthy candidate as he has just won the 2018 Laser National Championships in style, while showing that he is the top Laser sailor in the country. He also holds the SAS Northern Region provincial championship title and finished fifth in the 2018 American Nationals. He represented South Africa at the 2016 Olympics and now spends most of his spare time on the water bettering his skills. All this knowledge and experience is not wasted as he …