Sailing Magazine
by Richard Crockett
Every single mention of the yacht ‘Voortrekker’ in this Blog and in issues of SAILING Magazine have always received a warm welcome and good comments from people around the world who sailed on her or just followed her progress at every opportunity.
So it gives me great pleasure to be able to share the fact that the grand old lady has begun the first steps to a full restoration and to becoming a museum piece. After 58 years afloat, I feel she now deserves a dignified resting place where she can physically be admired and the fond memories of her can continue to be remembered.
Her restoration is going to take a fair chunk of cash, so please give generously to preserving her.
Here’s her story as of today.
‘Voortrekker’ – Sowing the Seeds
Way back in 1966, that’s 60 years ago, a suggestion was floated that our country needed to compete in international yacht races, and the Observer Singlehanded Trans-Atlantic Race (OSTAR) was identified as a race in which South Africa, as a nation, could compete with distinction.
A number of prominent yachtsmen from around the country were consulted, resulting in the formation of the South African Ocean Racing Trust (SAORT) to raise funds and manage the project in its entirety.
The seeds had been sown, and the project took off with serious intent and purpose.
‘Voortrekker’ – The Yacht
After extensive enquiries and proposals from designers worldwide, the Dutch designers van de Stadt were appointed to draw the lines of the yacht we know today as ‘Voortrekker’.
Little did anyone know at the time that this project would change the trajectory of sailing in this country as it not only immediately drew the attention of South Africans to the sport, but later spawned the birth of our boat building industry, and the popularity of the South Atlantic Races to Rio, Punta del Este and Salvador.
Fundraising was initially slow, but so determined were the SAORT Trustees that the project should succeed, their relentless push saw the funding pot grow sufficiently large enough to allow the boat to be built. Thesen Industries of Knysna were commissioned to construct the yacht.
The SAORT Trustees were constantly searching for a title sponsor for the project, and Dr Anton Rupert of the Rembrandt Group linked their names and ownership to the project, and the naming of the yacht ‘Voortrekker’.
Initially designed as a ketch, ‘Voortrekker’ was later, after the OSTAR, converted to a sloop rig.
After an extensive search for ‘Voortrekker’s’ skipper, Bruce Dalling, was appointed. He did not disappoint as he took ‘Voortrekker’ to second place across the line and first place on handicap in the 1968 OSTAR.
‘Voortrekker’s’ Ownership
On Bruce Dalling and ‘Voortrekker’s’ return to Cape Town after the OSTAR in July 1968, a glittering “welcome home” function was staged at Granger Bay. It was at this function that Dr Anton Rupert announced in his speech that as owner of the yacht he was donating it to the SA Navy for use in sail training. Admiral Hugo Biermann, in his replying speech, accepted ‘Voortrekker’ on behalf of the Navy.
Under the South African Navy Ensign, ‘Voortrekker’ competed in several round the world races, seven South Atlantic Races, and many races along the South African coast and worldwide, with Bertie Reed, John Martin and other Navy personnel.
Her last major ocean race was the 2009 Cape to Salvador race when Marcello Burricks skippered her, with a young development crew, to a very respectable fourth place overall on handicap. After the race Burricks and his young SA Navy crew safely delivered her back to Simonstown.
Today, after six decades of heavy usage, the old lady is tired and in need of preserving for all South Africans and sailing enthusiasts to admire, gloat over and remember.
‘Voortrekker’ and the SA Navy Museum’s Submarine Annex
Recently, thanks to financial contributions from SAORT and assistance from the Royal Cape Yacht Club, her cradle was renovated. She is now out of the water and situated in the South African Navy Museum grounds in Simonstown, next to the submarine ‘SAS Assegaai’ which has been on public display for over a year.
The actual SA Navy Museum is on Main Road in Simonstown, in the old West Yard area. However, the SA Navy has provided another area next to the NSRI Station 10 Base where the shore submarine museum is situated, and this is where ‘Voortrekker’ is now located.
This area has staff and guides provided by a private management company who oversees the exhibits in conjunction with the SAN and the Naval Heritage Trust (NHT). The submarine museum currently has over 30 000 visitors per annum.
‘Voortrekker’ and the Scope of Restoration Work
As ‘Voortrekker’ is a wood-laminate constructed vessel, time has taken its toll, and for her to be safely on permanent display with hands-on public access, she is in dire need of extensive renovation – all of which requires funding.
Three phases were envisaged for her renovation – with Phase 1 being her removal from the water onto a cradle and then transported to the museum site. This was recently completed.
Phases 2 and 3 require the exterior to be renovated first, and then the interior – but both these steps require funding and materials.
Phase 2 requires parts of the deck being removed, replaced and waterproofed. The keel and hull will then be cleaned, repaired and painted, and after that a steel walkway with access stairs will need to be constructed to allow visitors to observe the yacht at deck level.
Phase 3 involves the renovation of the interior to allow visitors to enter the below deck area for immersive tours. A nice-to-have would be a roof structure to protect her, and visitors, from the elements.
‘Voortrekker’ and How You Can Help Restore Her?
Restoring ‘Voortrekker” to her original glory for South Africans to enjoy for generations to come, will require funding.
Phase 2 will require approximately R100 000 to complete, while Phase 3 is yet to be estimated. A detailed material requirement is available on request.
Cash contributions as well as material contributions are most welcome.
All significant contributors from “Friends of Voortrekker” will be permanently recognised at the museum site.
‘Voortrekker’ and the Security of Your Contribution
This entire project is being managed by Rear Admiral Hanno Teuteberg PG SM MMM (Ret) in conjunction with the South African Navy (SAN) and the Naval Heritage Trust (NHT).
The management of funding will be via the same formal process as used for the current Submarine Museum. A Memorandum of Agreement between the SA Navy and the Naval Heritage Trust (NHT) allows the NHT to manage the museum, via a Board of Directors, with Trust Funds being audited.
Funds raised for ‘Voortrekker’ will be ring-fenced and used exclusively for her benefit only.
Make Your Contribution Here:
Bank: STANDARD BANK
Account Holder: THE NAVAL HERITAGE TRUST
ID/Reg No: 2770/1994
Account Type: Current
Account Number: 07 210 227 6
Branch: Fish Hoek
Branch Code: 051001
SWIFT Code: SBZAZAJJ
Date Opened: 14 June 2001
Mark Donations as: Voortrekker + Name
Conclusion
‘Voortrekker, has always displayed sail number “SA 1″, and is without doubt the catalyst which saw ocean racing and yacht construction flourish in our country.
‘Voortrekker’ was skippered by single-handed legends such as Bruce Dalling, Bertie Reed and John Martin.
In her later life she served as an excellent training platform for development sailing under Marcello Burricks.
As ‘Voortrekker’ has now reached the end of her seagoing life it would be a disservice to the yachting community if she is not preserved.
All assistance, whether in terms of money or kind, to keep ‘Voortrekker’s’ rich legacy afloat and alive, would be greatly appreciated.
Queries May Be Addressed to the Project Manager
Rear Admiral Hanno Teuteberg PG SM MMM (Ret)
Mobile – +27 83 390 1815
Email – hteuteberg59@gmail.com
