Shifty conditions greeted the Boardwalk Hobie 16 Nationals fleet on Saturday 22 March 2014 - the 3rd and 2nd last day of sailing. After no sailing on the first day in Port Elizabeth the shifty conditions presented a challenge for Race Officer Doug Allison who had his mark laying crews shifting the course as the wind swung from North to North West to West to South West where it settled for the day. Four races were sailed in winds increasing from 7 to 22 knots with the last race completed just as the wind increased to over 25 knots at 4:00 pm. A short chop and decent wind made for some exhilarating sailing as Blaine and Roxanne Dodds reveled in the strong conditions to draw level with William and Lucinda Edwards on 12 points each but placed first by virtue of their four 1st places over the 8 races sailed so far. The discard has kicked in and helped Andrew and Angela Ward to move into 3rd place on 32 points - a scant one point ahead of Belinda and Ryan Hayward on 33 points. With one day to go the battle royal will be for 1st and 2nd place and 3rd and 4th. The top three finishers overall on Day 3: William and Lucinda Edwards - Knysna Yacht Club on 12 points Blaine and Roxanne Dodds - Knysna Yacht Club on 12 points Andrew and Angela Ward - Algoa Bay Yacht Club on 32 points. Photos: Andrew Fourie and Chad Bilsbury sailing for LDYC and currently in 9th place. Mark Kopel and Laura Ilgner sailing for LDYC and currently in 26th place. Blaine and Roxxane Dodds sailing for KYC and currently in 1st place. All Photo's credit: Alan Straton Author: Alan Straton from ABYC. No of Images Uploaded: Three More Info link: http://abyc.co.za Twitter: Facebook: Images: For high res version/s of Three image/s please contact: ABYC. Blaine and Roxxane Dodds sailing for KYC and currently in 1st place.. Photo by: Alan Straton . Photo by: Mark Kopel and Laura Ilgner sailing for LDYC and currently in 26th place. Andrew Fourie and Chad Bilsbury . . .
Boardwalk Hobie 16 Nationals Day 2
After no sailing on the first day of the Boardwalk Hobie 16 Nationals being sailed in Port Elizabeth from 20 to 23 March 2014, day two saw an early start in a East North East which then swung to the South East and stayed steady. Varying wind strengths ranging from 4 to 12 knots saw the fleet challenged for 4 races in a sea state ranging from flat to long chop. Four races were sailed - all on a gated sausage with two rounds to the finish off of Hobie Beach giving good sightings for spectators enjoying the sunshine and Shark Rock viewpoint. Fresh from their Hobie Worlds Masters win in Australia this year, William and Lucinda Edwards dominated the day with two firsts and two thirds for a nett point tally of 8 and seven points in the lead ahead of arch rivals, Blaine and Roxanne Dodds with a smorgasbord of placings - 1st, 2nd, 4th and 8th. The Dodds and Edwards teams are sailing for Knysna Yacht Club. Finishing the day on third are Belinda and Ryan Hayward from Fish Hoek Beach Sailing Club with 17 points and the first local boat is in fourth place with Robert Archibald at the helm and crew, daughter Alexa, on 22 points. Race 2 was sailed under a black flag (under a black flag if any boat crosses the start line within the last minute before the start then it is immediately disqualified and marked OCS) unfortunatey for local sailing team Andrew and Angela Ward they were judged OCS and now carry an additional 31 points which they will be happy to discard as soon as th efirst discard race kicks in. The Top three finishers today: William and Lucinda Edwards - Knysna Yacht Club on 8 points Blaine and Roxanne Dodds - Knysna Yacht Club on 15 points Belinda and Ryan Hayward - Fish Hoek Beach Sailing Club on 17 points Sailing on Saturday 22 March looks as if it will be challenging with a 8 - 16 knot North North West swinging to South West and a high temperature of 32 degrees centigrade and no cloud cover. Author: Alan Straton from ABYC. No of Images . . .
Eastern Cape gets 17% cut of National Lottery funds
Over R1,48-billion has been paid out to beneficiaries in the Eastern Cape since the National Lotteries Board (NLB) started distributing funds in 2002. In the 2013 financial year the province received R154 million in grants to a wide range of organisations, according to NLB spokesperson Sershan Naidoo. Speaking at a media briefing in the NLB’s new offices in East London, Naidoo said the province had received on average nearly 18% of the R2 billion a year the board has to distribute. This is the fourth-highest percentage after Gauteng, Western Cape and KwaZulu/Natal. Around 253 million Lotto tickets were bought in the Eastern Cape during 2013, according to NLB chief executive officer Charlotte Mampane. The province has had 34 Lotto millionaires since 2002. Sectors which qualify for funding include Arts, Culture and National Heritage, Sport and Recreation, Charities, and Miscellaneous. Some of the biggest beneficiaries in the Eastern Cape include the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown (R50 million since 2002), the Afrikaanse Christelike Vroue Vereniging (ACVV) in Port Elizabeth (6,7 million since 2002), The Port Elizabeth Opera House (R4,4 million), Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism (R4,4 million), Mthatha Child and Family Welfare Society (R2,7 million), Nazareth House Port Elizabeth (R3,2 million), and the Knysna/Sedgefield Hospice (R3,2 million). “We are particularly proud to be associated with the launch of the first record label in the province,” said Mampane. ECAVC Records was launched in the Miriam Makeba Centre for the Performing Arts in East London, which was also financed by a National Lotteries Board grant. Numerous smaller organisations received grants ranging from R40 000, according to Naidoo. Mampane says the NLB sends teams into the field to ensure that the funds are being properly spent. She told the audience of over one thousand provincial beneficiaries and potential beneficiaries that the NLB had received “sad” reports of . . .
John van de Ruit – South Africa’s bestselling author of all time with over 500 000 books sold – to present the Making of “Spud” as part of the Knysna Literary Festival
Author John van de Ruit will be appearing at the Knysna Literary Festival to chat about his globally successful Spud series on Friday 21 March from 09h00 - 10h30 at the Simola Hotel & Spa. His debut novel, Spud remains a publishing phenomenon in South Africa, smashing all local fiction records. Following Spud’s release in September 2005, the sequel Spud – The Madness Continues… (2007) received rave reviews and both books have since been published around the globe. The penultimate book in the side-splitting series, Spud – Learning to Fly, was released in 2009. The fourth and final book in the series, Spud - Exit, Pursued by a Bear was released in 2012. In total, the Spud series has sold over half a million copies in South Africa alone, and in December 2010 a feature film was released in Southern Africa starring John Cleese and Troye Sivan. The film debuted at number one at the South African box office. A second film, of Spud – the Madness Continues…, was also released in South African cinemas just last year. Witty, charming, and consistently hilarious, "Spud" combines the prep-school humour of "The Catcher in the Rye" with the rebellious teen antics of "Dead Poet's Society." Though John van de Ruit's 13-year-old protagonist Spud (real name: John Milton) may hail from Durban, South Africa, his adventures, insecurities, and humour are universal. Over the course of the four novels, Spud’s growth as a character was a process with which many identified. Van de Ruit elaborates: “Spud’s gone from a naive boy who didn’t quite realise the joke. But by book four there’s an irony to how he describes his fellow guys. There’s a surety in Spud – he doesn’t fear. He was scared in book one, yet here’s a boy who has grown into his skin.” He continues, “The series gained an extra dimension in film, with actor John Cleese adding his particular brand of humour to the milieu.” John van de Ruit is an actor, playwright and author who was educated at Michaelhouse . . .
Save the Date: Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival 4 to 13 July 2014
Whether you’re a fitness fanatic, adventure seeker, discerning gourmand, or are just looking for the perfect family breakaway, the 31st annual Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival will deliver with a diverse programme of over 100 events during the school holidays from 4 to 13 July 2014. Entries for the Big5 Sport Challenge open on 17 February, including the first-ever Big5 Sport Challenge LITE, which offers an entry-level version of what has become South Africa’s best known multi-disciplinary competition, while entries to the Momentum Weekend Argus Rotary Knysna Cycle Tour and Momentum Cape Times Knysna Forest Marathon and Half Marathon open on 17 February to all 2013 entrants, and to the general public on 4 March. Festival Manager Nicci Rousseau-Schmidt says, “2014 will see the return of the ever popular events such as the Oyster Shucking and Oyster Eating competitions, the Knysna Wine Festival and Night Food Market, and the Pick n Pay Flavours of Knysna gourmet evening – but with a soon-to-be announced new twist. “We are also looking forward to many fresh events – such as the Junior Golf Tournament, a new Triathlon and a Canoe Relay event – all aimed especially at teens. Adrenalin junkies can also look forward to a new mountain bike endurance event – the Trailmania Cycle Enduro – which times competitors’ pace only on the downhill sections. Naturally, it’s all about providing a programme that’s as varied as Knysna, Sedgefield, and surrounds.” Besides the food, the fun, and the competitive games, each year the festival seeks to raise money for charity, with all events donating a portion of proceeds to designated Knysna non-profit charity organisations. This year it is expected that more than R1.5-million will be raised for charity. Registration costs and ticket prices vary for each event. For more information, including updates to the Festival Programme, visit www.pnpoysterfestival.co.za or contact Knysna Tourism at 044 382 5510. Author: Theresa . . .
Premier Hotels and Resorts offers an exclusive promotion for Passover
Premier Hotels and Resorts, one of South Africa's leading independent hotel groups, has just launched a new package, exclusively for Passover. The package is offered at Premier Hotel Knysna - The Moorings, one of their top hotels and includes, for the duration of Pesach, a kosher kitchen (supervised by the on site Rabbi), a Shul on the premises and Seder accoutrements. Says Sigal Nassimov-Geva: "There is a large Jewish community in Plettenberg Bay and surrounds and with our Knysna hotel being so accessible, we felt that by offering our Passover packages at this property, we would make observing this tradition simple for families who want to celebrate with convenience and style. This package not only offers amenities to make Pesach as meaningful as possible, it also gives families the opportunity to relax and unwind at a gorgeous hotel in one of the most beautiful parts of South Africa." The full programme includes: Seder accoutrements including Shemurah Matza, wine and more A Shul on the premises A tour of the Garden Route during Chol Hamoed Daily children's entertainment Packages are available from April 14th to 23rd and include a long weekend, Seder only or the full week. Anyone interested can contact the Premier Hotel Knysna at 043 705 5033 for individual packages. More information is available at www.premierhotels.co.za or via passover@premierhotels.co.za. Ends. Issued by MANGO-OMC on behalf of Premier Hotels and Resorts. For more information or comment, please contact media@premierhotels.co.za or 021 447 8048. About Premier Hotels and Resorts Since 1991 Premier Hotels and Resorts has built a fine reputation offering a range of service-orientated luxury hotels and conference venues carefully situated in the mainstream of regional business and travel destinations in South Africa. Premier Hotels & Resorts is one of South Africa’s growing independent groups, focusing on key destinations with properties in Cape Town, Knysna, East . . .
Secure your entry for the iconic Garden Route 300 powered by Trek today
Entries to the fourth annual Garden Route 300 powered by Trek are selling out at breakneck speed. The race is limited to 600 riders, so if you haven’t booked yours yet, be sure to do so without delay. The race will take place from 21 to 23 February 2014. Already one of the most anticipated events on the biking calendar, this three day, 300km stage race is renowned for its technical challenges and incredible scenery. “You’ll be hard pressed to keep your eyes on the single track as you pedal through kilometres of indigenous forest and fynbos with views over valleys, mountains and the ocean,” said route director Pax Mosterd. And with each day’s racing starting with a rusk and hot coffee at the Thesen Island Harbour Town lagoon-side race village of Knysna’s Quay Four, except for day two, which starts in Rheenedal, you’ll be ready to tackle what is arguably the best 300km of mountain biking in South Africa. All three days also finish at Quay Four where all your meals are included in your race entry. Also included – if you enter before 15 January 2013, is your race specific, limited edition CRAFT kit. Paramedic backup, all land access permits and, most importantly, oysters and beer as you cross the finish line are also included and sponsored by SAB. Discovery Vitality members will also earn 5 000 vitality points upon completion of the GR300. “Riders doing the GR300 in 2014 will ride the best route since the race’s inception in 2011,” said Pax. “Day one allows for a lot of time spent on the beautiful routes of the Garden Route National Park, including the world famous Red Route. Day two introduces a brand new route, starting in the beautiful settlement of Rheenendal at the foot of the old Millwood Gold mines. Day two now swaps the sandy trails of previous years for cool indigenous forests, beautiful views, many stream crossings and the 2,5km downhill single track at Phantom Pass.” “Day three will be a blast from the past for those who participated in the Cape . . .
Sleep for much less at Premier Hotels and Resorts this summer
This summer Premier Hotels and Resorts is offering a massive discount of up to 50% on the published rack rate for a limited number of rooms at any of their hotels. The Summer Blitz deal is valid from 1 December 2013 until 28 February 2014 and applies to all room categories, subject to availability at the time of booking. Bookings can be made online at www.premierhotels.co.za or by contacting Premier Hotels and Resorts’ central reservations desk at 086 111 5555. The special summer rates are for individual bookings, not groups and a maximum of two people will be allowed per room, unless otherwise specified. Meals are not included unless otherwise specified and this offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other special offers from Premier Hotels and Resorts. More details, including the terms and conditions are available on the website, www.premierhotels.co.za . End. Issued by MANGO-OMC on behalf of Premier Hotels and Resorts. For media enquiries, please contact media@premierhotels.co.za About Premier Hotels and Resorts Since 1991 Premier Hotels and Resorts has built a fine reputation offering a range of service-orientated luxury hotels and conference venues carefully situated in the mainstream of regional business and travel destinations in South Africa. Premier Hotels & Resorts is one of South Africa’s growing independent groups, focusing on key destinations with properties in Cape Town, Knysna, East London, the KZN South Coast, Pinetown, Pretoria, Johannesburg and Midrand. The Group also owns a private game reserve in the Eastern Cape and manages the East London International Convention Centre. For more information about all the properties within the Premier Hotels and Resorts portfolio, visit www.premierhotels.co.za More Info link:: http://www.premierhotels.co.za/ Twitter: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/premierhotels YouTube: Author: Naomi Willemse from MANGO-OMC on behalf of Premier Hotels and Resorts. No of Images Uploaded: . . .
First Car Rental’s Top 10 South African National Parks
South Africa’s National Parks give you up close and personal encounters with the country’s amazing wildlife and also offers stunning views of awe-inspiringly diverse landscape. First Car Rental has put together a list of the top 10 South African National Parks across the country to help you plan your next African adventure with ease. 1.Golden Gate National Park, North-Eastern Free State This South African National Park got its name from the brilliant shades of gold that are cast by the sun on the Park’s sandstone cliffs especially on the imposing Brandwag rock which overlooks the main rest camp. The Golden Gate National Park rests at the rolling foothills of the Maluti Mountains of the north eastern Free State. You can spot antelopes bound across the wide open spaces and enjoy the most spectacular African sunsets here. 2. Karoo National Park, Western Cape The Karoo National Park is home to a fascinating diversity of life. The area is mostly semi-desert and is well known for its isolation. This national park is home to several desert mammals primarily the Verreaux’s Eagle and various species of tortoise. You can also spot endangered species such as the Black Rhino and Riverine Rabbit that have been successfully resettled here. 3. Kruger National Park, Limpopo – Mpumalanga The Kruger National Park is one of the largest game reserves in South Africa where all of nature’s drama is played out. Covering an area of nearly 2 million hectares, the Kruger National Park stretches over the provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga in north-eastern South Africa. This South African national park boasts of being home to 336 types of trees, 49 species of fish, 34 kinds of amphibians, 114 species of reptile, 507 species of birds and 147 mammals as well as the famous Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhino). The Kruger National Park also has the largest rhino population that can be spotted in the grasslands and riverine forests. The park has tarred roads and offers . . .
Group 1 Hyundai Upgrades Service Centre Experience
Group 1 Hyundai has upgraded their customer experience program at their service centres in Midrand and Knysna. Johannesburg, South Africa, September, 2013 – Hyundai Megadealer, Group 1 (http://www.group1-hyundai.co.za/), have upgraded their service centre customer experience to keep inline with the high expectations of Hyundai drivers. Following the Hyundai Worldwide announcement that the Hyundai brand has entered the Global Value Top 50 due to its high service levels and an image of building vehicles with leading style, design, and performance, Group 1 Hyundai has implemented an internal upgrade of its own service centres. This upgrade now includes an improved customer experience program that will ensure that every customer who has their vehicle serviced at one of the Hyundai service centres in Gauteng or Knysna will receive personalised attention from the Group 1 Service Team. This team is not only trained to deal with specific customer vehicle complaints, but is in continual contact with Group 1’s highly trained Hyundai technicians. This means the the service team can get to the heart of any vehicle problem, rectify it and have the customers vehicle back on the road in no time at all. Contact the Group 1 Hyundai Service Centres Group 1 Hyundai have two service centres in in South Africa. One in Midrand (Gauteng) and one in Knysna (Western Cape). To find out more about their Hyundai vehicle service program please go to http://www.group1-hyundai.co.za/hyundai-car-service.aspx, or contact them on: Group 1 Hyundai Midrand Tel: 011 312 2678 Email: enquiries@group1-hyundai.co.za Group 1 Hyundai Knysna Tel: 044 302 2600 Email: enquiries@group1-hyundai.co.za END Press release submitted by Justin Atkins at WSI, Cape Town on behalf of Group1 Hyundai. For more PR information, please call WSI Web Marketing Cape Town on 021-913 4382. More Info link:: http://www.group1-hyundai.co.za/hyundai-car-service.aspx Twitter: . . .
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