John has sailed small boats since a child and ocean-going sailing boats as skipper for over 50 years.  Underwent seamanship training as a member to the Royal Navy Reserves. 1996 Sailed as Watch Officer on UK Sail Training Ship Malcolm Miller Scotland to Spitzbergen (Svaalbard). Owned ocean-going cruising boats from 1971 to 2016. Have sailed a total of around 100,000 Nm offshore as skipper. Managed the project for design and construction of my own 42 ft sailing boat 2000/01.From 2002 spent 14 years as a “live aboard” on my own boat sailing in N. Atlantic islands, Caribbean, E Coast USA, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, NW Europe and Baltic Sea. Former Commodore of the Ocean Cruising Club, member of Cruising Club of America, the UK Cruising Association, the Royal Thames YC and the Royal Institute of Navigation.

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UK DoT Yacht Master (Ocean) Certificate

Previously a businesswoman and entrepreneur in the music industry and editing world, I came late to sailing, only starting in my late 50s after I met hubby John! An RYA day skipper course in Cape Town, then a leap of faith to the Caribbean and 14 years of cruising life pretty much full time. We explored Caribbean, W and E coasts USA, Atlantic islands, Europe, and the Baltic, putting some 35 000 nm of offshore sailing under my belt – the area I have not sailed is SA!

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Was pulled into committee work for the OCC (Ocean Cruising Club), developing the worldwide network of port officers and becoming Rear Commodore for a time. I’m an active organiser and great networker, and as part of the OCC annually hosted get-togethers for circumnavigators in Richards Bay, Durban and Cape Town – hence becoming very involved with the cruisers caught in the Indian Ocean with the covid pandemic. This work grew into OSASA, the next and most important step forward. I currently handle the information from all incoming yachts, submitting to the maritime authorities and answering their queries and questions. 

I arrived in Knysna in 1986 and immediately joined NSRI where I served for 28 years, 10 years as Deputy Station Commander and 22 Years as Senior Cox’swain.

I was decorated for bravery of the highest order earning the Distinguished Service award (Gold), which was presented to me by the then State President P. W. Botha at a Sea Rescue dinner. I also received three other awards for Valour, being one Silver and two Bronze.

On my departure (age related) I was bestowed with an Honorary Life Membership award which I must say brought a lump to my throat.

​I was Club Captain and later Chairman of Knysna Marathon Club, which as you know hosts one of the biggest Marathons in the Country with 8,000 runners. I also ran a great deal and have earned two Comrades Marathon medals.

​Later I became Chairman of Knysna Squash Club, playing in tournaments for Southern Cape and later won the Club’s Masters Championship.

​I also cycle long distances, 500km to 900km self- supported over many days. I do paddle and participated in the ‘Virtual Berg’ of 240km during ‘lockdown’ with eight other Knysna paddlers.

​Other than that, I love walking, hiking and camping and have been as far afield as Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique and closer to Home, Swaziland and Lesotho all visited in my Camper Van.

My last stint was being on the Committee, Vice Commodore and three terms as Commodore at KYC.

I also Mentored nine post matric Students at TSiBA College and have seven that graduated with degrees ,Journalism, Logistics Management and five with degrees in Business Administration.

 

Robert has been a member of RCYC for 40 years and is the owner of Amberes, a traditional dutch motor sailer. 

He has been the Ocean Cruising Club Port Representative for CT for the past ten years and, more recently, an OSASA volunteer. He has forged a good relationship with the Port authorities over the years, enabling him to readily assist the foreign cruising boats with clearance challenges.

He has a personal interest in meeting the cruising community and enjoys listening to their experiences. They are appreciative of his personal assistance with information pertaining to the local marine service providers, tourist attractions and various other needs, whilst he enjoys meeting people of interest. 

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As Rear Commodore of Point Yacht Club (PYC) and a key figure in the Durban maritime community, Vince brings invaluable experience and leadership. His appointment strengthens OSASA’s presence in KwaZulu-Natal and enhances our ability to serve the sailing community in Durban and beyond.

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A dedicated sailor, cruiser, and racer, Vince is also a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. With four terms as Rear Commodore at PYC, he has gained extensive organizational expertise, which has naturally extended to his work at Durban Marina. Over the past three years, he has refined and improved marina conditions, ensuring Durban remains an attractive stop for international cruisers. His firsthand experience in long-distance cruising gives him a unique understanding of what visiting sailors require upon arrival, and he works closely with yacht clubs and government authorities to streamline the clearing-in process.

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Vince believes that the sailing community serves as ambassadors for South Africa, setting the tone for visitors’ experiences. As he puts it:

“We act as ambassadors for our country, and our country has so much to offer foreign visitors. What we do at the start of their journey will set the tone for the remainder of their experience in South Africa.”

Based in Knysna and connected to the Knysna Yacht Club, Belinda joins us as our new part-time Administrative Assistant under Jenny's direction. She brings fresh energy and expertise to our communications and administrative functions.

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A dedicated wife and mother of two, Belinda believes that "Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance." She is a natural problem-solver who thrives on improving processes and making a meaningful impact. 

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Belinda aims to focus on revitalizing communication channels through newsletters, website updates, and social media. She is passionate about creating engaging content that fosters meaningful connections that will positively impact our sailing community.